Midseason Reports: Top Underrated Performing Defensive Linemen

As we have reached the midseason point, we would like to highlight some underrated defenders in the state. While these guys might not be leading or even top ten in a statistic category so far this year, it does not take away that they are having phenomenal seasons and deserve recognition. We will look at some of the most underrated defensive linemen halfway through the season.    2026 Defensive Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1177564' first='Jackson' last='McCarthy'] has really taken his game to a whole new level through the first half of the season. He has 33 total tackles, 17 of those as solo tackles, 7 TFLs, and 5 sacks. In one his standout performance vs Queen Creek, he racked in 8 solo tackles out of 11 total tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 sacks, and a few pressures. His most impressive attribute is his bend around the edge. Whether it's coming from the inside or outside, he beautifully works his way around blockers. His strength and body control are also excellent as he has a good base to keep a low center of gravity not to get off balance. His repertoire of pass rush moves is improving as he can slant inside quickly, working half a man or making his way around the edge. Canyon View will take on Cactus this week in a big time matchup. McCarthy will undoubtedly look to rise to the occasion in a crucial game in their season.      2026 Athlete [player_tooltip player_id='739451' first='Hyatt' last='Lang'] is a two-way sensation for Gilbert Christian. Notching so far on the season 64 total tackles, 33 of those as solo tackles, 8 TFLs, 2 sacks, and a few blocked extra points. His best game to this point has been against Crimson, where he had 7 solo tackles of his total 12 tackles that game, 2 TFLs, and those two blocked extra points. Lang's get off and speed off the edge are eye-popping as he can instantly get across the backfield to make a tackle for a loss. He has outstanding tackling form, aiming at the opponent's hips and spinning them down for a minimal gain. He is tough and gritty, which shows up on both sides of the ball when he plays defense, either as a defensive lineman or sometimes linebacker and as a tight end. His team will take on Valley Christian this week. With Lang's speed and edge ability, opposing offenses must account for him even off the backside.      2025 Defensive Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='954414' first='Brock' last='Haws'] is having a great start to the first half of his senior season. Currently holding 38 total tackles, 11 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, and a pair of fumble recoveries is helping propel his defense to new heights. His best game came against Globe where he recorded 7 total tackles, 4 TFLs and 2 Sacks. He predominantly plays on the interior of the defensive line but can also play on the outside in pass rushing situations. He has an eclectic set of moves in his arsenal, such as his good old fashioned bull rush, his club move, or a swim move. He generates tons of pressure on the quarterback on the interior, making it difficult for them to step up and make throws downfield. His team will be on the road this week as they take on ALA-Anthem South. Haws is just getting started for the Roughriders, and it will be exciting to see what he has in store for the second half of the season.      2025 Defensive Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1353859' first='Ryan' last='Kavalami'] is a hybrid monster for this Thunderbird team. His stats through five games include 38 total tackles, 19 of those as solo tackles, 14 TFLs, 4 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 forced fumble. His best game has come against Prescott where he had 11 total tackles, 3 TFLs, and a sack. Kavalami can be seen lining up at the middle linebacker position, but more predominately will be on the line of scrimmage. He favors an excellent inside cross swipe that demonstrates speed and quickness to burn past opposing offensive lineman. He moves fluidly in the open field and can change direction well to keep up and eventually bring down quarterbacks. His team will be on the road this week as they head to Lake Havasu. Kavalami is a valuable athlete for his team, especially when it comes to being disruptive from the defensive side of the ball.      2026 Defensive Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1177561' first='Hayden' last='Utley'] has wreaked havoc for offenses to start the season for Marana. Coming in so far with 40 total tackles, 15 of those as solo tackles, 9 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble has been an excellent start for a junior year campaign. His best performance came against Higley where he had 7 solo tackles out of his 12 of the night, a sack, and a few pressures. Playing primarily on the interior allows him to get quicker get off before the interior of the offensive line, positioning himself quickly in his desired run gap and holding his ground. He puts pressure on QBs to make them scramble, flushing them outside of the pocket in order to be able to make them throw off-platform with solid agility and change of direction. Marana will head to Sunnyside this week, and we can expect this team to rely on Utley as they head into this later half of their season.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Notable Players:</h2>   Jesse Pittman DL Wickenburg - 44 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, 9 sacks, 15.5 TFLs, 2 forced fumbles   [player_tooltip player_id='1399752' first='Derrick' last='LeBlanc'] DL Hamilton - 25 total tackles, 4 sacks, 10 TFLs, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass deflection   [player_tooltip player_id='1645528' first='Mason' last='Fosu'] DL Thunderbird - 27 total tackles, 16 solo tackles, 4 sacks, 9.5 TFLs, 2 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble

As we have reached the midseason point, we would like to highlight some underrated defenders in the state. While these guys might not be leading or even top ten in a statistic category so far this year, it does not take away that they are having phenomenal seasons and deserve recognition. We will look at some of the most underrated defensive linemen halfway through the season.