2025 Defensive Lineman Evals: Western Suburbs

<!-- 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: Western Suburbs</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='278245' first='Gabe' last='Kaminski'] (Nazareth – 6'3” 220 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Want eye popping stats for a defensive lineman?&nbsp; Try as a junior Kaminski had 140 tackles, 21 sacks, and 49 tackles for loss!&nbsp;&nbsp; First thing that jumps off the tape about this defender is he can play all over the field.&nbsp; We saw him making plays at defensive tackle, defensive end, on the edge, and middle linebacker.&nbsp; Scheme versatile prospect that brings alot to the table.&nbsp; Strong kid that converts speed to power with ease consistently.&nbsp; Has the bend to get around the edge to the QB which he is absolutely relentless in rushing. Punch on the initial get off is awesome and is overall physical with his hands while using them like a technician.&nbsp; The closing speed to the QB and in run game was very impressive as well on tape.&nbsp; Pick dropping back in coverage. Speed to power. Physical with hands, punch is awesome, and is a fierce tackler. Plays w leverage and a nasty streak!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='163858' first='Joseph' last='Reiff'] (York – 6'5” 230 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reiff is a big and strong defensive end that swarms to the football.&nbsp; Very good use of his hands and has closing speed especially to the QB.&nbsp; Very physical being able to go inside/outside getting up field. Change of direction and has a powerful punch at the point of attack.&nbsp; Takes good angles in pursuit while wrapping up well against the run.&nbsp; Like the bend around the edge. Relentless pursuit!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331562' first='Stefan' last='Popov'] (Waubonsie Valley – 6'3” 270 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Really liked what this defensive tackle put on tape.&nbsp; Extremely stout against the run that holds up well at the point of attack and is good at shedding the block.&nbsp; Has awareness to get off the block and find the back with ease.&nbsp; Some pass rush potential as well, but the tape was really strong against the run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832144' first='Declan' last='Walsh'] (Benet – 6'3” 230 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walsh is a strong and physical defensive end that can really bend the edge and has closing speed after the quarterback. Converts speed to power.&nbsp; Hits hard!&nbsp; Gets down the line in the run game.&nbsp; Like the potential here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331519' first='Blaise' last='Chin'] (Oswego East – 6'2” 215 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Strong framed defensive end who is best against the run. Quick off the ball getting off the block and getting to the ball carrier.&nbsp; Tracks the ball well with his eyes. One impressive pass play he tipped a pass and then tracked down the guy who caught it for a tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1129798' first='Saif' last='Kokoszka'] (Glenbard South – 6'3” 225 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kokoszka is a stand up edge rusher that pursues the ball well.&nbsp; Sheds blocks and holds up on the edge in the run game.&nbsp; Love how he consistently beat the tackle to the spot blowing past him for tackles for loss in the backfield.&nbsp; Relentless pursuit from this edge rusher covering ground fast and has explosive closing speed.&nbsp; Impacts on the special teams side as well as a blocker in the punt game demolishing his man on several occasions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1180017' first='Douglas' last='Mateo'] (Montini – 6'3” 330 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mateo is a massive nose guard that blows up plays on the interior.&nbsp; First way he does it is pushing the center right back into the backfield with his bull rush.&nbsp; Excels against the run getting off blocks when the ball carrier is coming down the middle of the line.&nbsp; Takes on double teams and gets off them to make plays.&nbsp; Can also hold the block while grabbing the back with one of his hands bringing them down. Quickness in short areas and is a playmaker vs the run.&nbsp; Probably best as a 3-4 noseguard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292806' first='Ryan' last='Senne Jr'] (Rochelle – 5'10” 195 lbs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a junior the Rochelle defensive lineman had 25 tackles including five for loss. Despite being undersized he makes plays because of his quickness of the line.&nbsp; Takes very good angles and is a physical tackler that wraps up.&nbsp; Also put a block punt on tape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->