Winter is Coming Part 2 – Defensive Line
Part 2 of Winter is coming brings me to the defensive linemen. Focusing on the hardworking young men grinding every day to be the best they can be for the spring season. These gentlemen I have seen at showcases, spoke…
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Continue ReadingPart 2 of Winter is coming brings me to the defensive linemen. Focusing on the hardworking young men grinding every day to be the best they can be for the spring season. These gentlemen I have seen at showcases, spoke with on twitter, or just found them in my Hudl viewing. Excited to see what the winter has in store for them in getting Bigger, Faster, and Stronger.
Jireh Mays Jireh Mays 6'2" | 320 lbs | DL East St. Louis | 2022 State IL , East St. Louis HS, 6’2 328, 2022, Defensive Tackle
Jireh is a confident all-around talent that welcomes all opponents for a challenge. I have seen him up close, watch him interact with other players, and the effect he has on them. He brings attitude to the game coaches look for in their lockerroom. Has a quick first step, strong explosive hands, and can rush in or outside when you want to call your stunts on the line. He shows out at all the showcases he attends versus the best competition the state of Illinois offers. He is the #2 ranked DT in the State Class of 2022, and Power 5 Schools are going to be knocking.
Myles Watson, Thornton Fractional South HS, 2021, 6’0 252 Defensive Tackle
Myles is a hardworking senior living in the weight room to make the most of his upcoming spring season. When watching his film, what is popping out is his pad level, nose for the ball, and vice grip hands when engaged with the ball carrier. His 1st step is quick but can be improved; he needs to use hand techniques to break away from the offensive lineman. Can change direction on the run well in the pocket when disengaging from the blocker.
Nasim Cairo Nasim Cairo 6'2" | 265 lbs | DL Edwardsville | 2022 State IL , Edwardsville HS, 2022 6’3 280, Defensive Tackle
One word to describe Nasim is “Ferocius.” His high motor stems from the ferociousness that he plays with coming off the ball. Finds the ball effectively in open space, creates separation, with an explosive first step. Nasim is fast for his size, and he is only getting bigger, faster, stronger through the winter; and can be the top defensive linemen in the state.
Jake Pauline, Metea Valley HS, 2022, 6’1 285, Defensive Tackle
Jake is a wrecking ball on the field using leverage, strength, and hand placement to defeat the defender off the snap. Gets downhill quickly to shutdown runs up the middle with his impressive technique and a high motor. There is interest from some big schools, but I don’t see them stopping there when he takes the field in the spring.
Christian Lorenzo Christian Lorenzo 6'5" | 285 lbs | DL Dekalb | 2022 State IL , Dekalb HS, 2022, 6’3 283, Defensive Tackle
Christian is a powerful young man who plays with great pad level, strong hands when engaged, and is relentless throughout the play while adding a pass deflection in the mix. He has a nose for the ball understands the game enough to leap and swat when he can’t get to the QB in time. I remember seeing him at the 1st Prep Red Zone Showcase; he held his own all day with great talent.
Youth to Watch on the Rise
Jeh’Chys Brown Jeh’Chys Brown 6'3" | 265 lbs | DL Centralia | 2023 State IL , Centralia HS, 2023, 6’2 215, Defensive End
As a freshman starting on Varsity, he earned a 2-Way Starter position on the offensive and defensive line, not something that occurs routinely in high school football. Getting these reps at this age is priceless for a young man with his talents and size. Some of the film’s positive takeaways were the high motor he possesses with a nose for the ball while always playing through the whistle. Though he tends to play high at times, he recovers well but is quite coachable. You can see he has a high football IQ on the tape while playing the game with passion. Jeh’ Chys is the #2 ranked DL on Prep Red Zone Rankings for the 2023 class; keep an eye on this young man in the coming years.