2025: Physical Defensive Linemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These defensive linemen deliver big plays for their teams all game long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705534' first='Meke' last='Faasootauloa'] || DL || 230 || 6'2 || Cooper Hills High School || 2025</strong><br>Faasootauloa is a stout run stuffer. He fires off the snap low and levels offensive linemen before making plays in the backfield. Faasootauloa can always be counted on in short-yardage and goal-line situations to hold his ground and give his team a chance to create a turnover on downs. He can take on double teams and plug up gaps to force running backs to bounce runs to the outside. Faasootauloa has quick hands that help him beat offensive linemen in both the run and pass game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698550' first='Veni' last='Tokelau'] || DL || 6'0 || 255 || Skybridge High School || 2025</strong><br>Tokelau terrorized offensive lines across the state in 2022. As one of the unsung heroes of the Thunderbird's titanic defense, Tokelau constantly took on multiple offensive linemen at once so his teammates could make plays. He possesses excellent playing strength and is one of the class's toughest players to move. Tokelau can make plays as a nose tackle or playing as a 3-tech. Watch for him to continue to shut down offenses ground games in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705536' first='Nusi' last='Taumoepeau'] || DL || 6'2 || 215 || Westlake High School || 2025 </strong><br>Taumoepeau is a talented edge defender for the Thunder. He racked up 12 tackles for loss in 2022, and when you turn on the tape, it's easy to see how. Taumoepeau is quick off the snap with not just his first step but also play recognition. He does a good job locating the ball and can rapidly close on quarterbacks on bootlegs. Taumoepeau is a fluid athlete who possesses great bend. He never quits on a play and makes countless chase-down tackles because of it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698555' first='Max' last='Powell'] || DL || 6'1 || 260 || Kearns High School || 2025</strong><br>Powell gets after the quarterbacks at a rate few defensive linemen in the class of 2024 can match. He explodes off the snap and uses his hands and short quickness to leave interior offensive linemen in the dust. Powell can go through or around centers and guards with his impressive athleticism making containing him for an entire game a daunting task. Powell does a good job standing up offensive linemen and can move well laterally to take down running backs for minimal gains.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705849' first='Aidric' last='Liljestrand'] || DL || 6'0 || 250 || Juan Diego High School || 2025 </strong><br>Elite linemen on one side of the ball are hard to come by, let alone ones who can play both ways. Liljestrand is that rare player, and Juan Deigo is lucky to have him on their team. He works tirelessly in the offseason in the weight room and on the field to improve. Liljestrand possesses powerful legs he uses to give little ground to double teams. He never seems to get tired and consistently gives his all every rep. Liljestrand will no doubt be making major plays in 2023 under the lights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705539' first='Jeremiah' last='Onwo'] || DL || 6'0 || 280 || Juan Diego High School || 2025 </strong><br>Onwo, just like his teammate, is an elite presence up front for Juan Diego on both offense and defense. He plays the game the way every coach hopes his linemen would. Onwo brings the tenacity rep after rep helping him to dominate the competition. He fires off the snap low and maintains leverage during the duration of each rep. Onwo plays both ways, but you wouldn't be able to tell based on the physicality he plays with snap after snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705852' first='Okusitino' last='Sa'] || DL || 6'3 || 190 || Woods Cross High School || 2025 </strong><br>Sa is an athletic pass rusher who packs a powerful punch off the snap. His quick first step allows him to beat offensive linemen out of their stances. Sa does an excellent job of taking advantage of oversetting offensive linemen and can quickly crash inside to shoot through inside gaps. His long arms help him bat down passes at the line of scrimmage and drive offensive tackles into the quarterback's lap. Sa possesses elite bend and can consistently get the edge on offensive tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->