2025 New Additions: Defensive Linemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These four defensive tackles relish in the dirty work but also love any opportunity they get to take down signal callers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894688' first='Michael' last='Earnest'] || DL || 6'3 || 250 || Mountain View High School || 2025 </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earnest has been making noise on the cap circuit. He attacks each rep like it's his last. He's an explosive pass rusher who uses his hands well. Earnest can split double teams to make plays in both the run and pass games. He can go through or around interior offensive linemen. Earnest has a physical bull rush he uses to drive offensive linemen back into the quarterback's lap. He also has a strong dip and rip move he uses to make quick work off offensive linemen. Earnest will be living in the backfield in 2023. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894693' first='Filimone' last='Fangupo'] || DL || 6'1 || 275 || Skyridge High School || 2025 </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fangupo crushed defensive linemen for Kearns last year, but in 2023 he's joining the Skyridge program, where he will be wreaking havoc on offensive linemen. The Falcons front four wrecked every offensive linemen they faced in 2022, and with Fangupo joining their already strong core of returnees, they will once again be tough to handle. Fangupo possesses a devastating combination of strength and technique he uses to control the line of scrimmage. The former Cougar could play on either side of the ball and make plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='706636' first='Jonah' last='Johnson'] || DL || 6'1 || 200 || Skrydige High School || 2025 </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons defensive front will be bolstered by another potent player in Johnson. The Falcons edge rusher is a fluid athlete with an elite bend. Johnson's quick first step helps him beat offensive tackles out of their stances. He does a good job getting into offensive lineman's chest with his long arms and can defeat their initial punch with a physical rip move. Johnson is also a stout run defender who excels at setting the edge. Skyridge is once again loaded up front, and Johnson will be making some timely plays on crucial downs this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='872775' first='Will' last='Van Cott'] || DL || 6'4 || 235 || Bingham High School || 2025 </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Van Cott does a great job taking advantage of oversetting offensive linemen and can shoot through inside gaps. He plays with a great motor and is relentless in his pursuit of quarterbacks. He does not give ground to help his team make a big stop on third or fourth and short. Van Cott is a physical tackler who can bring down the biggest backs in the state. He's a physical run defender who can set the edge or disengages from offensive linemen to make tackles for loss. Van Cott will play a pivotal role in the Miners front seven this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->