2024 Show Stoppers: Defensive Linemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These defensive linemen can be an immovable objects against the run and dynamic pass rushers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='681362' first='Caysen' last='Dana'] || DL || 6'2 || 285 || Ridegline High School || 2024</strong><br>Dana decimated opposing offensive lines with his ability to create pressure from the interior. He does a great job firing off the ball low and shocks centers and guards with his vicious first punch. Dana possesses impressive strength and does a good job taking on double teams to free up his teammates to make plays. He can plug up the middle of the field and does a good job moving laterally to take down ball carriers. Dana has an impressive bull rush he uses to drive interior offensive linemen back into the quarterback's lap like he's pushing a sled. He's a versatile defender who can play the nose or line up as a 3-Tech. Ridgeline will once again be a force to be reckoned with in 2023, and Dana will be a key reason why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='681741' first='Berith' last='Isaako Sopoaga'] || DL || 6'1 || 275 || Copper Hills High School || 2024</strong><br>Sopoaga is a skilled pass rusher. He can line up anywhere up front and win with his impressive combination of speed and short-area quickness. Sopoaga is one of the state's top hand fighters and does a great job defeating offensive lineman's initial punch. His quick hands and feet allow him to take advantage of oversetting offensive linemen by shooting through gaps. Sopoaga possesses elite contact balance, allowing him to collide with guards and stay up. He is an exceptional athlete with an elite bend. In addition, to his potent pass-rushing skills, Sopoaga is also a strong run defender. He quickly locates the ball and disengages from offensive linemen to make plays or can stand them up to force running backs to take their carries to the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='681742' first='Siosefa' last='Diaz'] || DL || 6'2 || 200 || Provo High School || 2024</strong><br>Diaz is a strong presence for the Bulldogs off the edge. His physicality helps him set the edge against offensives tackles and turn runs back inside. Diaz does a great job defending read option plays where he patiently waits for quarterbacks to make a decision. If signal callers decide to give the ball, Diaz can quickly collapse the line and make a tackle, or if the quarterback keeps it, he can beat them to the outside and is a strong tackler in space. He does a good job taking on pullers and quickly recognizes when one is coming if left unblocked. Diaz does a good job standing up offensive linemen and can disengage from them when ball carriers approach him. Diaz's speed off the edge helps him create pressure and makes him tough to contain for four quarters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->