Top SEKY Defensive Linemen Poised for Big Seasons in 2023
Most successful defenses that teams encounter necessarily are built from the inside-out and from the front-back. In other words, even the most talented linebackers will readily admit that their productivity predominantly relies upon their defensive front’s ability to occupy blockers…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingMost successful defenses that teams encounter necessarily are built from the inside-out and from the front-back. In other words, even the most talented linebackers will readily admit that their productivity predominantly relies upon their defensive front’s ability to occupy blockers and negate the offensive line’s push, providing second-level defenders the gap integrity and pursuit lanes needed to press the line of scrimmage, run through gaps/windows in blocking schemes and finish off run plays. Likewise, no player in the defensive secondary can be expected to shut down a passing zone or blanket an eligible receiver indefinitely. If the pass rushers up front fail to pressure throwers or at least force them to reposition themselves in the pocket within a few seconds of the snap, even the most soundly conceived pass coverages will find themselves picked apart. Thus, we’re excited and eager to take some time to recognize some of the more talented returning defensive linemen in southeastern Kentucky. Whether occupying/defeating double teams inside or aligning on the edge, the following returning D-linemen promise to set the tone for their respective defensive units this fall.
Will Cassim
Will Cassim
Cassim is a big, strong interior defensive lineman and team captain returning for his fourth year as a starter for the Black Bears, and if his first three seasons are any indication, he will prove a very difficult challenge for opposing offensive linemen this fall. Primarily aligning as a 0-or-4 technique in Harlan County’s 3-4 system, he proves adept at establishing the strong blow delivery and initial separation needed for inside gap responsibility, and he also appears very comfortable sliding to a 2-technique when his unit switches to an even front. Currently, his primary strength is…well, his strength…as he proves very difficult to move when base/single blocked, and his ability to play below the chin of opposing linemen enables him to stalemate and sometimes split double team blocks. In the 11 total games of his junior season, he collected 20 solo tackles, 29 assists, 7 tackles for loss and 1 fumble recovery, and he projects very favorably to succeed as a 0-shade-or-1 technique defender at the next level.
Dalton Crawford
Dalton Crawford
Crawford primarily aligns as an inside, 2-technique defender in the Panthers’ 4-man front, where he exhibits an exceptionally quick initial takeoff and blow delivery from his stance, as well as the consistent ability to slip blocks and redirect to the football efficiently without running too deep or opting for “the path of least resistance” around the backside of blockers. Predominantly an inside-gap player, his hip/ankle flexibility enables him to play with exceptional pad level, and just as importantly, he displays an innate understanding of how to negate/resist pressure by leaning back into blockers without getting displaced or pushed out of position. In 11 total games his junior season, he contributed 16 solo tackles, 31 assists, and an impressive 12 tackles for loss–five of which were quarterback sacks. Thus, while the inside run game will always remain his default responsibility by position, he also demonstrates the knack for using his hands/escapes and generating the relatively rare but very much coveted interior pass rush threat.
Carter Howard
Carter Howard
While technically an outside linebacker in the Black Bears’ 3-4 defensive scheme, Howard’s default alignment often places him walked up on the line of scrimmage as either a 5-technique, 9-technique or loose edge defender; thus, in the majority of cases, he effectively serves as an edge/contain player where his technical prowess and exceptionally high pursuit motor help him excel. Versus power runs, traps and inside zone schemes, he displays the willingness and ability to constrict distances and attack blockers with good pad level, and when facing outside screens and/or perimeter runs, intelligent pursuit angles ensure that he usually will either participate in the tackle or force the ball carrier out of bounds before the ball can be advanced vertically. Over the course of his 10-game season in 2022, his 36 solo tackles, 35 assists, 15 tackles for loss (5 sacks) and 1 forced fumble attest to his desire to get to the football, and even in pass drops and pass coverage, he demonstrates good vision, athleticism and the ability to funnel/redirect receivers using his feet and hand placement.
Hunter Messer
Hunter Messer
A massive physical presence as a 0-or-shade technique in the Panthers’ 3-4 defensive package, Messer’s sheer size, strength and activity level make him a very difficult defender to single block in the inside running game, and his ability to displace or “bubble” the center with his initial take off and blow delivery can often upset the paths/timing of double teams and other inside blocking schemes. Like most exceptionally tall high school defensive linemen, his pad level sometimes can expose his blocking surface for opponents, but his active and targeted hand placement usually enables him to separate from blocks, and his athleticism and pursuit angles make him a factor even when running down perimeter plays beyond the hash marks. He likewise generates substantial push in his pass rush and displays the understanding to maintain his rush lane and vertically collapse the pocket. In 11 total games last season, he contributed 8 solo tackles, 31 assists, 2 tackles for loss and 1 fumble recovery.
Chaseton Potter
Chaseton Potter
Aligning as a 4-technique in the Colonels’ 3-4 base, Potter displayed continual improvement and durability throughout his sophomore season and projects to play an essential role in his squad’s defensive fortunes in 2023. While sometimes outweighed by 50 pounds or more by opposing offensive tackles, he displays the quick vertical takeoff from his stance, targeted blow delivery, separation and pad level to nevertheless negate base blocks, constrict inside running lanes and prevent blockers from achieving clean inside, second-level releases to linebackers in trap/counter run schemes. In addition, his speed/athleticism make him a considerable outside pass rushing threat–particularly when aligned loosely off the frame of the offensive tackle–and give him the option of beating his blocker primarily with speed and inside lean. His 12 solos, 25 assists, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries attest to his high motor defensively and suggest that many more productive performances lie ahead for this rising junior.