Kentucky’s Top Returning Performers: 2024 DL Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an action-packed season of high school football in the Bluegrass State, it's time to take a look at some of the top performers from this last year, focusing specifically on the top returning performers in the class of 2024. After breaking down some intriguing athlete prospects as well as the top returning linebackers, it's time to continue evaluating the defense with defensive lineman next. Without further ado, here's my list of the top returning defensive lineman performers in the state of Kentucky to watch closely this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["423622"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6467cd61a9cd8"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the top of this list of top returners is [player_tooltip player_id='423622' first='Chase' last='Couch'], a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive lineman on the roster of Lexington Christian Academy. The rising senior out of Lexington, KY. was a huge defensive weapon for the Eagles during his junior season. In 14 contests, Couch picked up 21 total tackles, including eight solo stops, 13 assisted takedowns, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack. In addition to impressive size and speed, what really makes Couch so explosive is his toughness and physicality as he can execute defensively despite heavy pushback from the offensive line. This past season, Couch has showcased his ability to escape coverage, make quick stops, pressure the quarterback and record sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12963163/6389035a4deb1308b0eeb68e">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["305210"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6467cd61a9d30"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in at the number three spot on this list of top performers is [player_tooltip player_id='305210' first='Isaiah' last='Hare'], a 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive lineman out of Bullitt East High School. The rising senior out of Mt. Washington, KY. was one of the most explosive defensive standouts on the Chargers' roster during his junior season. In 15 games, Hare was Bullitt East's second-best tackler, recording 74 total tackles, including 37 solo stops, 37 assisted takedowns, 15.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. Hare additionally forced three fumbles and made two fumble recoveries. In addition to impressive size and speed, Hare is incredibly disruptive on defense due to his quickness off the snap and his overall explosiveness. In the 2022 campaign, Hare showed off his ability to consistently create defensive pressure and finish tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13614596/6375118b3dec7a03544ad4cc">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["423620"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6467cd61a9d79"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the number four spot on this list of returners is [player_tooltip player_id='423620' first='Christopher' last='Jones Jr']., a 6-foot-3, 330-pound defensive lineman out of DuPont Manual High School. The rising senior out of Louisville, KY. was a huge defensive playmaker for the Crimsons during his junior season, becoming one of the most explosive tacklers on the roster. In 11 games, Jones picked up 32 total tackles, including 16 solo stops, 16 assisted takedowns, three tackles for loss and one sack. In addition to impressive size and speed, Jones contributes commanding physicality that allows for him to be incredibly disruptive on the field. Last season, Jones showcased his ability to make quick stops off the snap, escape coverage from the offensive line and consistently pressure the quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15139453/6384d73132e74d07ecc79054">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["381923"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6467cd61a9dbe"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the number four spot on the list is [player_tooltip player_id='381923' first='Tay'Shaun' last='Linton'], a 6-foot-2, 240-pound defensive lineman on the roster of Trigg County High School. The rising senior out of Cadiz, KY. made a huge difference on the field for the Wildcats' defense during his junior season, finishing the year as the fourth-best tackler on the team. In 11 contests, Linton picked up 39 total tackles, including 16 solo stops, 23 assisted takedowns, nine tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. Linton additionally forced two fumbles and made one fumble recovery. In addition to impressive size and speed, Linton contributes excellent toughness and versatility on the defensive side of the ball, allowing for him to quickly make an impact on the defensive side of the ball. Linton showed off his ability to make quick stops, escape coverage and place heavy defensive pressure on the offense last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15265996/637ea1913df58405202c9d09">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["408047"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6467cd61a9e03"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Claiming the number five spot on this list of notable returners is [player_tooltip player_id='408047' first='Jasante' last='Harmon'], a 6-foot-1, 270-pound defensive lineman out of Scott County High School. The rising senior out of Georgetown, KY. was one of the most impactful defensive weapons on the Cardinals' roster during his junior season. In 12 games, Harmon was among the top defensive performers on his team, picking up 45 total tackles, including 26 solo stops, 19 assisted takedowns, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. On top of his impressive size and toughness, what makes Harmon so impactful on the defensive side of the ball is his overall speed and quick playstyle. Last season, Harmon showcased his ability to quickly create defensive pressure and bolt past the offensive line to sack the quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13272866/6379a7e70660c4052cc49186">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->