Iowa 8-Player League Senior DL Watchlist for 2025

We resume our search of the top senior players in Iowa for this upcoming class by moving to the other side of the trenches. Where we previously looked at the offensive line a few weeks ago, we move to the defensive side where we took a peek at several game-wreckers who thrived on the trenches and look to make a strong case for their future that even in the 8-man level, they have the potential to translate well in the collegiate level. We take a look today at 6 senior defensive-linemen in the 8-man league to watch out for in 2025!    A vital piece to Don Bosco's defense last season, Kaiser Bovy was one of the most productive edge-rushers in the state. His 13.5 sacks ranked 5th among all defenders in the state in 2024 and his 29.5 TFLs were tied for second most. Bovy added 2 fumble recoveries and a fumble return touchdown last season. Bovy is a bit lean, but he has a strong upper frame with broad shoulders, and his combination of speed, bend, and strength allowed him to generate leverage through several larger blockers while using his hands well to get off the blocks and get into the backfield, which helped generate much of Bovy's production last season. Bovy will be a big defender that needs to be on the watchlist across Iowa in 2025.     Selected to our all-state team at the end of last season, [player_tooltip player_id='1421453' first='Kinnick' last='Weis'] has been quite an elusive force on the Wildcats' defense. Weis finished last season with 48 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, 9 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Weis plays more like a typical OLB than as a DE lined up in a stance, but he shows plenty of speed and disruptive ability as he was consistently able to get into the backfield and force a big loss on the opposing offense. Weis shows decent bend, burst, and quick twitch to get around the Tackles. Though Weis could certainly build a bit of weight to add to his physique, he could very well be a very complementary edge-rusher at the next level.     Having seen playing time since his freshman season, [player_tooltip player_id='1238618' first='Landen' last='Cooling'] has solidified himself as a strong force against the run for BGM's defense. His numbers fared similar toward his sophomore season, recording 42 tackles, 19.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks. Cooling had a stunning knack for finding and scooping the ball off the ground during the play. He led the entire state with 7 fumble recoveries last season, with 1 returned for a touchdown. Cooling shows great balance and footing to match the RB's moves to stay in front of him to make the stop, while also having plenty of drive in his legs to push the runner backward. For as much talent as BGM's offense has, Cooling has all of the potential as a game-changer who can create a turnover that could turn the tide toward his team's favor, which could help BGM make a deep push in the postseason in 2025.     [player_tooltip player_id='1358176' first='Adam' last='Stafford'] might be the most prototypical defensive-linemen on this list, playing in a three-point stance, and his size and frame has made him quite a dangerous presence in the 8-man league. Stafford recorded 32.5 tackles, 16 TFLs, and 4 sacks during his junior season. A cog in the interior, Stafford was almost a complete physical mismatch against his opponents just by watching his film, and he was constantly driving blockers backwards without any resistance last season. Stafford showed solid movement and hand placement to break away from his blockers, and his length allowed him to grab the ball-carriers trying to get around him and take them down easily. Stafford's size certainly warrants notice, and there is plenty to like on his film that could translate well moving from playing against 3 O-linemen to 5 blockers in an 11-on-11 team setting.     [player_tooltip player_id='1358226' first='Logan' last='Lashbrook'] has the athleticism, power, and dynamic ability to succeed on the gridiron wherever positioned that has placed him as one of the most coveted prospects in Iowa for this upcoming class. On the defensive side, Lashbrook recorded 44 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, and 5 sacks. Lashbrook physically overwhelmed his opponents thanks to his strength, burst, and great usage of his hands to leverage to the outside of his blockers and generate pressure. Showing a steady amount of bend in his arms and a tough initial impact at the pad level, Lashbrook's hand work stemmed well from his efforts as a run-blocker at the TE position. Despite his status playing from the 8-man league, Lashbrook deserves his high ranking, and it will be interesting to see how that athleticism will be used at the next level for whoever signs him.     Since emerging in the starting lineup for Ar-We-Va during his freshman season, Tyson VonGlan has played a huge role in the Rockets' reemergence as a contender. VonGlan recorded 60 tackles, 17 TFLs, 4 sacks, and an interception in 2024. Playing more with the style of a 3-4 OLB, VonGlan is quick off the snap, showing relentless effort in finding and pursuing the ball to make the stop, even with the ball-carrier on the other side of the LOS. VonGlan's leadership on the defense has helped the team improve each season, culminating with the team's first playoff appearance this season since 2018. VonGlan deserves attention for his strong efforts as one of the figureheads of Ar-We-Va's defense.

We resume our search of the top senior players in Iowa for this upcoming class by moving to the other side of the trenches. Where we previously looked at the offensive line a few weeks ago, we move to the defensive side where we took a peek at several game-wreckers who thrived on the trenches and look to make a strong case for their future that even in the 8-man level, they have the potential to translate well in the collegiate level. We take a look today at 6 senior defensive-linemen in the 8-man league to watch out for in 2025!