2024: Disruptive Defensive Lineman

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These defensive linemen are forces to be reckoned with along the front four. They can get after the quarterback and shut down rushing attack to a level few in the state can match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406957' first='Dallin' last='Johnson'] || DL || 6'4 || 275 || Springville High School || 2024 </strong><br>Johnson was a force for the Red Devils in 2022. He's a dominant presence on the defensive line who could single handedly wreck an offenses game plan. His ability to fight through double teams and create pressure through the interior is truly incredible. Johnson does a great job using his hands to defeat offensive lineman's punch and has the athleticism to shoot through gaps. In addition, he's an elite run defender who can shed blockers to make big-time stops in the backfield. He had seven sacks in 2022, and that was despite facing constant double teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406961' first='Kash' last='Dillion'] || DL || 6'5 || 220 || Corner Canyon High School || 2024 </strong><br>Dillion is an elite pass rusher who can bend as well as any player in the class of 2024. He's a fluid athlete who can get low on the outside to squeeze past offensive linemen. Dillion has a great motor and never gives up until the play is blown dead. He does a good job pursuing quarterbacks when he breaks into the backfield and is always looking to knock the ball out with his long arms. In addition, Dillion is a skilled hand fighter with a bevy of pass-rush moves he uses to get the edge against his competition. The Chargers capable rusher will continue to be a force in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406974' first='Ian' last='Mariner'] || DL || 6'0 || 260 || Skyridge High School || 2024</strong><br>The Falcons defensive tackle is a disruptive force on the interior. Mariner does a great job standing up double teams and can split them to make plays in the run game. When left one-on-one, he can easily overpower an offensive lineman and force runs to the outside. In addition, his quickness off the snap gives him the edge in individual matchups. Mariner uses his hands well and does a good job gaining and keeping leverage. In addition, he's a phenomenal athlete who plays with a great motor, especially when rushing the quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532682' first='Brady' last='Freeman'] || DL || 5'11 || 160 || South Summit High School || 2024 </strong><br>No one in the state of Utah had more sacks than Freeman in 2022. The Wildcats pass rusher totaled a whopping 25 sacks and was the only player in the state to average over two sacks a game. Freeman's arm length allows to long-arm offensive linemen right into quarterbacks. In addition, he can go through or around offensive linemen with his impressive combination of speed and strength. Freeman is lighting quick off the snap, and he never stops pursuing scrambling quarterbacks until he brings them down. In addition, to his elite pass-rushing traits, Freeman can also set the edge against the run. Freeman's power allows him to stand up offensive linemen and give little to no ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532687' first='Zion' last='Anderson'] || DL || 6'0 || 246 || East High School || 2024</strong><br>Anderson terrorized quarterbacks with 13 sacks last season. He can line up anywhere along the front seven and still get home. As a pass rusher, his quickness is hard to contain for four quarters. Anderson does a good job gaining leverage and driving offensive linemen back into the quarterback's lap. He's physical against the run game and does an excellent job disengaging from offensive linemen to make plays. Anderson's long arms help him bat passes down and poke balls out when bending around the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532685' first='Papa' last='Matelau'] || DL || 6'0 || 245 || East High School || 2024 </strong><br>Matelau is an elite pass rusher who can beat centers, tackles or guards. He's a master at his craft, rushing the quarterback. Matelau uses his hands as well as any player in the state. He does a great job batting away offensive linemen's long arms with a strong rip and club move. Matelau is an impressive athlete who possesses elite bend. He does a good job reading if an offensive lineman is oversetting and can attack inside with a quick spin move. The Leopards elite pass rusher is a sensational gap shooter who can make a big play on any given snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->