DFW Defensive Linemen Set for a Breakout in 2025

There is a steady stream of defensive front star power emerging from DFW and moving on to the next level every year. Currently, pass rushers and run stoppers are thriving in the Metroplex across all classes. Checking out some serious twitch and power, here are some underrated upperclassmen and upcoming young studs who are all set up to break out in 2025.    Knauls is a true tweener on the defensive line, with the ability to both set the edge and push the pocket when lined up in the interior. Christopher displays violent hands, good body balance control, and great instincts. He also maintains a consistently solid pad level, which helps him finish plays in the backfield. Thanks to his versatility across the line of scrimmage, Knauls was able to account for 8 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, and 15 QB pressures in a successful 2024 for the Lone Star Rangers. Knauls was extremely under the radar on the national scale up through his junior season. Since then, his recruiting skyrocketed, receiving over 10 offers, and recently committing to Michigan State. Expect a senior season in which Knauls takes an even larger leap.      As true of a true run-clogger, pocket-pusher unit of a defensive tackle you'll see, Dotie is poised for the next level with a long frame and smooth get-off. Keith uses his hands with purpose and discipline at the point of attack, constantly making quick work of guards at the line of scrimmage. Dotie then demonstrates surprising agility, which he uses to finish plays in the backfield. Expect the rising senior to continue developing his already plus traits, along with learning not to play high at times. I believe with this, the SMU commit has the chance to become one of the best defensive tackles in the state, if not the country, in 2025.      Thibodeaux is much different than the first two on this list, as a 2027 pure edge rusher with a high motor that gets after the quarterback. Khing absolutely fires off the ball and has an already developed swim move, which, combined with his solid change of direction, produces many sacks. Thirteen was the number in 2024, along with 15 TFLs. Thibodeaux plays like a seasoned vet with his precision in pass rush and body control to finish sacks. The sky should be the limit as a college prospect for Khing as he goes through his junior year. His offer list already totals over 20, including schools such as Penn State, Florida State, and UNC.      Hall is a lean, twitchy defensive end with great bend and initial quickness coming off the edge. With a long frame, Hall does an impressive job of extending his hands at the point of attack to set up a move inside and disrupt the pocket. He also maintains a strong base and ejects out of his hips, finishing tackles behind the line of scrimmage. This raw skill set helped Hall compile 40 tackles and 4 sacks in 2024. His pad level and change of direction will continue to develop, and when combined with his strengths, will lead to a breakout caliber 2025 campaign. Cam currently holds offers from Texas, Ole Miss, and Baylor, among others.      Lokey is a raw talent with sky-high potential, having three years of high school football still ahead of him. He primarily plays standing up, ready to get straight to the passer. He strikes out of his hips at the point of attack with good footwork and lateral change of direction. He also has solid bend for just coming out of his freshman year. As he learns to maintain a strong base and strike with violence, his athleticism and strength at the point of attack will contribute to his development into a great player. The two-way stud for the powerhouse Wildcats should step into the national spotlight in 2025 and add to his offer list, which includes Texas State and Tulsa.

There is a steady stream of defensive front star power emerging from DFW and moving on to the next level every year. Currently, pass rushers and run stoppers are thriving in the Metroplex across all classes. Checking out some serious twitch and power, here are some underrated upperclassmen and upcoming young studs who are all set up to break out in 2025.