A versatile defensive lineman that can play inside or outside upfront for Valley, Ben Booth Ben Booth 6'3" | 240 lbs | DL Valley | 2027 State IA was critical in the run to Cedar Falls this past fall for the Tigers. Explosive off the line of scrimmage with a barrage of pass-rushing moves in his repertoire, Booth is a nightmare to match up snap after snap. With heavy, violent hands and a relentless pursuit of the quarterback, Booth is one of the top pass-rushers in the state.

Posting 27 tackles, including ten tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and five sacks, Booth’s stats don’t layout just how dominant he looks on film. With a mixture of spin and swim moves, plus a ferocious bull rush, Booth was a terror for opposing offenses to deal with last fall. If I were a Division I defensive line coach, I’d salivate at the effort and violence that Booth plays with on the gridiron.

Valley’s Ben Booth Ben Booth 6'3" | 240 lbs | DL Valley | 2027 State IA is a player who really popped on tape and earned himself a top-25 debut in the rankings. Ben played a key role on the Tigers’ defensive line with 27 tackles, 10 TFLs, and five sacks. Ben is a versatile defender who stood out for his ability to adapt his pass-rushing approach, combining power, finesse, and speed off the ball. He has the strength in his hands and leg drive to bull rush his way into opposing backfields. Booth’s mobility was also impressive on film, as he demonstrated good footwork while executing spin moves, stunts, and other speed moves. Another aspect of Ben’s game that stood out is his ability to move between end and tackle on the defensive line, showing he can beat tackles when rushing off the edge and be an elite interior space-eater who can blow up gaps.

Booth impressed me when I saw him in person against rival Dowling during the state semifinals last season. He did the same during this year’s final four matchup versus the Maroons. Booth is a bull in the middle of the line. He’s strong and operates with excellent pad level. He’s sharpened himself technically during the last year and added strength. There’s no doubt he’s trending up and should get himself in front of college scouts at camps this offseason. During the 2025 semis, Booth contributed six tackles, a tackle and half for loss, and half a sack. He moves the pile and operates with a good motor. For his junior year, Booth finished with 27.0 tackles (12 solo, 10.0 TFL) and 5.0 sacks. He’s also a guy that I think could find success on the offensive line.

The Tigers reached the 5A state title game last season with the help of a strong group of upperclassmen. However, Booth’s contributions should be recognized. He ate up blocks and contributed 17.5 tackles (9 solo, 3.0 TFL) as a sophomore in 2024. Booth is already stout in the middle of the defensive line. He holds the line with his head up, ready to separate from blocks and pounce on the ball carrier. Booth’s physicality at this stage bodes well for his future as his frame and game mature.