2023 Defensive Lineman to know in the Houston Area
Listed below are just a handful of edge defenders in the Harris County who’s names will be seen often for the next few years. These players stood out on film and contributed much to their respected teams. With so many…
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Continue ReadingListed below are just a handful of edge defenders in the Harris County who’s names will be seen often for the next few years. These players stood out on film and contributed much to their respected teams. With so many players in the area and so much talent, a few stars may not be here for now. There are many more players to cover at this position, so this is only the beginning of this list.
David Hicks David Hicks 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL Paetow | 2023 State TX – Morton Ranch
Hicks is a freak of an athlete with tremendous size at this position. Hicks shows his strength, speed, and effort. He can dictate the outcome of a game with his play on the defensive side of the ball. Hicks shows his versatility by being able to dominate as an inside technique or as an edge rusher. He uses as arsenal of moves to get by offensive lineman to make plays. Hicks has great reach, which he uses to keep the blockers off, and has a nose for the ball. It almost seems unfair to his opponents that Hicks is only in the class of 2023. After watching his film, you can see why he currently holds 17 offers with many coming within the last month. Hicks talent is no longer hidden and is already on the hot list. Expect more to come for this special talent.
Ashton Porter – Cypress Ranch
Porter is a player who I have written about in the past, and is someone who I will continue to cover. He is a tremendous talent who plays with a fire. As a 3-4 end, Porter plays the role as a disruptor and is an absolute force. He shoots gaps with his quickness, and takes on double teams showing off his strength. Porter uses his hands very well to defeat blocks and has a great reach to remain unblocked and keep lineman off balance. He has a good first punch and is physical at the point of attack. Keeping tabs on Porter is important because there is a high chance that he will develop into one of the states best. As of now, Porter holds 3 offers with many more in his future.
Corey Kelly – Clear Falls
Kelly is an all around athlete who can play anywhere on the field, but on film did most of his damage as an edge defender. He is a long athlete with excellent reach. He can drop back into coverage and play the pass or be a force in the run game and end plays in a hurry. Kelly has a long stride that covers much field and has the flexibility and skill to defeat much bigger lineman. Off of the edge, Kelly is a serious threat, where he can use his athletic ability to make key plays. He currently holds 1 offer but the future is bright for this star. Eyes will be on Kelly and his development for the upcoming years.
Jarra Anderson – Cypress Park
When watching Anderson’s film, his first step and quickness pop out. Anderson gets into the backfield in a hurry with great determination and that puts stress on lineman trying to defend him. For a player who plays both sides of the ball, Anderson shows off a great motor. He shoots gaps extremely well, and gets off of blocks breaking little sweat. Anderson plays with purpose on offense and on defense, bullying the opposition left and right. He has good size and his skills will only get better. Anderson shows all of the tools. Quickness, speed, and strength, but more importantly he shows effort. He does not stop which is a reason why he is listed. As long as he continues to put in the work, his play will take care of everything else. Tremendous upside for Anderson.
Samu Taumanupepe – Atascocita
Taumanupepe immediately catches your eyes on film. Big number 99 holds down the interior of the line for the Eagle defense. Taumanupepe resets the line of scrimmage and forces his way into the backfield with pure power. He does an excellent job of locking out arms and creating a line of sight to the ball carrier. Often double teamed, Taumanupepe flips his hips well enough to counter the block and uses his strength to get out of them. He uses his hand extremely well to shed one on one blocks and causes havoc in the middle. If Taumanupepe can continue to work on his craft, the opportunities will present themselves for this beast in the middle.
Aden Allen – St. Pius X
Allen is an athletic edge defender who uses his speed and quickness to his advantage. Allen has good length and has a good burst off blocks. He is a fighter. Allen will hold his own against bigger lineman on base blocks, and still fight through it to make the plays. He continuously works his way through a block to pursue the ball which you love to see. Allen’s feet do not stop moving and he is always seeking out the ball carrier. He is an absolute issue in one on one passing situations, where he can pin his ears back and just go. Allen is a player who will only continue to get better and has the potential and skill to be a top pass rusher in the state.
Dylan Spencer – Katy Taylor
Spencer is just a nightmare off of the edge. He has the size and shows the speed and power. Very long frame with excellent length, Spencer throws blockers off of his body. He shows insane closing speed and is physical finishing plays. Spencer can move to any spot on the line and be dominant. He is another defender who can change the game by making plays and offenses will most likely run the opposite way. It is scary knowing that Spencer will develop into a better player than what he is now. He possess all of the traits needed to be a great end and he will be sitting at the top of this class. Spencer currently has 4 offers with one coming this last week. Programs are beginning to take notice of his skill and many more are on the way.