2025 Defensive Lineman Evals: Northern Suburbs Pt 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive lineman and edge rusher class in the state of Illinois is the strength of the 2025 class.&nbsp; We examine each area of the state breaking down some of the best prospects along the defensive line.&nbsp; Here is <strong>2025 Defensive Lineman Evals: Northern Suburbs Pt 1</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='830236' first='Jaylen' last='Williams'] (Palatine – 6'7” 265 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wow was the tape of this massive defensive lineman impressive.&nbsp; First thing I wrote down was HUGE!&nbsp; At probably 6'7" he is just towering over everyone else on the field.&nbsp; Very mobile for his size.&nbsp; Plays up and down the line, but was most effective rushing from the outside in either a three point stance or standing up. Plays a bit high at times, but that comes with just being how tall he is. Change of direction was excellent. Closes in on the QB with force and blows up both passing and rushing plays with his powerful bull rush. Very good against the run using his length to corral the ball carrier.&nbsp; Good motor and one thing that really stood out was how well he batted down passes.&nbsp; When he knew he wasn't getting to the QB he had the awareness to get his hands up and bat passes down.&nbsp; At his size he is essentially a power forward swatting shots!&nbsp; Big time upside!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833295' first='Gavin' last='Tinch'] (Prairie Ridge – 6'4” 290 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'4" 290 pound defensive tackle projects as a three technique that can slide out to play some as a 3-4 defensive end as well.&nbsp; Big frame that consistently fights through the double.&nbsp; Combination of pure strength on the bull rush and an evolving up and over move.&nbsp; Quick off the ball vs the run making plays in the backfield for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1060088' first='Jack' last='Burzynski'] (Barrington – 6'4” 220 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burzynski impressed me as he is such a powerful and athletic defensive end.&nbsp; Runs extremely well and hits with power.&nbsp; Bull rush off the edge was unstoppable as he pushed the tackle into the QB over and over again.&nbsp; Burst off the line and chases the back down with his closing speed.&nbsp; Good instincts and sheds off blocks in both the pass and run with his hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='503737' first='Tyler' last='Fortis'] (Maine South – 6'3” 265 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big and strong defensive tackle that has long arms.&nbsp; Does a nice job at taking on blocks then shedding to get the tackle as the back is coming through.&nbsp; Hits really hard and plays with a high-motor.&nbsp; Stout against the run.&nbsp; Might be best as a noseguard at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292756' first='Marcellus' last='Nwalozie'] (Carmel – 6'4” 240 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nwalozie is a 6'4" defensive end with good size and strength.&nbsp; Not necessarily the most twitchy end, but he is very good against the run.&nbsp; Identifies the ball carrier early and pursues the ball by getting off blocks and crashing down the line consistently.&nbsp; Gets in the backfield for TFL.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='730619' first='Luke' last='Nelson'] (Stevenson – 6'1” 200 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson was very impressive on tape with his high-motor and relentless pursuit against both the pass and run.&nbsp; Hits with a ton of force and runs well in space.&nbsp; Identifies in the screen game making plays at the line and even chased down a back down the field.&nbsp; Seems most comfortable standing up on the edge and could possibly be a 3-4 OLB at the next level.&nbsp; Very good pass rusher that displays bend on the edge to get sacks.&nbsp; When the QB steps up in the pocket he is adept at changing direction to get the sack.&nbsp; Burst off the line especially against the pass.&nbsp; Solid against the run shedding blocks even when double teammed to make the tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Parker Ray (Prospect – 6'4” 210 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ray has impressive tape and stats as during his junior year he recorded 13 sacks, 83 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 24 quarterback pressures. Liked how Ray would fight through multiple blocks and got through traffic to make plays in the backfield.&nbsp; Relentless pursuit of the ball.&nbsp; Makes big plays including a 75 yard scoop and score.&nbsp; Quick and explosive off the ball and does a nice job of converting speed to power.&nbsp; Change of direction and hits very hard.&nbsp; Quick and explosive off the snap and can play with his hand in the ground or as a stand up edge player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->