Toughest in the Trenches: 2024 DL
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With ever changing offenses, we tend to see a variety of defensive fronts rotated in throughout college games. Defensive tackles cannot be boxed in as a nose guard anymore due to the need for speed on the field. A “front…
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Continue ReadingWith ever changing offenses, we tend to see a variety of defensive fronts rotated in throughout college games. Defensive tackles cannot be boxed in as a nose guard anymore due to the need for speed on the field. A “front seven” can contain two safeties and three defensive ends in today’s game so it is important that defensive tackle prospects have the ability to line up anywhere from B gap to B gap. Below, I highlight five prospects who have the ability to man the middle of a defensive line at the next level.
Kaiden Johns Kaiden Johns 6’3″ | 300 lbs | OL Troy | 2024 State MO is a three-sport athlete for Troy-Buchanon High School. Kaiden plans to attend Central Missouri’s junior day this week and he has been invited to a camp at William Jewell this summer. He also visited Kansas last fall. Look for the talented lineman’s recruitment to pick up as his track season winds down.
Kaiden’s quickness shows crossing the face of down blocks and beating running backs to the point of attack. Kaiden’s next level anchor consistently shows not giving up ground as a nose guard in Troy-Buchanon’s front. Power shows pushing the pocket from the inside with a bull rush.
Highlights
James Pollard
James Pollard
James Pollard is a two-way starter for Montgomery County High School. James has a good motor and movement skills so I am surprised to see his lack of visits and literature coming in via social media. Keep an eye out for the versatile one technique’s recruitment to pick up this spring.
James’ power shows on offense as a pulling guard flattening edge defenders in his path. Instincts show quickly reacting to pullers aligned in front of him at three technique. Quickness shows in James’ ability to pressure the quarterback with lateral speed rushes and not just bull rushes from the inside.
Trenton Cowden
Trenton Cowden
Trenton Cowden has been invited to junior days at Benedictine, Monmouth College, and Morningside University. Look for the two-way starter’s recruitment to pick up steam as more eyes get focused on the Hannibal football program heading into summer.
Trenton’s raw power shows disposing of centers with ease as a nose guard. Good balance and athleticism get highlighted in Trenton’s ability to shed cut blocks and change direction before tackling ball carriers in the backfield. Good instincts and athleticism gets displayed in Trenton’s ability to get play side and disrupt the running back’s path immediately post snap.
DaJuan Barrett
DaJuan Barrett
DaJuan Barrett recently visited Washburn’s junior day. He intends to attend Central Missouri’s junior day this week. I would expect the experienced interior lineman’s regional attention to pickup as the year progresses.
DaJuan’s range shows collapsing the run box and completing a tackle for loss when he is left unblocked for the quarterback in zone read. DaJuan’s size & strength for the college game shows in his anchor versus the run. Good power and length show in DaJuan’s punch that knocks back blockers immediately post snap.
Michael Phillips Michael Phillips 5’10” | 265 lbs | DL De Smet | 2024 State MO holds offers from Northern Iowa, Indiana State, and Marshall. With an FBS offer and a 31 ACT score, don’t be surprised when Mike is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the midwest. Watch for Mike to gain attention as coaches get through spring ball and focus on 2024 recruiting.
Mike’s lateral quickness and bull rush ability highlight his valuable inside pass rush versatility at the next level. A good combination of range, length, and strength shows shedding blockers with full extension and accelerating to make tackles for loss near the point of attack. Mike’s next level burst and closing speed shows in QB spy responsibilities that lead to sacks near the sidelines.