2023 Kickoff Series: DL Preview

A look at five of the best returning defensive linemen in the state before the 2023 season.   As we move onto the next piece in the Kickoff Series, we transition to the first position group on the defensive side of the ball - the defensive line. With the defensive line being such a multifaceted and deep position group, this list only covering five players doesn't even begin to remotely cover the best at the position. But with that being said, these are the five that I feel could have the strongest seasons in the trenches during 2023.   [player_tooltip player_id='251219' first='Jackson' last='Cowgill'], Erie Tigers (DL)(Sr.)(54) - Starting off this list, we have arguably the best defensive player on last year's 4A state title runner-up squad in Washington State commit [player_tooltip player_id='251219' first='Jackson' last='Cowgill']. Cowgill made his presence felt by every team the Tigers faced in 2022 but finished the season at his best, while registering 35 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, a forced fumble, and a blocked field goal during his junior year. When you turn on the film of Cowgill's 2022 season, you can see the first thing that jumps out about him on tape is his incredible get-off/first-step out of his stance that allows him to quickly get the opposing blocker on their heels and out of position. Shows excellent power at the point-of-contact on bull rushes, routinely showing the ability to collapse the pocket with power. Long arms allow him to easily make contact with his hands on the opposing blocker well before they have the ability to neutralize his bull rush. Deceptive athleticism and lateral agility despite his larger size (6'5, 265 lbs) allows him to add a speed rush to his pass rushing repertoire. Shows outstanding ability as a run defender, consistently closing running lanes when lined up on the interior and showing the ability to set the edge when lined up at a 5-tech on the outside shoulder of the opposing tackle. Versatile defender in the trenches that shows the ability to play multiple positions on the line at a high-level. Cowgill is currently ranked the number 4 DL and the number 13 player overall in the class of 2024, which is a more than deserved ranking. Cowgill will look to close out his career as a Tiger with a 4A state title in 2023 before heading to Pullman.   Haziah Rapp, Sand Creek Scorpions (DL)(Sr.)(8) - Coming in with our next entry is a player that was one of the most productive pass rushers from the defensive line position in 2022 despite only playing in six games, with Haziah Rapp. In his brief junior season, Rapp accounted for an impressive 30 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Again, the fact he put up those numbers in a little over half a season is just insane. Diving into the tape of Rapp's junior year, you can see he's an exceptionally long, powerful defender that can win against most opposing blockers with strength alone despite his more slender frame for the position (6'3, 180 lbs). A combination of his length, power, technique, and quick hand placement allow him to consistently overwhelm most offensive tackles that are tasked with blocking him on the edge. Shows a good first-step out of his stance that forces slower offensive tackles onto their heels. Extremely high motor player that doesn't quit on a play, routinely pursuing the ball carrier well down field. Shows good discipline when working contain backside by not over-pursuing the ball carrier and giving up the edge. Verstaile DL that can play any position in the trenches but is at his best on the edge as a stand-up rusher. Rapp isn't currently ranked on any recruiting boards, with the fact that the Scorpions finished the season 2-8 on top of Rapp only playing six games probably explaining why. Regardless, Rapp is an extremely talented player that is absolutely deserving of a higher recruiting profile given his incredible production with a small sample size.   [player_tooltip player_id='1295655' first='Jace' last='Filleman'], Regis Jesuit Raiders (DL)(Jr.)