Four early 2024 watchlist defensive line prospects

There are a handful of early prospects along the defensive line so far for the Class of 2024, and more should be discovered later in the offseason and again this fall. Here is an early look at some of the prospects on our watchlist so far. <h3><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="251219" first="Jackson" last="Cowgill"], 2024, 6’6, 230, DL/TE, Erie</strong></h3> Delivers a solid punch on the shoulder and can long-arm an offensive lineman, which allows him to create separation and get off blocks. Also has a good step off the line when shooting the gap and can create penetration. He is a defensive end who played on both the left and right side of the line. When pressuring the quarterback, he shows good angle discipline that will help him reach the ball, and he shows good reads when it comes to getting his hands up to try and disrupt passes if he does not get to the quarterback in time. Does play with a slightly higher pad level at times, but has the strength to overcome that. You also see a high motor on him chasing down ball carriers. In his first varsity season, Cowgill recorded 46 tackles (29 solo), 10 sacks and broke up two passes. You can see his sophomore highlights on Hudl <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14525213/Jackson-Cowgill">here</a>. <h3><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="146052" first="Exodus" last="Johnson"], 2024, 6’4, 265, DL, Arapahoe</strong></h3> A true defensive tackle who will take up space in the middle of the line. Shows the ability to avoid being driven off the line frequently, even in points where he and the opposing offensive lineman are engaged for a long period of time. Does show a quick swim/rip techniques when pass rushing, but can also use the bull rush to knock lineman back in order to get in the backfield. If the ball does get out in space, he does a good job in pursuit. With 23 tackles, 2.5 sacks and three quarterback hurries, expect Johnson to see more production in his junior year for a solid Arapahoe team. You can see his profile on Maxpreps <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/exodus-johnson/c99GVv9sEeqAzqREozo6lw/default.htm">here</a>. <h3><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="146062" first="Indy" last="Peterson"], 2024, 6’3, 235, DL, Boulder</strong></h3> Brings quickness to the interior of the defensive line from his defensive tackle position. Uses that quickness to get penetration up the field, but if he does get blocked, he plays with a high motor and fights to get off and get in the backfield. Showed the ability to run fit well in his gap and even handle double-team blocks coming his way. His versatility was also displayed on the offensive line where he played guard and tackle, which will only booster his profile down the road. You can view Peterson’s sophomore highlights on Hudl <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/indy-petersen/W76m84seEeuAzqREozo6lw/default.htm">here</a>. <h3><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="190262" first="Zachariah" last="Smith"], 2024, 6’7, 245, DL/TE, ThunderRidge</strong></h3> Smith has great size and length in his frame, allowing him to make plays on the field. Uses his long arms to get off blocks or to bull rush into the backfield. Despite his size, does show some good pad level that he plays with. Is athletic for the position and flashed it all throughout the season for The Academy. Runs well in space, making him a good tight end for his team on the offensive side. Also has been a standout basketball player in his high school career. Showing some good work in the weight room, which will only help him use his solid frame to the best of his ability. Now listed for ThunderRidge High School, will look to take on a higher level of competition in the fall. His Hudl profile can be seen <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11589817/Zachariah-Smith">here</a>.