Elite Position Groups: ’25 DL

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We continue our look through the most talented and deepest position groups across WI's recruiting landscape. Installment #1 was a look at the 2025 QBs. Today, we dive into the defensive trenches and look at the 2025 defensive line prospects. This includes IDL, DE, and a special edge rusher prospect. This group is special. From surefire FBS prospects, to high potential breakout players that are sure to earn D1 offers once camps start this summer. This group has several athletes who we will watch on TV on Saturdays. Get to know the best of the best, right here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1209224' first='Torin' last='Pettaway']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"265","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Middleton","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The hottest recruit over the past month is Middleton's DL [player_tooltip player_id='1209224' first='Torin' last='Pettaway']. The FBS level has been extending several offers to the 6'5u0022 265 lbs dominant DL, and the tape shows why. Torin has a rare skill set. He possesses excellent lower body explosiveness to burst off the line and instantly transition that burst into power to bull rush. He has very strong hands and upper body to create separation as soon as he engages OTs. The big man is also very nimble and agile on his feet. When rushing the edge he can make the 90 degree cut to turn to the QB on his rush. He is able to cut laterally and make OTs miss with their initial punch. Torin also has the athleticism in space to be able to pursue from behind or make one on one tackles against offensive players attacking the edge. On top of it all, Pettaway also has impressive awareness to diagnose plays and find the ball. No question, Torin will debut in the rankings as the DL1. He is the top talent in the state at the position.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c892d83"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18931902/6547ecdf19b0390d942d1aa6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c892e3d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["384572"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another DL with elite size is Oak Creek's [player_tooltip player_id='384572' first='Kevin' last='Wojciechowski']. The junior has filled out his 6'6u0022 frame with 280 lbs. Up from 250 lbs last offseason. The power that Kevin possesses jumps off the tape. His powerful hands throw OTs out of his path. Kevin is also able to hold the line, stand his OL up then shed them to make the tackle at the line. We even see him hold the line against double teams. Kevin also shows a very high motor,  chasing down plays way downfield. The potential for even more dominance is there too. Kevin does a good job of using his hands, but the use of hand fighting moves have lots of room to develop. When he gets that down, good luck keeping OL in front of him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c892ea3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17571279/653fbdfdda5c260cc4010ef2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c892ec2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1051941"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the most disruptive players in this article is Musekgo's [player_tooltip player_id='1051941' first='Liam' last='Shaw']. The 6'4u0022 230 lbs DE has excellent length and a frame with tons of potential to pack on more strength. Liam finished 2023 with 9 sacks and 13 TFLs, proving that he is able to consistently beat blocks and get penetration. The first step burst, hand use, lateral agility, and raw power have made Shaw a nightmare to keep an OL in front of. He can bull rush his man into the lap of the QB. His hands are able to swat away OL hands, and from there he can quickly slip past the hips of his opponent. Liam can also win with pure speed rushing around the loop. Liam has the tools, the traits, and the motor to be a quality DE at the next level. Make sure this kid is on your boards.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c892f17"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16229438/654cfd2c9a911b0b04665d25' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c892f35"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["286169"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"We stay at Muskego HS for another dominant 2025 DL. This one is the 6'3u0022 240 lbs [player_tooltip player_id='286169' first='Nicholas' last='McCullough']. The development Nicholas showed in 2023 has me excited for the year ahead for him. He has long been a technician. Winning with proper leverage, hand fighting technique, and the use of counter moves. In 2023, we saw a jump in the physical traits. We see him be able to keep separation with a strong single arm. He proves that he can drive his man off the ball to collapse the pocket with power. The junior also shows the quick feet to pair with that power to be able to fight over the top of blocks. The high motor is also still there. We are starting to see an exciting blend of technique, power, and football IQ coming together in the Muskego standout.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c892f88"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16268118/654ac740b53ecb099c81d9ec' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c892fa4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["867214"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A player who is just starting to come into his own is Notre Dame Academy's Asa Poister. The junior checks in at an elite 6'6u0022 220 lbs, and his frame is poised to fill out and add the type of strength to make him an unfair mismatch. On tape, the long prospect shows the body control needed to be an impact at the next level. He can change pad level, bend, dip, and change direction or move laterally  naturally. Asa also has the range to make the chase down play from behind. He also consistently gets his hands involved to create separation, but we need to see more pass rush moves after the separation. That stuff should be coachable. What he brings to the table is a lot of uncoachable traits that coaches at the next level look for. Don't sleep on the big man.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c892ff6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18373941/6553abf2a6773006c8dd2317' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c893013"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Max Ruedebusch","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"225","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lake Mills","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"An OLB that deserves to be in this group is the 6'5u0022 225 lbs junior out of Lake Mills. Similar to his former teammate [player_tooltip player_id='268943' first='Matthew' last='Stenbroten'], Max has exceptional athleticism that allows him to make a huge impact as a receiver for his HS team to go along with his dominant OLB play. Defense is where his future lies though. Max has a great base of talent to continue to develop. He has the strength to set the edge against the run. He uses leverage and his hands very well to hold his ground. In passing situations we see the exciting parts of Max's game. The powerful first step burst, quick hands, the ability to dip his shoulder or change pad levels. Max also has the range and lateral agility to be able to play out in space off the edge to bring down running backs. Max has a well rounded game. Get him on your radars now. Check out the film below.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c8930ad"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16307390/653edde12aa7cb0da0d22639' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c8930cd"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["685893"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"We wrap up with a DT who has started making noise this past season. The 6'1u0022 280 lbs DT finished with a dominant 14 sacks and 17 TFLs. Those numbers alone have my attention, but then you turn on the tape and the excitement takes another jump. Khadin was a menace on the interior in '23. He flashes quick, strong hands and agile feet to quickly get to the heels of IOL. Williamson also has a nice initial burst off the line to get quick penetration through gaps. Williamson also uses leverage consistently with his natural power to create an effective bull rush. Khadin is on the rise. Check out the IDL's tape.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c89311c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17929112/6537e9a8066ba2016c7ebee8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cac6c893139"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Athletes of Note</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='383790' first='Quone' last='Burks'], DT- Middleton</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='696545' first='Sawyer' last='Hanlon'], DE- Kimberly</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='383787' first='Brock' last='Osbahr'], DL- De Pere</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='384577' first='Jacob' last='Bonjour'], DE- Monona Grove</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='384575' first='Ben' last='Hefter'], DE- Franklin</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->