(86) - With our first junior entry on our list is a player that was a consistent contributor on the defensive side of the ball for a very talented Regis Jesuit team in [player_tooltip player_id='1295655' first='Jace' last='Filleman']. As a sophomore, Filleman quickly established himself as one of the anchors on the Raiders defense in 2022, as he registered a remarkable 52 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, and a forced fumble. When you turn on the film of Filleman's 2022 season, the first thing that stands out is how much force he brings to the point-of-attack despite having a slightly slender frame for his position (6'2, 190 lbs), consistently driving the opposing blocker back after the initial contact. Savvy, technically sound defender in the trenches that can play multiple positions along the defensive line at an incredibly high level, whether playing 3-tech on the inside or as a stand-up defender on the edge. A combination of a strong, flexible lower body and exceptional explosiveness out of his first step allows him to drive opposing blockers into the pocket on bull rushes. Great lower body strength and flexibility also allows him to maintain good bend when attacking the outside shoulder of the opposing offensive tackle. Deceptively fast defender for his position, consistently being able to convert speed-to-power when attacking opposing blockers. Filleman isn't currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2025, but if he continues to develop into a premier defender on a very good Regis Jesuit team, he will certainly generate some more buzz on the recruiting trail.   [player_tooltip player_id='251255' first='Elijah' last='Goss'], Denver East Angels (DL)(Sr.)(66) - Our first entry from an interior defensive linemen, comes [player_tooltip player_id='251255' first='Elijah' last='Goss'] who might be the best interior defender in the state in 2023. As a junior in 2022 Goss put up incredible numbers for an interior defender, accounting for 51 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and even an interception. Just ridiculous numbers for someone at his position. When you watch film of Goss's junior year, you can see he displays a ton of power at the point-of-contact with an opposing blocker thanks to a combination of a compact but powerful frame (6'0, 265 lbs) and insane athleticism/explosiveness for his position. Highly physical and aggressive defender that can routinely win with power when using a bull rush that collapses the interior of the pocket. An insanely high motor player that consistently plays through the whistle and will continue to pursue the ball carrier well beyond the line-of-scrimmage. Displays an incredible ability to win with speed rushes against slower opposing blockers because of his rare athleticism for the position. Generates a great amount of force/pop when making contact with the opposing ball carrier, routinely stifling the ball carrier immediately at the point-of-contact. Very intelligent interior defender that shows the ability/strong understanding of how to eat up running lanes and funnel ball carriers to the 2nd and 3rd level defenders so they can clean up the play. Goss is currently ranked the number 10 DL and the number 74 player overall in the class of 2024, with that ranking feeling low considering the potential he displays on tape. With that being said, Goss can expect that ranking to rise with a strong senior season in 2023.   [player_tooltip player_id='504785' first='DJ' last='Crowe'], Denver East Angels (DL)(Jr.)(3) – To close out our list is the player I'm the most excited to write about given his immense potential in junior defender [player_tooltip player_id='504785' first='DJ' last='Crowe']. Despite only being a sophomore in 2022, Crowe was easily one of the most dominant edge defenders in the state, accounting for an unreal 93 tackles, 26 tackles for a loss, 14.5 sacks, 7 pass deflections, and 6 forced fumbles. When you dive into the tape of Crowe's all-world sophomore season for the Denver East defense, the first thing that jumps out to you is how much bigger he is that most other players on the field (6'3, 225 lbs), often towering over most of the opposing offensive linemen. Extremely high motor defender that never gives up on a play, routinely still pursuing the ball carrier downfield well beyond the line of scrimmage. Prototypical stand-up 3-4 edge defender that can rush the passer with a combination of speed, power, and flexibility. Strong, flexible lower body allows him to maintain a low pad level and drive blockers into the pocket on bull rushes. Displays outstanding bend when turning the corner on a speed rush on the opposing left tackle, almost being parallel with the ground. Extremely physical, aggressive, and strong defender that consistently brings a ton of force to the point-of-attack when making contact with an opposing blocker or an opposing ball carrier. Exceptionally fast and explosive for his position, routinely overwhelming the opposing blocker with his first-step explosiveness alone, quickly getting into the backfield and disrupting the pocket. Crowe is currently ranked the number 4 DL and the number 19 player overall for the class of 2025 which, insanely, feels way too low given his production, tape, and frame that without-a-doubt indicates a future dominant player at the collegiate level.

A look at five of the best returning defensive linemen in the state before the 2023 season.