Class 4A Senior DL Watchlist for 2025

We continue our coverage of the top upcoming senior defensive-line prospects in Iowa by moving up to Class 4A, where we take a look today at several underrated prospects that have been thriving in this conference, including several undersized lineman who have made up their lack of size with effective play, maintaining a big presence in the box and in the pocket against opposing offenses. We take a look today at 6 senior DL prospects from Class 4A Iowa you should watch out for in 2025!    While Oskaloosa struggled to a 2-7 record last season, one player who's clearly stood at as the biggest asset on their defense is [player_tooltip player_id='1466769' first='Parker' last='Jordan']. Jordan finished with 43 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 7 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in 2024. A fast DE that can beat the Tackles both through the inside and outside shoulder, Jordan also plays with a quick twitch that helps him change direction quickly and maintain tight pursuit on the ball-carrier trying to get around him, showcasing Jordan's ability to contain the edge. His speed in getting into the backfield gives his opponents almost no time to react. Jordan will remain to be one of the brightest stars from Oskaloosa to watch out for next season.     Marion took a big step back in 2024 after consecutive winning seasons, but one player that was playing in winning form for the Wolves was Gideon Hanson. Hanson emerged in 2024 with 23.5 tackles (15 solo), 12 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. Hansen's skillset may be better suited as an off-ball LB, but his speed makes him so disruptive, being able to stop the run in the backfield at the point of the handoff, and being able to chase down the ball-carriers headed the opposite way. Hansen shows solid tackling form and hitting power that could further be developed with a bit of strength. Hansen should enter his senior season as one of the clear captains for the Wolves.     [player_tooltip player_id='1620078' first='Jayden' last='Williams'] may lack the size to play at DE, but his athleticism and competitive edge more than enough makes up for his stature. Williams finished with 46.5 tackles (35 solo), 10 TFLs, and 3 sacks last season. With a 4.59 40 yard time, Williams' speed excels for his position, allowing him to set the edge quickly and give his opponents little opportunity to go around him. Williams' speed allows him to win his reps by gaining the advantage on the first step and giving his blockers no opportunity to jam him. His athletic ability may be better suited for an OLB or even a hybrid LB/Safety role, but Williams remains to be an effective defensive-lineman in the Class 4A Conference.     [player_tooltip player_id='1620124' first='Micah' last='Sands'] proved to be a vital piece toward North Polk's undefeated season and their first state championship in school history. Sands recorded 29 tackles (18 Solo), 9.5 TFLs, and 4 sacks in 2024. Sands is an explosive, hard-working lineman who showed on multiple occasions that he could make critical stops in goal-line and short down situations, showing plenty of strength to overpower his blockers and to gain the edge around them. Sands was very effective in the run-defense, being able to prevent the RBs from bouncing to the outside, and he displays a level of patience against scrambling QBs with his contain and knowing when to be aggressive and pursue the tackle. Sands will have a much larger role as one of the returning leaders for the Comets' defense in 2025.     Since their winless season in 2021, Gilbert has been making a complete turnaround in the right direction, and during their 9-2 season last year, [player_tooltip player_id='1238526' first='Tayshawn' last='Gillen'] emerged as the team's most effective pass-rusher. Gillen recorded 20 tackles (12 solo), 9.5 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks. Gillen is another DE on this list with quick speed off the snap and dynamic athleticism who's quickness allows him to break into the backfield before the Tackles could react. The speed translates well on the offense as well, where as a reserve RB last season, he averaged an impressive 9.1 yards per carry on just 13 touches. With several of the starting RBs from Gilbert's deep backfield having graduated over the offseason, Gillen has an opportunity to see more reps in the backfield, which doubled with his defensive reps could boost his stock by the end of his senior year.     Adding on to our list of undersized DL standouts, [player_tooltip player_id='1620097' first='Zander' last='Armstrong'] is one of the smallest players on our list, but he is fully capable of single-handedly wrecking his opponents. Armstrong finished last season with 34 tackles (30 solo), 7 TFLs, and 2 sacks. While there isn't any film on his play currently out, Armstrong's numbers showcased a certain level of independent ability to make a difference and perform effectively on the trenches despite his size not being well suited for that area. Armstrong will remain to be a key force for Xavier's defense in 2025 as they look to reclaim the state title for the first time since 2022.

We continue our coverage of the top upcoming senior defensive-line prospects in Iowa by moving up to Class 4A, where we take a look today at several underrated prospects that have been thriving in this conference, including several undersized lineman who have made up their lack of size with effective play, maintaining a big presence in the box and in the pocket against opposing offenses. We take a look today at 6 senior DL prospects from Class 4A Iowa you should watch out for in 2025!