2024 Rankings Update: Under The Radar Defensive Linemen

I love defensive linemen. I would argue that D-linemen are the toughest most unselfish players on a football team, and they usually have great personalities.   As the oldest scout on the Prep Redzone Kansas staff the defensive lineman I watched growing up are different from my peers. Names like Chris Doleman, John Randle, Randy White, Richard Dent, Jim Jeffcoat, Ed Jones, Bruce Smith, and Randy White were the defensive stars of my childhood.   As we continue to look at the recently updated Class of 2024 rankings in Kansas, here is a look at defensive linemen ranked between 104-200 who just might be flying “Under the Radar,” and could one day be college and NFL stars.   [player_tooltip player_id='676187' first='Jalen' last='Wilson'], 6'1”, 240, Bishop Miege (No. 104)   Wilson is a star in the making. He is a defensive tackle who eats offensive linemen for lunch and can stop the run and rush the passer.   [player_tooltip player_id='334732' first='Arasto' last='Sadeghi'], 5'10”, 195, Bishop Miege (No. 119)   Sadeghi is an edge-rushing defensive end. He is a solid tackler and can create space between him and the blocker across from him.   [player_tooltip player_id='544725' first='Andrew' last='Yarnell'], 6'4”, 215, Olathe North (No. 124)   Yarnell has ab impressive highlight reel. He plays defensive end and gobbles up ball carriers. Yarnell can also play outside linebacker, but I think his future is aas a down lineman.   [player_tooltip player_id='582516' first='Jason' last='Strickland'], 6'4”, 245, Blue Valley Southwest (No. 139)   Strickland has a knack for creating turnovers. His size is impressive and he moves well for a big man. He is able to get leverage against opposing blockers or can just blow by them.   [player_tooltip player_id='262220' first='Mark' last='Debiak'], 6'3”, 245 Spring Hill (No. 140)   Debiak is really dangerous on a slant stunt. He is really strong and can bull over offensive linemen to get to the ball carrier.   [player_tooltip player_id='262208' first='Cortez' last='Velasco'], 6'2”, 265, Shawnee Mission West (No. 166)   Velasco tosses ball carriers like rag dolls when he gets a hold of them. He can play inside or on the edge. He can split double teams with his freakish speed. Velasco is athletic enough that he was utilized on short-yardage situations on offense and has a returner on special teams.   [player_tooltip player_id='146116' first='Mason' last='Hopper'], 5'11”, 195, Derby (No. 167)   Wrestlers make solid defensive linemen or defensive linemen make good wrestlers as the old adage goes. Hopper does both, wrestles, and plays defensive end. He is tough, fast, and hits people, but I want to know if he can talk like Dwayne Johnson. The Miami Hurricane defensive lineman turned pro wrestler, turned movie star. Hopper is just one of many Derby Panthers with a high ceiling.   [player_tooltip player_id='334733' first='Brent' last='Gillis'], 6'0”, 270, Blue Valley Southwest (No. 168)   Gillis is an old-fashioned run-stopping nose guard. He plays low to the ground and uses his balance and size to eat up space. He is also recruitable on the offensive side as run-blocking guard.   [player_tooltip player_id='335834' first='Manaolealii' last='Faagutu'], 5'10”, 240 (No. 172)   Mana Faagutu loves to hit people. He slides down the line well and finishes tackles. He primarily lines up at the defensive tackle spot. If he was a few inches taller and a couple of seconds faster he would be a threat on the outside as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='544698' first='Hayden' last='Puryear'], 6'1”, 220, Junction City (No. 174)   Puryear is a quick defensive end who specializes in pass-rushing. He wraps up tackles and gets in the backfield consistently. He plays for a solid Junction City program coached by Randall Zimmerman. A program that churns out college-level players.   [player_tooltip player_id='334742' first='Kem' last='Allen'], 6'2”, 290, Lawrence (No. 184)   Allen plays tackle for Lawrence on the offensive side of the ball, but his speed plays better on the defensive side. He swallows up quarterbacks in his grasp and just dwarfs many of the players he tackles. He could be a poster boy for the Chesty Lions.   [player_tooltip player_id='544747' first='Abe' last='Hilbert'], 6'6”, 235, Nemaha Central (No. 185)   Hilbert is one of those athletes who could get overlooked because he plays at a smaller school and because he is a stud on the basketball court as well. He has the whole package size, speed, and strength. He should get looks from college scouts in both sports.   [player_tooltip player_id='532707' first='Lorenzo' last='Johnson'], 6'2”, 200, Schlagle (No. 200)   Johnson is a versatile athlete who can play multiple positions. He could line up at defensive end, linebacker, tight end, and wide receiver. He has long arms and a long stride.

I love defensive linemen. I would argue that D-linemen are the toughest most unselfish players on a football team, and they usually have great personalities.