Five Defensive Lineman that Create Havoc in the Trenches

The old adage says that football games are won and lost in the trenches. That is certainly true and these defensive lineman are guys that can create havoc and help change the outcome of a game. Whether it be from speed, brute force, or a combination of both, these athletes are certainly guys that offensive coordinators are going to despise going up against.   [player_tooltip player_id='323933' first='Brady' last='Wolf'], Fishers, 6'2", 220 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='323933' first='Brady' last='Wolf'] is a true athlete on the edge. It's not uncommon to see him continually being the first man in the backfield. What is most notable about Wolf's game is how he can use both his size and his speed to maneuver around blockers. Wolf completed the 2022 campaign at Fishers High School with 47 total tackles, with 21.5 going for a loss. He also recorded 14 sacks on the year. Five of those in week four against Franklin Central. Wolf's athleticism is put on display not only when he is lined up on the edge, but also on special teams. On the punt coverage team, he has displayed the ability to track down the ball carrier and make a play in the open field. Wolf has been training with Daniel Muir and Robert Mathis this offseason and it will be interesting to see how his development has progressed going into next season. He checks many of the boxes when it comes to edge rushers and quarterbacks will need to keep their head on a swivel if they want to find success against Wolf.   Twitter: @BradyWolf6   [player_tooltip player_id='322397' first='Terrelle' last='Elmore'], Merrillville, 6'3", 220 lbs.   If you're looking for a speedy EDGE rusher that has a high motor and can wreck havoc on opposing offenses, look no further than [player_tooltip player_id='322397' first='Terrelle' last='Elmore']. In his junior season at Merrillville High School, Elmore recorded 56 total tackles, 5 sacks, and forced 3 turnovers (two forced fumbles and one interception). When you turn on his film, you notice right away how he can win with speed. More times than not, he is simply quicker than the tackle that is blocking him and he can use that speed to find the quarterback or ball carrier. He has also showed, at times, good flexibility where he can bend his hips and dip his shoulders below the offensive tackle, while also maintaining control of his body. I really like his ability to finish, and that's where his speed is on display the most. Elmore has the quickness to chase down ball carriers from behind and bring them to the ground. He also does a good job of keeping his eyes in the backfield, identifying run plays, and thwarting them. If Elmore can develop a deeper arsenal of moves and better hand movement, he has the potential to be a true game wrecker. It's scary to think about what he could turn into as he continues to develop.   Twitter: @terrelleelmore   [player_tooltip player_id='602891' first='Devaughn' last='Perkins'], Cathedral, 6'3", 290 lbs.   Don't expect very many clear running lanes when facing Cathedral High School. With [player_tooltip player_id='602891' first='Devaughn' last='Perkins'] in the trenches, opposing ball carriers will have their work cut out for them. He is the definition of a defensive tackle. He's not as much of a speed and finesse guy as he is a brute force guy. Once engaged with Perkins, it is difficult to move him off his platform and ball carriers will find themselves caught up in his arms with no place to go. [player_tooltip player_id='602891' first='Devaughn' last='Perkins'] is strong. Like I said before, he doesn't get bullied by opposing lineman very often and he has the ability to close any sort of running lane for ball carriers. Once within reach and within his grasp, Perkins uses his strength to throw ball carriers to the ground. I really like his ability to plug holes and stop any sort of rushing attack and with development, he could find himself as being one of the premier defensive lineman in the state.   Twitter: @devaughnp9   [player_tooltip player_id='377343' first='Israel' last='Oladipupo'], Noblesville, 6'3", 215 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='377343' first='Israel' last='Oladipupo'] is a 2025 guy that I'll have a close eye on the next few years. He has the size and athleticism to become a dominant force on any defensive line and he is already showing glimpses of that at Noblesville High School. He shows an advanced skillset in the use of his hands and he has the the flexibility to move in different positions to drive past blockers. Right now, Oladipupo has what it takes to stir up interest from all around the country. For the Millers, he has also been used on special teams, where he has proven that he can make plays in the open field and has the athleticism to chase down speedy ball carriers. Knowing Oladipupo is only an upcoming junior and has two more years to develop his craft, it's easy to see how much potential he has. If it all comes together, he could be a top of the line EDGE rusher in the state, at least.   Twitter: @IsraelOlad   [player_tooltip player_id='662336' first='Carmine' last='Orozco'], Mishawaka, 6'4", 270 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='662336' first='Carmine' last='Orozco'] is another class of 2025 guy that I am giddy about and could see having a steep ascent to the top of rankings lists in the near future. If I was an opposing quarterback, it would be quite frightening seeing someone like Orozco barrel down on me the way he does with other guys. For someone of his size, he does show quality flexibility and the ability to bend, while also using his strength to push his blocker back. I like the way he plays the game in that once he pushes the gas pedal down, there is no braking. His poise and drive is unmatched and if you combine that with his build, we're looking at someone that can create havoc on every single play. It's no wonder he is beginning to have D1 offers start to trickle in. Orozco is most definitely someone to watch closely this season and next. He is a special talent with astronomically high potential.   Twitter: @Orozco_Carmine

The old adage says that football games are won and lost in the trenches. That is certainly true and these defensive lineman are guys that can create havoc and help change the outcome of a game. Whether it be from speed, brute force, or a combination of both, these athletes are certainly guys that offensive coordinators are going to despise going up against.