Elite Football Combine: Top 2024 DL Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The coverage of the 2023 Elite Football Combine continues with a look at the top 2024 defensive line performers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='130183' first='Mason' last='Burke'] | Holt |</strong><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":803257,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/Elite-Football-Combine-2023-03-17-051.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-803257" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the All-Star selections at the combine, Mason came in on a mission that he has started since he moved to defensive line from running back. He really outgrew the position with him now being 6'4" 267lbs while keeping that athleticism he possessed while playing running back. His 5.0 laser forty he ran and 26" vertical stood out along with offensive linemen being unable to block him in the one on ones. Burke is explosive and has a great first step off the snap, along with very good strength, and while he is still raw with technique, he is still able to dominate. He has nice upside and will only get better as he continues to learn the position. He already holds D1 offers and I suspect more are on the way with camp season coming up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tucker McDowell | Platte County |</strong><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":803260,"width":385,"height":386,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/Elite-Football-Combine-2023-03-17-182-1.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-803260" width="385" height="386" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tucker had a really combine performance testing and in one on ones at 6'3' 230 and came in and showed why he had such a successful junior season for the Pirates. McDowell had an impressive 29" vertical jump in testing along with a 4.6 pro agility and a 9-foot broad jump. He is quick, explosive and has a good get off in one on ones. He also has good closing speed and a good motor that helps him win more battles then not. Definitely a player for colleges to keep an eye on during his senior season in 2023. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='707887' first='Kaiden' last='Johns'] | Troy Buchanan |</strong><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":803270,"width":389,"height":394,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/Elite-Football-Combine-2023-03-17-003.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-803270" width="389" height="394" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johns is an amazing story of a player who has dedicated himself to becoming the best he possibly can. He is a tireless worker who trains hard and has really transformed himself both physically and as a player. He was solid in his play last year, but he is a different guy in 2023. Kaiden run a 5.4 at 292 and ran a 4.6 pro agility and had a 24" vertical. He's strong, quick and has a nice burst. His quickness is surprising for his size and he has developed a good motor. He is all business in what he is trying to accomplish and was a load for linemen to handle. He could be one of the surprises of the coming season. He actually could be considered for either side of the ball on the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Will Maloney | St. Dominic | </strong><br>A talented DE who stood out as a junior in leading St. Dominic deep into the playoffs. Will caused opposing teams a lot of trouble with his pressure and pass rush. He showed that same talent at the combine and was one of the top defensive linemen in his class at the event. He is quick off the snap and really gets after it using a variety of moves to get to the passer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='126243' first='Mason' last='Wunderlich'] | Wentzville Liberty </strong><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":803279,"width":379,"height":397,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/Elite-Football-Combine-2023-03-17-151.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-803279" width="379" height="397" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the hidden gems of the 2024 class. Wunderlich played offensive line as a junior but has trained and shown a great deal of promise along the defensive line. In training before his junior year he was a force going against future D1 offensive linemen he trained with. He showed that again at the combine with his combination of strength, quickness, speed off the edge and tenacious motor. Mason is a fighter he gets after it on every play. Some smaller school have taken notice but if any college is looking for an intriguing defensive line prospect then he is one for them to check out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->