Stockrisers: 2024 DL prospects in Kentucky to watch for

Now that the 2022 season of high school football has come to a close and we're in the middle of the offseason, it's time to look back at some of the most impressive performers out of the Bluegrass State over the course of last year. After breaking down some of the top linebacker talent in the state, it's time to continue to evaluate top performers on the defensive side of the ball. Here's my list of the top 2024 defensive lineman prospects in Kentucky to watch for this upcoming season.    [player_tooltip player_id='305210' first='Isaiah' last='Hare'], a 6-foot-3, 260-pound defensive lineman out of Bullitt East High School, made a major impact on the Chargers' defense during his junior season of high school football last year. In 15 contests, Hare became the second-best tackler on the team, recording 74 total tackles, including 37 solo stops, 37 assisted takedowns, 15.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. With great speed, size and toughness, Hare is a challenge to contain as he can easily make big stops, overwhelm the offensive line and create heavy pressure. Hare will definitely be an intriguing defensive lineman to watch closely this upcoming season.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13614596/6375118b3dec7a03544ad4cc">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='331710' first='Mikel' last='Clack'], a 6-foot-4, 180-pound defensive lineman out of Ballard High School, was one of the more significant defensive contributors on the Bruins' roster during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 14 games, Clack picked up 55 total tackles, including 21 solo stops, 34 assisted takedowns, two tackles for loss and five sacks. In addition to his excellent size, speed and toughness, what makes Clack such a solid defensive lineman is his ability to consistently escape coverage and put heavy pressure on the quarterback. Clack will certainly be an interesting defensive lineman prospect to keep an eye on next season.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2JgXVp">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='408042' first='Jahvon' last='Frazier'], a 6-foot-2, 220-pound defensive lineman out of Bryan Station High School was a huge defensive weapon for the Defenders during his junior season of high school football last year. In 14 contests, Frazier was the fourth-best tackler on the team, recording 54 total tackles, including 35 solo stops, 19 assisted takedowns, nine tackles for loss and five sacks. With great size and speed, Frazier is difficult to contain as he can easily muscle his way past the offense, create pressure and make commanding stops. Frazier will be a defensive lineman prospect to watch this upcoming fall.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14748915/63893e1490f0a4022426ad17">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='408047' first='Jasante' last='Harmon'], a 6-foot-1, 260-pound defensive lineman out of Scott County High School, was one of the most significant defensive contributors for the Cardinals during his junior campaign last year. In 12 games, Harmon recorded 45 total tackles, including 26 solo stops, 19 assisted takedowns, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. In addition to his great size and speed, Harmon contributes valuable toughness as he can easily escape coverage, put pressure on the quarterback and make explosive stops. Harmon should be interesting to watch in the 2023 campaign.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13272866/6379a7e70660c4052cc49186">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='381923' first='Tay'Shaun' last='Linton'], a 6-foot-2, 240-pound defensive lineman out of Trigg County High School, was one of the more impactful defensive talents on the Wildcats' roster during his junior season of high school football last year. Linton was the fourth-best tackler on the team, recording 39 total tackles, including 16 solo stops, 23 assisted takedowns, nine tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. In addition to his size and speed, Linton adds valuable aggression and toughness as he can make important stops, escape the offensive line and put pressure on the quarterback. Linton is definitely a defensive lineman to watch this fall.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15265996/631ce5d557982a0b287ec04d">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='381879' first='Ashton' last='Jones'], a 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive lineman out of St. Xavier High School, was an explosive defensive weapon for the Tigers during his junior season of high school football last year. Jones was one of the more efficient tacklers on the team, picking up 35 total tackles, including 19 solo stops, 16 assisted takedowns, five tackles for loss and four sacks. With great size, speed and toughness, Jones is a challenging player to contain as he can very quickly muscle his way past the offensive line, create pressure and make stops. Jones should be an interesting defensive lineman to watch this upcoming season.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14570251/630cfe8a3dec7a08d85c2b94">Tape:</a>    Christopher Jones, a 6-foot-2, 350-pound defensive lineman out of DuPont Manual High School, contributed valuable minutes on the Crimsons' defense during his junior season of high school football last year. Over the course of 11 games, Jones collected 32 total tackles, including 16 solo stops, 16 assisted takedowns, three tackles for loss and one sack. What makes Jones so explosive on the defensive side of the ball is his overall size, speed and toughness, showcasing his ability to make quick stops, barrel through the offensive line and put pressure on the quarterback. Jones is definitely a defensive lineman worth watching in the 2023 season.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2JwUe2">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='423622' first='Chase' last='Couch'], a 6-foot-4, 230-pound defensive lineman out of Lexington Christian Academy, made more than a few valuable contributions to the Eagles' defense during his junior season of high school football last year. In 14 contests, Couch recorded 21 total tackles, including eight solo stops, 13 assisted takedowns, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack. In addition to his great size and speed, Couch contributes great awareness and toughness as he can easily escape coverage from the offensive line, put pressure on the quarterback and read the offense like a book. Couch should be an interesting defensive talent to watch this upcoming season.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12963163/6389035a4deb1308b0eeb68e">Tape:</a>

Now that the 2022 season of high school football has come to a close and we're in the middle of the offseason, it's time to look back at some of the most impressive performers out of the Bluegrass State over the course of last year. After breaking down some of the top linebacker talent in the state, it's time to continue to evaluate top performers on the defensive side of the ball. Here's my list of the top 2024 defensive lineman prospects in Kentucky to watch for this upcoming season.