National Preps Showcase 2021 Top Performers: DL

Across the board, both the offensive and defensive lines were both one of the most impressive groups of the day and the talent from top to bottom was very impressive with both the interior players and edge defenders. There was a wide range of prospects ranging from some holding Power Five offers, to holding no offers or D-III offers. Below we will look at the top defensive linemen that were in attendance at the National Preps Showcase in Olympia and break down their film from last season.      Jessie BrownJessieBrown6'2" | DLOlympic | 2021StateWA 6’0" 283 Ibs., Olympic HS (WA) Photo: Photo: National Preps Showcases Currently committed to Portland State and rated as a 2-Star prospect by 247-Sports, Brown had an impressive showing in Olympia and proved why he is one of the most dominant interior defenders in the state. Brown has a sturdy frame and a strong lower body with good first step quickness and closing speed while inside the pocket. Athletic for his size, he also flashed a good use of hands in pass rush situations and has a strong initial punch while getting separation in a hurry with inside hand placement and a strong base while getting off blocks without losing ground. Extremely physical and dominant on both sides of the ball, Brown projects as an athletic and twitchy 3-tech at the next level. Junior Season Film     Bryson Kievit 6’2" 286 Ibs., Sprague HS (OR Photo: Photo: National Preps Showcases One of the most technically sound defensive linemen on the day, Kievit picked up his first offer from Western Oregon after attending the showcase and will look to add more college interest as he gears up for his Senior season. During his Junior year Kievit was a two-way anchor for his team but projects as a 3-tech at the next level and has a solid frame, strong upper body and little bad weight. The 2021 prospect showed good first step explosion and ability to flip his hips in traffic while having a quick use of hands while rushing the passer and a variety of pass rush moves at his disposal. Also possessing good lateral movement ability, Kievit is a strong tackler in the box and is technically sound against the run while defeating base/reach blocks and playing with a high motor and good toughness. He projects as a multi-year D-II starter from the interior DL position. Junior Season Film     Isaako Manu 6’5" 296 Ibs., East Anchorage HS (AK) Coming all the way from Alaska, Manu was one of the mot intriguing prospects on the day due to his size and raw athletic ability. While playing for East Anchorage High School, Manu displayed ideal size for a 4-3 defensive end and has a frame that will allow him to put on another 20-25 pounds by the time its all said and done. Still needing to develop, Manu is a strong and physical defender that plays with heavy hands and can disengage quickly while being able to track down ball carriers from behind and good COD. Once he becomes more technically sound and learns to lower his pad level, he could contribute to a FBS program due to his combination of natural size, strength and athleticism. High upside kid that is no where close to reaching his potential. Senior Season Film     Brody Reese 6’2" 310 Ibs., Centennial HS (OR) Currently holding an offer from Western Oregon University, Reese is an interior anchor with great strength and power that will only continue to develop as he grows. On tape, Reese plays with heavy hands and a strong initial punch while keeping a low pad level and strong leg drive against the run. A true two-gap anchor at the next level, he wins with leverage and power at the point of attack while also athletic enough to rush the passer from different shades along the defensive line. As he enters into his Senior season, he should continue to see more D-II and D-III interest come his way as he has a nice floor at the next level. Junior Season Film