Seeing a solid amount of playing time as a sophomore, Dane Cox Dane Cox 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL/OL Pleasant Valley | 2027 State IA made the most of his limited reps and is looking to take a big step forward heading into his junior year. Cox recorded 20.5 tackles (14 solo), 2.5 sacks, and his 7 TFLs ranked good for 2nd most on the team. Cox plays with a low pad-level and does a solid job at shedding blockers and gaining leverage to get around them and in front of the ball-carrier to make the tackle. Despite his smaller size for a DT, Cox was able to hold his ground and drive blockers backwards, while also showing a solid combination of rips, spins, and bull-rush moves to win on the line. Cox has time to build on his physique, which should further build upon his solid technique, and heading into 2025, Cox should cement his position as a full-time starter on the defensive-line for the Spartans.

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Pleasant Valley’s Dane Cox Dane Cox 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL/OL Pleasant Valley | 2027 State IA is the only junior on this list as he’s primed to have a big season playing on the offensive and defensive lines for the Spartans. Although Dane’s sophomore tape was limited, his impact was not as he recorded 20.5 tackles, seven TFLs, and two sacks while playing defensive tackle. Dane excels at winning at the point of attack, utilizing leverage and effective hand placement to move blockers off the ball with his powerful leg drive. Cox’s feet are constantly moving throughout the rep, which keeps him from giving up any ground. Dane had an impressive play in his tape where he was able to take on the double team, using his hands to split the blockers, and then spilled into the backfield for the TFL.

At a storied program like Pleasant Valley, it’s not easy for underclassmen to impact the varsity in the trenches. Cox proved that it could be done, however. The sophomore lined up at defensive tackle, succeeding with a mix of power and quickness. Cox is well-schooled in the game, keeping his pads low, his hands violent and his legs churning. He racked up 7.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks as a 10th-grader. Expect those numbers to rise in ’25.