6 Defensive Linemen With Breakout Potential in 2024

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this series we'll be highlighting 6 players at each position that I think could jump to the forefront in 2024. This can range from players I expect a huge jump from, or players that are already ready-made stars, and aren't getting the attention they deserve yet. We'll talk abut 2 players in the '25, '26, and '27 class in each article and highlight why I feel so strongly about each player. In this installment, we'll be highlighting some of the big nasties up front ready to take charge along the defensive line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["571062"],"_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":"Obviously I have talked about Mason before, and he is actually getting a good number of D1 looks, but for some reason I don't hear many people mention him when we talk about the elite defensive linemen in our state. I think being at a small school, Mason has been a bit overlooked, but let me tell you about him for anyone who hasn't seen him yet. He is a  strong and powerful player who has a nice rip move to get into the backfield, along with a variety of other moves he tosses in regularly. I love him lining up on the edge and pass rushing as I think his quick first step, low center of gravity and powerful legs make him one of the best pass rushers you'll find on the market. This senior could have some absolutely historic numbers this fall and I look forward to following him and his Lawton team.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1312088' first='Warren' last='Cain'] ","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_weight":"225","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Davison ","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Another D1 bound stud is [player_tooltip player_id='1312088' first='Warren' last='Cain']. He's an absolute terror up front, and has turned his body into a strong frame, while also possessing elite athletic traits. When I saw him and learned he didn't have many offers, I was stunned! Since then, he has received some more attention, but this fall I would not be shocked to see him gain traction from anyone and everyone! He moves well, has a good bag of moves, and is extremely physical. He has a nose for the quarterback, and does a great job of staying home on run plays, and does a fantastic job at shedding his block to make the plays that come to him.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["566984"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"I think this could be a big boom year for Dominic. While he is a tad raw, he has the sheer frame and physicality to blow up if he has a great 2024 season. He has played a significant role on both sides of the ball already for DCC, but I can definitely see a ton of potential along the defensive line. Coming off the edge, he has a twitchy get off, great driving hands to knock the blocker back, and the clear football IQ that allows him to stay in position to make plays. As he continues to work in the weight room, I think he will be ready to burst onto the scene.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["568185"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Davis is an absolute grinder. This is another one of those guys that can beat you off the ball and be a disruptive force. He's got some great size, and is athletic enough to beat his blocker with speed or power. His film shows he is always up to pursue the ball, and doesn't stop until he makes the play. I'd like to see him get off the ball and be powerful a little more consistently, but this kid is off to a really solid start, and I look forward to seeing his development in the weight room this offseason, and what that could lead to this fall.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1052386"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"This is a kid I have talked about before, but I am seeing some big jumps in his game that I am super excited about. He has a quick step, long arms to keep blockers at bay, and a move or two in the bag to wiggle free to make a play. I think the jump to varsity will require him continuing his work in the weight room, and I would like to see him continue to develop his overall football IQ, and this could be a really nice piece for a stingy Gaylord defense. Time will tell what his ceiling is, but I am definitely high on his potential heading into the season!","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1157262"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"I haven't seen a ton of actual game film of Connor, but from a source I trust I have been told that this kid may be stepping into some big shoes quickly, and he has what it takes to do it. What I know of him is he is athletic, physical, and has a great frame ready to compete as he is already 230. He could really boom if he has what I have been told he has! Keep an eye out for Connor this fall to possibly blow up this season.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6600da31b3afa"} /-->