Five 2024 DL to Offer Now
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Having a powerful defensive front is what great defenses are built upon. Quick edge rushers and dominant interior tackles are integral parts of championship defenses. This article will briefly examine five senior defensive linemen who possess the talent and potential…
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Continue ReadingHaving a powerful defensive front is what great defenses are built upon. Quick edge rushers and dominant interior tackles are integral parts of championship defenses.
This article will briefly examine five senior defensive linemen who possess the talent and potential to elevate defensive units at the college level, making them players worth offering immediately.
Jordan Ochoa Jordan Ochoa 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Castle View | 2024 State CO | Castle View | 6’4”, 235lbs | EDGE
Ochoa is considered by many to be the best edge prospect in the state. He has a twitchy first step with outstanding speed, power, and body control, making him virtually impossible to block. His physicality and competitive playing style make him a devastating hitter who secures his tackles and finishes plays. His quick acceleration and speed help him run down ball carriers from behind the line of scrimmage, making him the perfect addition to a defense that faces mobile quarterbacks.
Ochoa has been a top prospect for a while, and he recently de-committed from Wyoming to reopen his recruitment. Since then, he has received interest from multiple Power 5 schools–including programs from the SEC–making him a player to offer immediately.
Chaz Barnett | Rock Canyon | 6’5”, 252lbs | DE/DT
Barnett is a must-know defensive lineman whose film is worth the watch. He can line up as a five-technique or a three-technique and create pressure in the backfield. His speed and athleticism make him a viable option as a potential edge defender who can chase down offensive skill players from behind the line while being tasked with covering the flats in certain situations.
Barnett has an explosive first step and quick hands with polished techniques, helping him get past or through blocks as soon as the ball is snapped. It is evident that he comes to the line with a plan of attack for each play, allowing him to stay a step ahead of his opponents and make game-changing plays. Barnett has offers from UC Davis, Eastern Washington, Wyoming, and CSU-Pueblo, but this underrated difference-maker has FBS sleeper written all over him.
Tucker Johnson Tucker Johnson 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Delta | 2024 State CO | Delta | 6’3”, 240lbs | DT/DE
Johnson is a big boy with a lot to offer defensive front at the next level. He is explosive out of his stance and does a phenomenal job of fighting through blockers by keeping his hands and feet moving while working toward the ball carrier. The pressure he brings from the edge causes offenses to run away from his side of the ball or force a double-team while speeding up the quarterback’s internal clock.
He is another player who has the speed and agility to play as a five-technique and the size and strength to line up as a three-technique to plug the interior. Either way, Johnson is a defensive lineman who holds real estate in offensive backfields. Johnson has offers from Western Colorado and CSU-Pueblo, making him a big-time sleeper with a Division I ceiling.
Trevor Coleman Trevor Coleman 6'2" | 235 lbs | DL Fountain-Ft. Carson | 2024 State CO | Fountain-Fort Carson | 6’2”, 240lbs | DE
Coleman is an outstanding defensive end who brings a relentless pass rush to the defensive front. He does an excellent job of driving offensive linemen back into running lanes while hand-fighting and remaining aware of where the ball is at all times, allowing him to get his hands up into passing lanes and swat the ball at the line.
He is a hard-hitting lineman with the versatility to play in the interior, where he uses his football knowledge to know when to pin his ears back and get after the ball and when not to over-pursue to plug gaps. Coleman has offers from CSU-Pueblo, Western Colorado, Fort Lewis, and Adams State, making him a player worthy of the investment.
Hunter Hamilton Hunter Hamilton 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Columbine | 2024 CO | Columbine | 6’1”, 221lbs | DE/OLB/ATH
Hamilton is arguably the under-the-radar player on this list. He is an outstanding player whose size and athleticism enable him to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball. As a defensive end, he does a fantastic job of using his physical skill set and football understanding to use different techniques to disrupt the backfield. Hamilton’s speed, strength, athleticism, and football knowledge make him a prospect who could possibly be used as an interior linebacker.
He lines up as a tight end on offense, which allows him to showcase his athleticism and strength as a blocker and pass-catcher. Hamilton has offers from Black Hills State and Fort Lewis, but he has what it takes to earn a few more.