Washington Position Spotlight: Defensive Ends

The defensive front in the state of Washington has been demonstrating massive talent. These players have been doing damage on offensive schemes and creating plays on the defensive side of the ball. Defense wins games, and these players have been demonstrating that. Here is an inside look at 5 spotlighted defensive ends from the PNW. [player_tooltip player_id="87182" first="Frankco" last="Gratton"], DE/OLB, 6’5" 205lbs, SR, Rainier Beach High School Gratton is a freak athlete absolutely dominating the football field. He is strong, aggressive, and knows how to use his power to outplay his offensive opponents. Frankco shows no brakes in his gameplay with his ferocious eye for the football and ball carrier. He is offers from top schools, such as Eastern Washington, Cal, Notre Dame, and Fresno State. Gratton has committed to Fresno State and will be a force in the Mountain West Conference. [player_tooltip player_id="87315" first="Peter" last="Taoipu"], DE, 6’5" 350lbs, JR, Eastside Catholic High School <img class="size-medium wp-image-122333 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/03/Hilliard-Football-555555-300x172.jpg" alt="Hilliard Football 2021" width="300" height="172" /> Taoipu is a 350lb junior who can play whatever spot he needs to on the defensive line. He moves quick for his size and knows how to place himself for the perfect tackle. Peter is a hard-hitting machine who lays his power onto his opponents. He knows how to use classic fundamentals to blow past the line and make plays. He will be, without a doubt, a big-time player at the next level. Rhett Sarvela, DE/TE, 6’2" 210lbs, SR, Skyview High School Sarvela is an all-around athlete playing offense and defense for the Skyview Storm football team. Sarvela is a solid pass rusher who overpowers the opponent who is lined up in front of him. He knows how to make a hit and put himself into the play. Not only is he quick, but he is an aggressor. Sarvela shows grit and heart on every down and it shows with his gameplay. Rhett can be a solid player in college. Derrick Payton, DE/TE, 6’4" 250lbs, SR, O’Dea High School Payton is a classic football player who uses old school, timeless techniques to dominate the field. He knows how to put pressure on the QB and penetrate the pocket with ease. Derrick is strong and elusive, which creates a hard defender to block. Add on his size of 250lbs, Payton is a problem for offenses and will continue to be a disruptor in the next level of gameplay as well. <img class="size-medium wp-image-114652 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/03/OL-Football555555-300x172.jpg" alt="2022 OL Prospects" width="300" height="172" /> Elliot Delay, DE, 5’10" 200lbs, SR, Royal High School Delay is a more low-key football player dominating his sector of the gridiron. Elliot is a quick aggressive pass rusher who is a bullet off of the ball. He is a huge player for the Royal Knights creating big plays on the defensive front. Elliot is aggressive and knows how to sit in the hole and read an offense. Delay can be a key player in the next level. &nbsp;