The 2A leader in sacks while also finishing with the second most in all classes, Lucas Diehl Lucas Diehl 6'3" | 265 lbs | DL/OL Kuemper Catholic | 2027 State IA ‘s monstrous size was too much for offensive linemen to handle last year. Serving as one of the cornerstone’s for Kuemper’s title run, Diehl finished with 14 sacks last fall. A rare DL that’s in constant pursuit of the football, Diehl rarely, if ever gave up on a play, chasing down quarterbacks out of the pocket and running backs past the line of scrimmage. Often double-teamed, Diehl still would wreak havoc on opposing offenses, using violence and his devastating swim move.

As an OL, Diehl showed strong pad-level despite his size, driving back defensive linemen and completely taking them out of the play.

If there’s an OL/DL combo that has a chance to win the prestigious award, it may be Diehl.

Diehl was one of the guys I was most looking forward to seeing during the state semifinals at the UNI-Dome. He did not disappoint during a convincing victory against Wilton. Diehl stood out on both sides of the ball for his physicality and power. He overwhelmed the opponent, showing live what he displays on tape. Diehl operates with good pad level on both sides of the trench and benefits from a sound foundation. He wins with his hands wherever he lines up. I think he could develop on offense or defense at the next level, and definitely is deserving of more attention on the recruiting trail.

Diehl is the real deal, a prospect with current production and potential for much more down the line. Witness that for yourself by watching his sophomore highlight video, in which he does not look like a 10th-grader. He played well beyond his years, which makes the next two seasons and beyond exciting to think about. In 2024, he contributed 12 solo tackles, 4.0 stops for loss and a sack to the cause. Those numbers should rise in 2024. Diehl was physically advanced last year, and with another year of development, he’ll be harder to handle. His technique is sound and he plays disciplined football, operating within the Knight scheme. Diehl looks like a great bet to break out this fall.

Diehl is a physical marvel that’s developing as a football player. That combination is something to get excited about. His sophomore highlight video illustrates for us a mixture of present production with a high ceiling. His motor and strength win him a lot of battles. He’s quick, too. It allows him to work well on the interior but also kick out to end. Diehl will turn heads at camps and combines this spring and summer.

Like with Cowger, Diehl eased into his high school career as a freshman on the varsity. He finished the campaign with 7.0 tackles (7 solo, 1.0 TFL) and a sack. His ninth-grade highlight video reveals a high-motor performer at right offensive guard and defensive tackle. He’s quick off of the ball from both sides of the trench. On offense, he quickly gets leverage on opponents. Diehl then uses his advanced physicality and power to overwhelm them. The quickness shows up a little more on defense. The strength complements that well, allowing for him to bull-rush, which created his sack in ’23, or speeding around the blocker. Looking forward to watching sophomore film.