Class of 2022 preview: Defensive Line
In this article:
Overview: The class of 2022 has several talented defensive linemen ready to make their mark. The following is a break down of some potential standouts in the class. DL: Cornell Evans Cornell Evans 6'1" | 275 lbs | DL Palotti |…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOverview: The class of 2022 has several talented defensive linemen ready to make their mark. The following is a break down of some potential standouts in the class.
DL: Cornell Evans Cornell Evans 6'1" | 275 lbs | DL Palotti | 2022 State MD , 6’1″, 275, Palotti, 2022, JR
The most impressive attribute I notice when watching Cornell is his twitchiness from the defensive tackle position. Cornell pairs his twitchiness with various pass rush techniques to consistently beat blocks and create pressure in the middle of the pocket if not ending the play himself with a sack. As a pass rusher, Cornell demonstrates the ability to use a variety of moves, including the swim, spin, and long arm techniques. Cornell’s ability to use all of these moves at a high-level makes him unpredictable to offensive lineman, making it difficult for them to find their footing in the game. Cornell even uses some of the same techniques to swiftly beat run blocks and create TFL’s. Cornell also demonstrates the ability to shed blocks after the lineman has attached himself, using his strength to knock the lineman off blocks with the push-pull technique. Cornell’s ability to be a true three-down defensive tackle why he is currently an elite college prospect and why he currently holding several Division 1 offers.
DL: Amar Thomas Amar Thomas 6'1" | 215 lbs | DL Wise | 2022 State MD , 6’1″, 215, Wise, 2022, JR
Amar is an explosive, very high effort defensive end. Amar’s explosiveness often allows him to win the point of attack against opposing offensive tackles and set the edge for his defense. His explosiveness also allows him to split double teams on outside zone plays, often leading to TFL’s. As a pass rusher, Amar’s uses his explosiveness to create an effective bull rush that collapses the width of the pocket and forces the quarterback off of his spot. Amar has also demonstrated the ability to use hand fighting techniques to defeat the offensive linemen’s punch and quickly get to their hip. Most Importantly, Amar pairs everything discussed so far with an impressive effort. For example, Amar’s effort and skill pay off as he often turns his bull rushes into sacks. In pursuit, he demonstrates the ability to run down Quarterbacks and isn’t satisfied with just affecting their spot. Amar already displays qualities that every college team needs to compete at a high level. As he continues to grow his game, he will undoubtedly develop into a quality college prospect.
DL: Dylan Price Dylan Price 6'3" | 240 lbs | DL Sidwell Friends | 2022 State MD , 6’3″, 240, Sidwell Friends, 2022, JR
The most impressive thing about Dylan is the versatility he displays on film. In just five minutes’ worth of tape, you can see Dylan rush the passer as a stand-up edge rusher, put his hand on the ground from a 4i position, blitz the A gaps from the middle linebacker position, and even drop into coverage. As an edge rusher, where Dylan seems to be most at home, he pairs his frame with his speed and explosiveness to blow by would-be blockers and deliver a blow to the Quarterback. In the run game, Dylan has a knack for getting into the backfield. He does this by using his speed to beat bigger linemen off the ball and shoot the gap when his hand is on the ground and the strength to overpower tight ends into the backfield when he’s off the ball. Dylan’s versatility makes him the perfect swiss army knife for any defense. Dylan is the perfect player for a creative defensive coordinator, allowing them to do things like dropping the defensive end into coverage to throw off an offense, making him an excellent college prospect.
DL: Kwan Williams Kwan Williams 6'1" | 285 lbs | DL McDonogh | 2022 State MD , 6’1″, 285, McDonogh, 2022, JR
Kwan is a strong physical interior defensive lineman that anchors the middle of the defense. Kwan has demonstrated the ability to dominate the point of attack in the run game by forcefully knocking interior offensive lineman into the backfield, disrupting the entire play. Kwan also shows off his strength by bench pressing interior lineman that are attached to him so he can shed the block and make the necessary tackle. Kwan has also demonstrated the ability to defeat reach blocks by working across the face of the opposing offensive lineman, this often results in him either stretching the play to the sideline or making the tackle himself. Kwan’s abilities don’t just stop in the run game. Kwan has also demonstrated the ability to rush the passer often by using powerful blows to knock the offensive linemen off balance which he then follows up with a physical hip or smooth swim to work half the man. Kwan’s ability to be effective in both the run and pass game allows him to be a three-down defensive tackle on the next level, making him an excellent prospect.