Preseason Preview: Dogs on the Defensive Line

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we head to the defensive side of the ball and take one step closer to September, it's time to zoom in on the dogs up front: the defensive line. The 2031 class out of NJ has some players worth paying attention to. As I've gotten to know more of the players in this class, it is becoming clear there are some standout talents that are worth keeping a close eye on this fall. Here are a few you need to keep on your radar. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1590287"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a91c97fa2e9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1590287' first='Jasiah' last='Dennis'] continued to turn heads at Prep Redzone events this past year, standing out at both events he attended. His athleticism immediately jumps out for a defensive lineman, highlighted by a 40-yard dash that ranked ninth fastest at the camp. That speed showed up throughout the positional work as well, with Jasiah firing off the ball, showing impressive bend around the edge and using his length to keep blockers from getting into his frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With another season ahead, Jasiah is one of the younger defensive linemen I'm excited to follow. If he continues developing his technique and adding strength, the ceiling for this 2031 prospect is extremely high.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1575207"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a91c97fa2f0a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After covering him as a quarterback last year, I'm looking forward to seeing [player_tooltip player_id='1575207' first='Julio' last='Pagan'] development on the defensive front this season. At 5'10" and with a lean, rangy frame, he already has the length and physical tools to make an impact in the trenches. His frame gives him plenty of room to add size and strength as he matures.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once he begins to fill out, I could see Julio developing into a disruptive presence up front. The athletic background he brings from playing quarterback should only add to his upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2086332"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a91c97fa2f52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the size and frame to already project well at the high school level, [player_tooltip player_id='2086332' first='Amari' last='Parker'] has the physical foundation to become a game changing edge rusher. His ability to rush off the edge should be something to watch closely as he continues to grow into his frame and refine his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm especially excited for the film from this upcoming season to get a better understanding of his full skill set. With Amari's physical tools already in place, there is plenty of upside, and live-game reps should give us a much clearer picture of what he is capable of becoming.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1891661"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a91c97fa2f93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scouts have spoken highly of George heading into the season, and his athleticism gives plenty of reason for the excitement. As a member of the Southern Rams, George brings a speedy presence to the defensive front and has the ability to attack the quarterback with aggression. His quickness off the ball can create problems for offensive linemen and give him opportunities to make plays in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With his combination of speed and athleticism, George is a defender I'm looking forward to following this year. There is plenty of room for his game to continue developing, but the early buzz suggests he could emerge as a disruptive piece along the Southern Rams' defensive front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2103646"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a91c97fa2fd5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big presence up front for NJ Dark Knights, [player_tooltip player_id='2103646' first='Devraun' last='Thompson'] has the size and physicality to make his presence felt in the trenches. He does a good job occupying space and clogging running lanes, making it difficult for opposing offenses to find room to operate. Devraun's physical tools give him the foundation to develop into a reliable force along the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The upside extends beyond one side of the ball, as Thompson has the potential to become a standout contributor offensively as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->