Top 5 DL of Southern WI
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We move south of Hwy 10 to find our Top 5 DL of southern WI. This group of defensive linemen is truly special. One of the Top 5 already holds an FBS offer, another has FCS offers, and the others…
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Continue ReadingWe move south of Hwy 10 to find our Top 5 DL of southern WI. This group of defensive linemen is truly special. One of the Top 5 already holds an FBS offer, another has FCS offers, and the others are earning tons of D2 offers. This was a very competitive group; especially as I worked to ID my #5 player. It came down to a couple athletes fighting for it, so make sure to know the names in the Honorable Mention category as well. Let’s check out these studs!
1. Jace Gilbert Jace Gilbert 6'5" | 270 lbs | DL Arrowhead | 2024 State WI , ’24- Arrowhead
Jace is developing himself into a standout defensive lineman. The junior has already checked off so many boxes for the DE position. He has elite length at 6’5″ with the arm length to match. Jace bursts off the line, and has the range to pursue and make plays in the backfield from sideline to sideline. His strength is also noticeable as he stacks linemen on the edge against the run, and drives linemen off the ball on his bull rush. The big man is only going to get better as he continues to grow into his body. With that will come more body control and flexibility, which will make him even more dangerous as eh bends around the edge. Gilbert already holds an offer from Central Michigan.
2. Brandon Wraalstad Brandon Wraalstad 6'4" | 245 lbs | OL Oconomowoc | 2023 State WI , ’23- Oconomowoc
The top senior DL in southern WI resides in Oconomowoc. The 6’4″ 245 lbs DE has put together a great offseason from start to finish. That great offseason followed a junior season that showed off his full skill set. Brandon has a complete game of get off/burst, body control, and strength. When all those traits come together it makes Wraalstad difficult to get a block on, and allows him to wreck havoc in the backfield. His hand usage is another key strength of his game. These traits have earned him a collection of offers from Butler, South Dakota, and Mankato. We are in for a show this fall when Brandon takes the field again.
3. Steven Scott III Steven Scott III 6'5" | 260 lbs | OL Menomonee Falls | 2024 State WI , ’24- Menomonee Falls
The #1 interior DL in southern WI is the big man out of Menomonee Falls. Coming in at 6’5″ 270 lbs, Steven is a problem for IOL. As an underclassman, Steven has proven that he cane at up blocks and double teams with strength and stoutness. His strong anchor makes it hard for linemen to dig him out of the trenches. When faced with one on one blocks, Scott uses that strength to collapse the pocket. He also has the heavy hands to create separation with a strong punch, and from there can use short area quickness to get past the block. He is going to be a menace in the trenches this fall. Keep an eye on this dude every week.
4. Sam Coufal Sam Coufal 6'2" | 250 lbs | DL Kettle Moraine | 2023 State WI , ’23- Kettle Moraine
This has been one of my favorite DL in WI. However you want to look at it Sam has stood out from the crowd. He led his conference in sacks (8), and TFLs (19). His on the field traits are where he really jumps out. The quickness and burst he plays with at 6’2″ 250 lbs is next level ready. He eats up the cushion at the snap, is able to use lateral quickness to leave linemen grasping at air, and flashes quick hands to get hands off and create separation. Sam already has a slew of offers from Duluth, Sioux Falls, Winona State, and Bemidji State. I’m pumped to see him dominate off the edge this fall for one of the deepest rosters in WI.
5. Terrell Thomas Terrell Thomas 6'4" | 280 lbs | DL Arrowhead | 2023 State WI , ’23- Arrowhead
Our final spot goes to our second ember of the Arrowhead HS DL. The 6’5″ 275 lbs DL does his damage from the interior of the DL. Looking at his frame has to get next level coaches excited because there is still so much space for more muscle and overall size on him. With a couple more years of growth Terrell could turn into an absolute monster on the interior of a college defensive line. Watching his highlights, Terrell’s ability to find the ball among the mess and get to it to make stops stands out. He has length, strength, vision/awareness, and so much untapped potential. Look for Thomas to be a fast riser this fall. He already holds offers from Mankato, Northern Michigan, Bemidji State, and Concordia- St. Paul.
Honorable Mention:
Connor Akey Connor Akey 6'4" | 270 lbs | DL Wisconsin Rapids | 2023 State WI , ’23- Wisconsin Rapids: 6’4.5″ 265 lbs, Offers from Mankato, Upper Iowa, Northern Michigan, Southwest Minnesota State, Augustana, Duluth, and Concordia- St. Paul
Austin Moe Austin Moe 6'4" | 280 lbs | OL Brodhead | 2023 State WI , ’23- Brodhead: 6’4″ 280 lbs, Honorable Mention All-State DL, All Region, First Team All Conference
Luke German Luke German 6'1" | 260 lbs | DL Slinger | 2023 State WI , ’23- Slinger: 6′ 262 lbs, Holds American records in weight lifting for his age class, 1st Place at USPL Power Lifting Nationals
John Klinger John Klinger 6'3" | 250 lbs | DL Oshkosh North | 2023 State WI , ’23- Oshkosh North: 6’4″ 250, 4.9 40 Time, 3.6 GPA
Tristan Mick Tristan Mick 6'3" | 250 lbs | DL Muskego | 2023 State WI , ’23- Muskego: 6’3″ 250, First Team All Conference
Jaden Sharkey Jaden Sharkey 6'4" | 315 lbs | OL Union Grove | 2023 State WI , ’23- Union Grove: 6’3″ 300 lbs, Offers from Upper Iowa, and Mankato
Jace Miller Jace Miller 6'3" | 270 lbs | DL Franklin | 2024 State WI , ’24- Franklin: 6’3″ 260 lbs, 6’6″ wingspan, Team Captain, 4.9 40 Time
Wesley Coates Wesley Coates 6'3" | 275 lbs | DL Edgewood | 2024 State WI , ’24- Edgewood: 6’3″ 265 lbs, 3.1 GPA, Tracked at 19 MPH this winter
Jackson Kitzmiller Jackson Kitzmiller 5'11" | 250 lbs | DL Edgewood | 2025 State WI , ’25- Edgewood: 5’10” 230 lbs, Current #1 DL in Class of ’25
Jamison Bonds Jamison Bonds 6'2" | 245 lbs | DL Rufus King | 2025 State WI , ’25- Rufus King: 6’1″ 240 lbs, Current #2 DL in Class of ’25