In the trenches - Part II

Returning to the line of scrimmage from a team perspective, I featured some of <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/in-the-trenches-part-i/">the top returning offensive lines</a> in the state last week. This week, I transition to the other side of the ball and focus on the groups responsible not for protecting quarterbacks and running backs but the groups that are there strictly to cause chaos for any and all athletes lined up in the backfield – the defensive line. Here are some defensive lines that return a lot of talent in 2024.   Eden Prairie   [player_tooltip player_id='284019' first='Gavin' last='Walden'], [player_tooltip player_id='592120' first='Ethan' last='Sather'], [player_tooltip player_id='641226' first='Camren' last='Riggins']   The Eagles' running game gets a lot of mention when talking about EP's sustained success, but in my opinion, in the last few seasons, it has been their defense that has defined the program. Their defensive line has been the foundation of that recent success. They will be in great shape on the line of scrimmage again in 2024. Starting in the middle, Walden has about as good hips as anyone in the state. He always stays low, allowing his lower half to do the work – exploding into offensive lineman off the snap. He gets off blocks well, reads, and plays well. Sather played both ways two years ago, but last season spent most of his time at offensive guard. If he plays defense this season, his explosiveness of the line of scrimmage and – like Walden – his low hips will make him a valuable member of the defensive front. Riggins relies more on speed and athleticism than power. He is quick off the ball and beats blockers to the punch because of that speed. He utilizes solid pass-rush moves and straight-line speed to make plays from the backside and in the passing game. Although speed is his biggest asset, if a lineman isn't careful, Riggins can deliver an initial punch off the snap that will rock linemen backward.   Elk River   [player_tooltip player_id='591739' first='Brockton' last='Graber'], [player_tooltip player_id='924236' first='Simon' last='Bicek'], [player_tooltip player_id='1118428' first='Charlie' last='Olson'], [player_tooltip player_id='938335' first='Nick' last='Montik']   The Elks have a great start with the physical Graber at the defensive end. Graber delivers a great initial punch off the snap and does a great job attacking while not being overly aggressive to get out of position. Olson is your guy if you are looking for the right body type for a defensive end. He is long and athletic. He is versatile enough not only to play defensive end but also to drop back to linebacker. His length does not take away from how physical he is, not only at defensive end but as a two-way player at tight end. Montik split time on varsity and JV last season, but he plays like his hair is on fire. He is an intriguing guy to watch as he gets more snaps this fall.   Esko   [player_tooltip player_id='924238' first='Heath' last='Sunnarborg'], [player_tooltip player_id='945909' first='Nolan' last='Pfister'], [player_tooltip player_id='551314' first='Brock' last='Montminy']   Pfister is a physical defensive end who plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage. He is a great-looking athlete who uses his length and hands well to get off blocks and get into the backfield. I couldn't find video of Sunnarborg, but he has already received interest from North Dakota. Montminy is a mountain of a man in the middle. He is the proto-typical over-the-center interior lineman. Double teams rarely move him off the line of scrimmage, and he has the strength to beat those double teams and make plays at the line of scrimmage.   Farmington   [player_tooltip player_id='551346' first='Ethan' last='Giesler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1186811' first='Max' last='Speratos'], [player_tooltip player_id='923838' first='Hank' last='Vonbank']   Giesler can play on the inside and the outside. He is able to use his quickness advantage on the inside and his good lateral movement in both spots. He uses his hands well to keep defenders off his body. Speratos is explosive off the edge. His first step often gives him an angle on the offensive tackles, and his solid closing speed allows him to get around the corner and get involved in the play, even when he has to run things down from behind. When his quickness doesn't get it done, he is strong enough in his top half to hold up at the point of attack. Vonbank is set up to have a more significant role next season as an athletic addition to the Tigers' defensive front.   Mankato West   [player_tooltip player_id='924235' first='Laren' last='Kelly'], [player_tooltip player_id='743241' first='Austin' last='Nommensen'], [player_tooltip player_id='945933' first='Denim' last='Blackstad']   Kelly uses his hands well to get off blocks and keep separation from offensive linemen. Primarily a defensive end, he plays under control and rarely gets out of position. On the other end, Nommensen is explosive off the line of scrimmage and has a great combination of speed and power. His low base allows him to take on blocks in the running game, and his hands and quickness to get the edge on a pass rush. Nommensen also has power in his lower half to be an effective power pass rusher. Blackstad is the most athletic of the trio. He has a great frame for a defensive lineman – his length helps him separate from blockers. Despite his height, he keeps his hips low – giving him good leverage against bigger offensive tackles.   Mountain Iron-Buhl   [player_tooltip player_id='945893' first='Chris' last='King'], [player_tooltip player_id='1003346' first='Noah' last='Berrini']   Playing at the nine-man level, having two of your three starting linemen back – especially one coming off a state championship squad puts you squarely on this list. King is a physical, powerful athlete at defensive end. He often overpowers smaller offensive linemen both in the running and passing games. He uses his hands effectively and can play as a standup defensive end or outside linebacker. On the other side of the line, Berrini plays similarly. His ability to take on double teams and get off blocks in the running game makes the Rangers' defense one of the toughest at this level.   Totino-Grace   [player_tooltip player_id='945340' first='Calvin' last='Mcintosh'], [player_tooltip player_id='945903' first='Francis' last='Bassie'], [player_tooltip player_id='945348' first='Theo' last='Thomas']   McIntosh doubles as a pass-rushing outside linebacker. He has a solid initial punch to the blocker's chest. He keeps his hips low – giving him great leverage against offensive linemen. His quick feet make him tough to block whenever he gets some space at defensive end. Bassie can play both inside and outside. He is tough to move at the point of attack and has good lateral movement. He uses his hands well to get off blockers at the point of attack. Thomas plays both inside and outside. He is not your prototypical interior lineman. He is too athletic for most interior linemen, with quick feet and solid lateral movement. His low hips allow him to anchor down against the run and set the edge on the outside.

Returning to the line of scrimmage from a team perspective, I featured some of the top returning offensive lines in the state last week. This week, I transition to the other side of the ball and focus on the groups responsible not for protecting quarterbacks and running backs but the groups that are there strictly to cause chaos for any and all athletes lined up in the backfield – the defensive line. Here are some defensive lines that return a lot of talent in 2024.