Class of 2028 D-Line Bullies From The Bluegrass State
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In this article you can take a look into five rising defensive lineman that demand attention or the offense will not get a play off. It starts upfront and these young men are a good representation of what it looks…
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Continue ReadingIn this article you can take a look into five rising defensive lineman that demand attention or the offense will not get a play off. It starts upfront and these young men are a good representation of what it looks like to apply pressure.
Kolin is a stout 5’11 defensive tackle with a plethora of moves. He can be a handful versus guards that are not disciplined in their pass sets or don’t get off the ball quickly. His 235 pounds feels more like 25o because of the power he generates from his lower half. It’s impressive seeing Kolin pull out swim moves, accompanied by chops, rips and a mean spin move if he feels you over committing to a certain side. Web Dubois Academy got a real one and he is known to stack up some pancakes on the offensive side of the ball as well.
Highlights
Isaac Begley
Isaac
Begley
6’0″ | 210 lbs | DL
Hazard | 2028
KY
if off to a 3-0 start this season for Hazard as of this write up and he’s a big part of their success. It’s a thrill to see big men compete in multiple sports and Isaac gets busy in the big three year round (football, baseball, basketball). His measurements are 6’0 and close to 200 pounds of proportioned mass. On defense his position of choice would fall at D-End for obvious reasons. He’s long, fast, and relentless. Isaac fights off blocks and locates the ball quickly. A lot of his tackles comes in the backfield from blowing up the outside of OL shoulders and once he gets your turned, its downhill from there. Fun Fact: this kid plays some center on offense which reflects his leadership, smarts, and versatility. Not many defensive ends play interior OL, let alone center.
Highlights
Looking for a coachable lineman that gives second effort? Mr. Branson is your man! He has the height to look into the backfield and if you watch him closely, it’s full of plays where he understands the importance of extending arms on contact. His skill set allows him to play both on the edge and in the interior line as well. Dylan also knows how to put them long arms to use when fighting off blockers, then at the last second utilizes his wingspan to engulf the ball carrier trying to sneak in his gap. In the near future I would not be surprised if he settled more inside as he stacks on the pounds for high school.
Highlights
Bode Darland
Bode
Darland
5’11” | 180 lbs | DL
Woodford County | 2028
KY
is what you call a tweener. This can be explained as a player whose physical build and talent fits two specific positions in which they can play. That being said, Bode can stand up and play DE or edge rusher. He also fits the outside linebacker mode which I believe he will evolve into in high school. Either way, Lexington Christian Academy has their hands on a 5’11 football player who will make noise wherever he ends up. This 2x Kentucky Future Star is slippery and yet physical. Every offense better ID him as a threat and plan accordingly. Plays with great pad level and urgency to the ball. I look forward to him making his make this year.
Highlights
6’3 280 lb
Caleb Mitchell
Caleb
Mitchell
6’3″ | 280 lbs | DL
Harlan County | 2028
KY
is locked in at Harlan County and is considered a terror up front. His presence can be intimidating but it gets real, real fast when his paws make contact to move you out of the way of his target. He participated in the Future Stars for Kentucky and impressed by holding his own versus some of the top talent in the area. He’s obviously not done growing and it won’t take a crystal ball to assume he will work his way into a dominant role as a 1 tech or nose guard responsible for shutting down the A gaps.