By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There are many talented defensive linemen across our coverage area that features more than 60 teams. Below are some of the top defensive linemen to watch this season. This list is in alphabetical order.
NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on one of our other SEVEN football watch lists. In an effort to highlight as many players as possible, A PLAYER CAN ONLY APPEAR ON ONE LIST.
The football watch lists we will be releasing are: Quaterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers, Offensive Linemen, Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.
QUARTERBACKS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
RUNNING BACKS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
RECEIVERS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
LINEBACKERS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
DEFENSIVE BACKS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
JAMBOREE PHOTOS – CLICK HERE
ALL FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS – CLICK HERE
Myles Foster, West Plains Senior
Foster is another edge rusher that finds ways to be impactful in all phases of the game. He eats up blockers and sets the edge defensively against the run. Against the pass, he gets downhill and his athleticism led to him tallying six PBUs. Expect improvement on his 66 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 19 quarterback hurries. Colleges will be taking notice this fall.
Micah Lindsey, Carthage Senior
All it takes is the first two plays from his junior highlight tape to understand just why he’s the best defensive linemen in the Ozarks. In play one, the Co-COC Defensive Player tackles both the quarterback and running back to blow up a read option. In the second play, he drops into coverage, intercepting a screen pass and taking it to the house. His numbers are staggering (91 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 11 sacks) but the fact he did this while often being double and sometimes triple-teamed is incredible. Pitt State got an absolute steal.
Andrew Link, Kickapoo Senior
A pure menace on the defensive line, there’s a reason why D1s were lining up for the 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end before his commitment to Missouri State. Link is explosive with great hands. He sets the edge and he can chase down plays from the backside. His freakishly high motor is why even FBS programs got into the mix. He will also put up major numbers at tight end this fall.
Jaxon Lockett, Glendale Senior
Tipping the scales at 315-pounds, there aren’t many interior tackles that are bigger than Lockett. Not many are more impactful either. As a junior he made his name as a run stuffer, finishing with 77 tackles and five sacks. If he’s not double teamed, he’s going to make the play.
Lucas Ott, Webb City Senior
Ott will be a long snapper in college and is one of the nation’s best, but he’s one of the area’s most disruptive defensive ends. As a junior, he finished with 125 tackles and nine tackles for loss with a pair of forced fumbles. He plays an incredibly disciplined brand of football on the edge.
Brock Owens, Rolla Senior
Rolla is loaded on both the offensive and defensive lines and Owens is at the heart of it all. He flourishes as an interior lineman, using quickness and explosiveness to shoot gaps. He’s incredible against the run, has the speed to rush the passer and eats up double teams; he doesn’t have many holes in his game.
Case Sanderson, Nevada Senior
Case is an elite baseball player and high-level running back, but watching the 6-foot-3, 215-pound defensive end destroy offenses is impressive. He finished his junior year with 87 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He also forced three fumbles and had an interception. His blend of strength, explosiveness and mobility are rare for high school players. Offensively, he totaled more than 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Caden Wiest, Reeds Spring Senior
Wiest will be dynamic on the offensive side of the ball this year, but the Missouri State commit has pro-level potential as a hybrid defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker. At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds guys shouldn’t be able to move like Wiest does, which is why multiple FBS programs came knocking on his door. Expect him to increase his production from last year’s 58 tackles, seven sacks and three forced fumbles.
Gunner Williams, Lebanon Junior
As a sophomore he proved he was one of the most physical presences in the Ozark Conference. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound junior finished with 46 tackles and nine tackles for loss last fall. And, in a league with a variety offenses, Williams is as good at rushing the passer as he is at stuffing the run.
Tyson Williams, Lamar Senior
Williams set the tone up front for Lamar last year, turning 57 tackles and 15 tackles for loss into All-Big 8 and All-Area honors. At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds he’s a big, long athlete that also excels at tight end, where he’s also All-Big 8 and All-Area. Lamar will be inexperienced on the defensive line, look for Williams to step his game up.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Preston Ames, Strafford Sophomore
Eben Crain, Reeds Spring Senior
Tate Crawford, Marshfield Senior
Hayden Crider, Rolla Senior
Blake Goodman, Bolivar Senior
Montana Hacker, El Dorado Springs Senior
Luke Hauer, Rogersville Senior
Karon Johnson, Willard Senior
Skyler Rogers, MV-BT/Liberty Senior
Avry Rutherford, Nixa Senior
Gabe Sutton, Rolla Senior
