Rising Prospects: Class of 2025 Defensive Ends in Illinois

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2025 Defensive Line group in Illinois is as impressive as it has ever been. Not only do the following players rank in the Top 10 in the state, but they are some of the best players in the country. Heading into their junior campaigns, keep an eye out for these Defensive Ends who are rising up recruiting boards across the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["830235"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Iose is the younger brother of former Iowa standout and Bills Defensive Lineman AJ Epenesa. The Edwardsville standout has created his own legacy, as Epenesa is the top player in the state of Illinois and a top 25 player in the country. Epenesa has a massive frame, standing at 6'4 and weighing 255 lbs. He moves incredible well with his long frame and showcases a quick get off, elite bend, and a high motor that allows him to be disruptive in both the run and pass game. It's no surprise Epenesa is the #1 player in the state and will be a game wrecker for Edwardsville in his junior season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["330445"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The 6'5, 270 lbs Fenwick product is flying up recruiting boards. Marshall is a powerful player who uses his strong lower body and powerful punch to defeat tackles on the edge. Additionally, Marshall has polished technique and can beat opposing blockers with a variety of moves, including a hug rush, swim move, or bull rush. And once Marshall gets to the quarterback, he usually finishes with a big hit. Heading into his junior year, Marshall is one of the top D-Linemen in the country.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["830236"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Williams is a 6'6, 260 lbs defensive linemen from Palatine. He had a monster sophomore season, as Williams was a dominant force in the run game and showcased pass rush skills that will only get better as he gets older. Williams has all the tools. He redirects well in the backfield, has quick hands, and a long wingspan that allows him to be successful on the edge. Additionally, Williams impressed playing some interior D-Line spots as well. As Williams kicks off his junior season, look for him to add more Power 5 offers to his growing list of potential schools.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["376454"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Burgess is a 6'4, 230 lbs defensive linemen from Simeon. Burgess impressed in his sophomore season, as he has the frame, speed, and power to become an elite pass rusher. Burgess uses his long arms and powerful lower half to drive offensive linemen backwards off the ball. He gets good extension that allows him to have clear vision into the backfield. Burgess also showcases the ability to use counter rush moves to continually pursue the quarterback. As he becomes more polished with his technique heading into his junior season, look for Burgess to make some noise.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["278245"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"The La Grange product impressed for Nazareth Academy in his sophomore season. Kaminski stands at 6'3 and weighs 225 pounds. He already holds several Power 5 offers, and when you turn on the tape, it's easy to see why. Kaminski is extremely quick off the ball and exhibits an impressive bend that allows him to chase down the opposing quarterback. He has polished technique and uses a variety of pass rush moves that allows him to win one-on-one matchups. As he adds weight heading into this season, Kaminski's stock is soaring for his junior campaign.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a84c2380a92"} /-->