Rising Stars: 2025 Defensive Linemen
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This list is composed of players with many different skillsets. Similar to our last list, we have players from different positions along the defensive line. The quick edge rushers, the run stopping defensive tackles, 2025’s class can deliver on multiple…
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Continue ReadingThis list is composed of players with many different skillsets. Similar to our last list, we have players from different positions along the defensive line. The quick edge rushers, the run stopping defensive tackles, 2025’s class can deliver on multiple fronts. Here are 5 players that are climbing the ranks, and you will become more familiar with over the next couple seasons.
Another Bergen Catholic product has made the Rising Stars series. This 2025 class is not only stacked offensively, but we are now making our way into the dominant players they have on the defensive side of the ball. Delaney Fludd Delaney Fludd 6’3″ | 290 lbs | DL Bergen Catholic | 2025 State NJ is the defensive tackle you want to lead a program. Already standing at 6’3″ and 285lbs, Dulaney spent 2022 throwing offensive upper classmen around. He outcompetes some of the best offensive talent in the state. He accomplishes this all by shedding blockers easily, and pursuing down the line relentlessly. Good luck trying to run between the tackles, because you won’t be very successful as long as Dulaney is in the way.
His highlights really showed his run stopping abilities, but we didn’t get a chance to see how he does in pass rush. 2023 will give us a glimpse of what Dulaney is fully capable of.
A player that can lineup on the edge and as a defensive tackle, Camden Catholic’s Joel Amegatcher Joel Amegatcher 5’10” | 240 lbs | DL Camden Catholic | 2025 State NJ was a nightmare for offensive coordinators in 2022. Joel is the best of both worlds; powerful and quick. He’s in the backfield as soon as the ball moves an itch and the offensive linemen are still in their pre-snap stance. When he does work against a lineman, his athleticism really shines with spin moves and hard punches.
The quarterbacks had a hard getting away from Joel in 2022. You could say the same for the backs and receivers. Joel is one of the few defensive linemen in the state that could run down every skill position. Joel will only gain more and more attention as he continues to perfect his craft.
Highlights
Hailing from Cedar Creek we have another elite member of the 2025 class in Mandel Pettiford Mandel Pettiford 6’1″ | 265 lbs | DL Cedar Creek | 2025 State NJ . Mandel is another quick interior defensive lineman. He’s able to move his body around to put him in the right position to either knock down a pass attempt or clog up the hole. In the pass rush, he is great at slapping offensive linemen’s hands away from him, and if he needs to he can drive them straight back into their quarterback. Even when he deals with linemen taller and heavier, it’s no problem for Mandel. You won’t have an easy time breaking a tackle from Mandel, and it shows in his 42 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2022.
Highlights
Trey Schneider Trey Schneider 6’0″ | 275 lbs | DL Mountain Lakes | 2025 State NJ is the final addition to our list, another great defensive lineman from Mountain Lakes. The big bodied sophomore played a huge role in his team’s success in 2022. He has quick hands and is able to shed the offensive lineman away from him. He’s another defensive lineman that you will see pursue the runner downfield. Teams are going to have a tough time running against Mountain Lakes in 2023 and beyond. Trey and his teammate Cosmo Fusco Cosmo Fusco 6’4″ | 245 lbs | DL Mountain Lakes | 2024 NJ are going to be the force no team wants to go against. Trey is only going to get better with time, so be ready to hear his name these next two falls.