2024 Rankings Risers: Defensive Linemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we close in our latest rankings update, we wanted to dive into some of the top defensive tackles in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406957' first='Dallin' last='Johnson'] || DL || 6'4 || 275 || Springville High School || 2024 </strong><br>Johnson is cable of completely stifling offenses ground games single-handedly. His quickness of the snap is remarkable and helps him gain the early advantage on offensive linemen. Johnson is a force to be reckoned with as a run defender and pass rusher. He can toss offensive linemen out of the way play after play to create negative plays for offenses. Johnson is a skilled hand fighter who collapses the pocket from the interior. He can beat offensive linemen and double teams, making him a tremendous game wrecker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406974' first='Ian' last='Mariner'] || DL || 6'1 || 270 || Skyridge High School || 2024 </strong><br>Mariner is one of the state's most underrated players. He constantly takes on double teams to free up his teammates to make tackles. Mariner fires off the snap low, allowing him to gain and maintain leverage. He can plug up gaps and moves well laterally when engaged with offensive linemen. In addition to his potent abilities as a run stuffer, Mariner is also a stout pass rusher. He has one of the class's best bull rushes and a bevy of moves to throw at interior offensive linemen that helps him create pressure up the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='681367' first='Roman' last='Caywood'] || DL || 6'4 || 215 || Corner Canyon high School || 2024 </strong><br>Caywood will be committing later this week, and no matter where he ends up, that program is getting a difference-maker on the edge. His long arms help him bat down passes at the line of scrimmage and drive offensive linemen back into the quarterback's lap. Cayowod possesses tremendous bend, and his quick first steps help him consistently beat offensive tackles around the edge. He's also a potent tight end with an impressive catch radius. Now that he's transferred to Corner Canyon, the rest of the state is about to see what a difference-maker he is.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532685' first='Papa' last='Matelau'] || DL || 6'0 || 245 || East High School || 2024 </strong><br>Matelau can win lining up inside and out. His athleticism and versatility are just part of what makes him one of the toughest defensive linemen to keep out of the backfield. Matealu explodes off the snap and can quickly get by offensive linemen with both his short-area quickness and violent hands. He has a tremendous Motor and wreaks havoc on quarterbacks all game long. He also excels at setting the edge and can quickly toss the offensive lineman side before making a tackle for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->