2024: Disruptive Defensive Lineman
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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. Dallin Johnson Dallin Johnson 6'4" | 275…
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Continue ReadingThese 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.
Dallin Johnson
Dallin
Johnson
6'4" | 275 lbs | DL
Springville | 2024
State
UT
|| DL || 6’4 || 275 || Springville High School || 2024
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.
Kash Dillion
Kash
Dillion
6'5" | 205 lbs | LB
Corner Canyon | 2024
State
UT
|| DL || 6’5 || 220 || Corner Canyon High School || 2024
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.
Ian Mariner
Ian
Mariner
6'1" | 290 lbs | DL
Skyridge | 2024
State
UT
|| DL || 6’0 || 260 || Skyridge High School || 2024
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.
Brady Freeman
Brady
Freeman
5'11" | 160 lbs | DL
South Summit | 2024
State
UT
|| DL || 5’11 || 160 || South Summit High School || 2024
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.
Zion Anderson
Zion
Anderson
6'0" | 245 lbs | DL
East | 2024
UT
|| DL || 6’0 || 246 || East High School || 2024
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.
Papa Matelau
Papa
Matelau
6'0" | 245 lbs | DL
East | 2024
State
UT
|| DL || 6’0 || 245 || East High School || 2024
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.