First 4 Games Unranked Senior DL Film Spotlight

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   The first four weeks of the season give us a good look at which players are making an early impact and putting themselves on the recruiting radar. For seniors especially, this stretch of film is essential, as college coaches evaluate current-season tape to see how prospects perform against live competition and whether their game translates to the next level. This spotlight takes a closer look at players with film from their first four games that colleges need to check out.    The wait to get back on the field after missing his junior season with an injury has been worth it for 2027 George Washington DL [player_tooltip player_id='1695973' first='Jay' last='Butcher'], and is playing a key role in their 4-0 start. He's been playing hard at defensive end and has been a consistent source of effort for one of the top teams in the state. Butcher's motor keeps him involved in plays, and he regularly makes an impact that often doesn't show up in the stat sheet. Whether he's closing running lanes, creating pressure on the quarterback, Butcher finds ways to affect the play. He's done a nice overall job through the first four weeks and has been an important part of a Patriots defense that has limited some talented offenses early this season.      Morgantown's [player_tooltip player_id='2124822' first='Peyton' last='Nicola'] is a player we've been excited to finally get eyes on during his senior season, and it's easy to see why colleges were after him hard this summer. The 2027 DL has a ton of upside due to his length and athleticism, and he's done a good job filling out his frame as he's developed. Nicola moves fluidly at defensive end and can create matchup problems for slower-footed tackles who struggle to handle his quickness. He's also agile in space and does a good job redirecting mid-play. Nicola has the physical tools and athleticism to develop into a standout college defender and is a high-ceiling prospect worth checking out.      2027 DL [player_tooltip player_id='2226032' first='Chaun' last='Dowell'] has been a big addition to Bluefield after returning home to the Beavers following three seasons at rival Graham (VA). Dowell has brought valuable versatility to the defensive front, lining up both inside and outside depending on the matchup. Dowell is an agile, quick athlete who does a good job redirecting and flowing to the ball. He also uses his hands well to make first contact with blockers and keeps himself clean, giving him the freedom to read the play and react to the football. Dowell has made a strong impact through the first four games and has been an important addition to the Beavers' offense and defense.      [player_tooltip player_id='2220813' first='Dayshawn' last='Burdette'] is a high-upside senior prospect who has a lot of the physical traits you want to see in an EDGE. The 2027 Ripley prospect has a 6'4 225 frame and the athletic background that gives him an intriguing foundation to develop from. Burdette is still a relatively raw player, but the physical tools are obvious when you turn on the film, and there's a lot to work with at his size. As his technique continues to catch up with his natural traits, he could develop into a very productive college player.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DayshawnB_/status/2098857183647518803 </div></figure>     Hedgesville has had a tough start to the season during a transition year, but 2027 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1592763' first='Jayvon' last='Clark'] has flashed on film through the first four weeks. Clark has earned more varsity opportunities each season and has now settled into a key role at defensive end for the Eagles. He still has room to fill out his frame and develop his technique, but Clark has the quickness you want from a defensive end and moves well enough to potentially project at EDGE or OLB at the next level. He gets to the ball quickly once he works free and does a good job closing on plays with his speed. Clark is an intriguing D3-level prospect who deserves a look as he continues to develop.      2027 Martinsburg DL [player_tooltip player_id='1155237' first='Jeremiah' last='Sanabria'] earned his opportunity to become a varsity starter as a senior after waiting his turn in a deep Bulldogs' program. Sanabria has had a good start to his senior season and has been productive through four weeks. He has good lateral agility at defensive end and does a nice job maintaining contain and redirecting when the play changes direction. His active hands help him stay free from blockers and work toward the football. Sanabria's athleticism also gives him an intriguing projection as a stand-up EDGE or 3-4 OLB at the next level pending further physical growth. He's given us plenty to like early in his first season as a varsity starter and has worked himself into a college prospect.      The trenches have been a strength for Washington this season, and [player_tooltip player_id='1908698' first='Matthew' last='Gordillo'] has been an underrated part of that group through the first four games. The 2027 OL/DL can contribute on either side of the ball, but he's done a nice job along the defensive line and has shown the versatility to play both inside and outside. Gordillo fires off the ball with good urgency and works hard through the entire rep, giving him a chance to make plays even when his technique isn't perfect. He's still developing, but his high motor and effort allow him to win reps and stay in the action. Gordillo is a small-college prospect to know and an under-the-radar senior.      2027 St. Marys DL [player_tooltip player_id='2060069' first='Lennie' last='Hartshorn'] is a small-school defensive lineman to know through the first four weeks. He may lack some length, but that helps him win the leverage battle as an interior lineman and stay underneath blockers. Hartshorn is strong at the point of attack and can absorb double teams without getting knocked back. He also gets consistent push in 1-on-1 battles and plays with good physicality. Hartshorn is a high-effort player who fights to the football and has been a reliable run stopper at both guard and tackle.      [player_tooltip player_id='2108345' first='Noah' last='Hairston'] has been a strong interior presence for Riverside through the first four weeks and is an under-the-radar prospect to get eyes on. The 2027 DL fires off the ball with intent and brings the physicality needed to hold his ground in the middle. Hairston can take on double teams and still has the agility to make plays in space, giving him value beyond clogging the interior. He's also a good tackler and does a nice job swallowing up running lanes at the line of scrimmage. I like the effort he shows on film, and Hairston is a name small-college programs should have on their radar.

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