New DL Added to the 2025 Rankings: Pt. 1

The recent update to the Arizona 2025 rankings has introduced some impressive new talent on the defensive line. In this two-part series, we'll take a closer look at these up-and-coming players. In part one, we introduce you to some of the newest defensive linemen who have earned their spots in the rankings. Each of these athletes brings their own strengths to the field, making them players to keep an eye on as they prepare for their final high school seasons.    [player_tooltip player_id='1353875' first='James' last='Marshall'] is a true run stuffer at the line for Westwood's defense. He does an excelent job of handling chips and double teams without getting taken out of the play, using his sheer strength to keep linemen at arm's length. Shedding blockers is a specialty of Marshall's and he has some nice burst to corral running backs before they can get away. He's got enough speed that offenses have to account for him on stretch plays going the oppisite way or he'll track the back down before he can hit the hole. Coming off a junior year with eight tackles for loss but less than two sacks, Marshall should see that number take a big jump this year while still being stifling against the run.      At 6'2" and 300 lbs, [player_tooltip player_id='1353929' first='Chris' last='Warner'] has some impressively quick feet that show on both sides of the ball. Doubling as both an offensive and defensive tackle, he does a great job of quickly getting depth at each spot. Defensively, Warner uses his strong base and quick first step to drive his opponent back and iften times forces them off balance, allowing for a clear lane to the backfield. Stepping into a more prominent role for Hamilton in his senior year, Warner is a player who could really turn some heads on the football field.      [player_tooltip player_id='1258658' first='George' last='Longoria Jr']. has a really high football IQ coming off the edge for Mountain Pointe's defense and it shows on his film. Whether it's crashing down on the run or backing up to get his hands on a pass, he has the ability to disrupt both parts of the game. He has a long frame and good strength that really stands out against the run as he holds up tackles to keep a good view. As our very own Hogan Miller pointed out:   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Having his best game coming in their 6A postseason appearance against Perry shows you that he can rise to the occasion in big game situations. Recording 7 total tackles, 4 solo tackles, and 2 sacks in an impressive outing, we can expect a few more games like this coming in 2024. </blockquote>      While he may not have the world's quickest feet, [player_tooltip player_id='1353857' first='Ben' last='Jones'] makes up for it and then some with the use of his hands and the relentless pressure he puts on the opposing offensive line to bring their A-game every snap. Having to match the effort he's putting into every play isn't something most offensive linemen are able to do. When he does get to greet the ball carrier, Jones makes sure that they truly feel it. His football intelegince is another thing that stood out watching his film. Consistently able to sniff out a screen or crash the line down to close a hole on the running back, he's an incredibly smart player. Finishing his junior year with a whopping 11 tackles for loss, Jones is a player coaches should be watching closely in 2024.      [player_tooltip player_id='1353938' first='Rhett' last='Yetter'] has some really long arms that he puts to good use coming off the edge for Highland's defense. At 6'3" 215 lbs, he has a nice combination of speed and strength that's tough for offensive linemen to handle. He's fast enough to go around them to get to the quarterback, yet strong enough to work down inside and get to the running back when he needs to. He finished his junior season with nine tackles for loss and five sacks in just eight games, and could see both of those numbers take a jump after another offseason of work. Rhett is a player coaches should absolutley have on their big boards ahead of the 2024 season.      [player_tooltip player_id='1353874' first='John-Alexander' last='Lopez'] is an imposing presense out there on the field for Copper Canyon's defense. At 6'5" 265 lbs, there's not much offensive linemen can do when he's bigger, faster, and stronger than most he lines up against. His long arms are like a lasso he wraps around the ballcarrier and forcibly brings them to the ground. He has a great motor and and doesn't give up in pursuit of the ball carrier. Taking over a much bigger role in his final high school season, Lopez is sure to garner plenty of attention.      [player_tooltip player_id='1353832' first='Taurean' last='Hall'] is a big-bodied defensive linemen that has no trouble closing down running lanes and completely disrupting an offense's gameplan. Although he possesses plenty of power, he does a nice job of not relying on it too much and uses some decently quick feet and long reach to catch linemen off guard. Once he does get past the line of scrimmage and has his sights set on the ball carrier, he does a nice job of securing the tackle. If he's able to get even the slightest grasp, good luck getting away. Hall is a player coaches should be watching closely as he moves through his final senior season.

The recent update to the Arizona 2025 rankings has introduced some impressive new talent on the defensive line. In this two-part series, we'll take a closer look at these up-and-coming players. In part one, we introduce you to some of the newest defensive linemen who have earned their spots in the rankings. Each of these athletes brings their own strengths to the field, making them players to keep an eye on as they prepare for their final high school seasons.