KY Breakout Players to Watch in 2024: Defensive Linemen

As we head into the end of June, the start of the 2024 high school football season is coming closer and closer. With that being said, I wanted to take some time to focus on some players at each position that I am expecting a breakout year from this season. These players include those stepping into bigger roles as well as those I'm simply expecting to see a rise in production from. After already covering the offensive side players, I will now turn my attention to the defensive side of the ball, starting with some defensive linemen in the state of Kentucky that I expect to take the next step this season!    [player_tooltip player_id='1311428' first='Erik' last='Ekens'] is a defensive lineman who stood out to me when evaluating junior year film. He has impressive versatility, showing the ability to line up at both defensive end and tackle. Ekens is very reliable against the run, showing the ability to read the play quickly and run down the line when the play is away from him to make get to the ball carrier. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is a very reliable tackler in the open field. Ekens is also impressive as a pass rusher, showing the strength to bull rush straight through opposing offensive linemen on his way to the quarterback. Erik currently holds offers from Eastern Illinois and Bucknell, and I expect more to come his way as he is a Division I caliber defensive line prospect.     [player_tooltip player_id='1311431' first='Andrew' last='O'nan'] is another player who stood out to me when breaking down junior year film. O'nan lines up at defensive end where he is very impressive against the run. He explodes out of his stance and uses his speed to blow by opposing offensive linemen to get to the ball carrier and make the tackle before they can get going. Andrew has also shown the ability to pose as a threat off the edge as a pass rusher. He finished this past season with 4.5 sacks in 12 games. O'nan doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to keep an eye on heading into his senior year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1284466' first='JJ' last='Goodman'] is a player who grabbed my attention at our Prep Redzone Combine Series camp in Louisville this summer. He lines up at defensive end where he is very impressive as a pass rusher. Goodman has the speed to simply run by opposing offensive tackles off the edge and also has the strength to drive straight through them on his way to the quarterback. He also has shown an impressive set of pass rush moves to defeat blocks. Goodman doesn't currently hold any offers but he has received a little college interest and should definitely be a player to watch going into his junior year.     The final defensive lineman in the state of Kentucky that I expect to have a breakout season this year is [player_tooltip player_id='1264307' first='JW' last='Muster']. JW can line up at both defensive end and tackle where he has shown the ability to rush the passer. He plays with a high motor and has shown the ability to use his speed and pass rush moves to get by opposing offensive linemen on his way to the quarterback. Muster is also reliable against the run, showing the ability to fight through blocks and get to the ball carrier to make the tackle. JW doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to keep an eye on as he continues to develop over the next two seasons.

As we head into the end of June, the start of the 2024 high school football season is coming closer and closer. With that being said, I wanted to take some time to focus on some players at each position that I am expecting a breakout year from this season. These players include those stepping into bigger roles as well as those I'm simply expecting to see a rise in production from. After already covering the offensive side players, I will now turn my attention to the defensive side of the ball, starting with some defensive linemen in the state of Kentucky that I expect to take the next step this season!