2025: Disruptive Defensive Lineman

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These seven players can wreck a game plan and dominate opposing offensive lines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705534' first='Meke' last='Faasootauloa'] || DL || 6'2 || 230 || Copper Hills High School || 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Faasootauloa possesses great playing strength. He doesn't get moved off his spots even when offensive linemen block down and try to blindside him Faasootauloa gives little to no ground. The 6'2 Grizzlies defensive tackle can hold his own against double teams and, when left, one-on-one, can shed blockers to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He's excellent in short-yardage situations or on goal-line stands where he can create pile-ups in the middle of the field to prevent offenses from moving the chains. In addition, Faasootauloa will continue to make plays on the interior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698550' first='Veni' last='Tokelau'] || DL || 6'0 || 255 || Skyridge High School || 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Veni was an essential piece to Timpviews' outstanding 2022 season. He clogged up the middle of the field with his elite ability to control gaps and flow to the ball while standing up offensive lineman. Veni is quick off the snap and fires off low to help him gain and maintain leverage. He can control gaps and frees up linebackers to make plays on the ball. In addition, he can shed blockers and engulf running backs if they try to squeeze past him. Veni transferred to Skyridge, where he will once again be a part of one of the state's top defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705536' first='Nusi' last='Taumoepeau'] || DL || 6'2 || 205 || Westlake High School || 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taumoepeau is one of the class's fastest edge defenders. His speed off the snap helps him make tough tackles look routine. Taumoepeau quickly reacts to play fakes and has the speed to chase down quarterbacks or ball carriers from behind. He's an exceptional athlete who displays phenomenal bend. Taumoepeau is a skilled hand fighter who does a good job defeating offensive lineman's initial punch. He does a great job setting the edge and can get outside offensive tackles to take down running backs. Taumoepeau is a tenacious pass rusher and run stuffer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698555' first='Max' last='Powell'] || DL || 6'1 || 250 || Kearns High School || 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Powell was a powerful force on the interior of the Cougars defensive line. He provides excellent interior pressure where he can go right through interior offensive linemen with a physical bull rush. Powell is quick off the snap and disorients offensive linemen with his physicality. He does a good job getting his hands inside offensive linemen to drive them back and stand them up against the run. Powell moves well laterally and gives 100% every time he touches the turf. In addition, he does a great job flying to the ball and will make tackles upfield few other defensive linemen can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705539' first='Jeremiah' last='Onwo'] || DL || 6'0 || 280 || Juan Diego High School || 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Onwo does a good job keeping his pads low, allowing him to win his one-on-one matchups all four quarters. His low pad level helps him gain and maintain leverage. Onwo is quick to react to plays and does a good job throwing his hands up to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage. Onwo does a good job getting after quarterbacks with his quick first step and powerful pass-rush moves. He is relentless when pursuing quarterbacks and forces them to make tough throws. Onwo is a true game wrecker up front who creates chaos against every offensive line he encounters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705852' first='Okusitino' last='Sa'] || DL || 6'3 || 190 || Woods Cross High School || 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sa can shine at defensive end with his impressive arm length making life difficult for opposing offensive tackles. He has one of the class's best long-arm moves and uses his long reach to drag quarterbacks down for sacks. Sa does an excellent job setting the edge and does a good job taking on blockers to free up his teammates to make plays. When left unlocked, he does a good job recognizing a puller is coming and gets low to create pile-ups in the backfield. In addition, Sa has elite athletic traits that could help him become one of the top pass rushers in the class of 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adric Liljerstrand || DL || 6'0 || 250 || Juan Diego High School || 2025&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every team needs players willing to do the dirty work up front and receive little to no credit. Liljestrand was that guy for Juan Diego in 2022. He constantly took on double teams to free up his linebackers to make plays. Liljestrand did a great job controlling gaps and holding his own against double teams. In addition, he provided outstanding effort that led to him making a few tackles for loss. Liljestrand will only continue to get stronger, which is a scary thought for offenses who have the misfortune of facing him in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->