Top Defensive Linemen
Class of 2027 -- ranked by measurables, physical ceiling, and recruiting validation
Elite interior DL production with 73 tackles, 22 TFL, and 13 sacks — the most disruptive defensive lineman in the class. At 6'1" 262 with verified combine numbers (5.58/5.12 shuttle) and a massive sophomore-to-junior leap, he's a college-ready 3-technique with a relentless motor and the stats to back it up.
Barrios-Pablo is a productive, physically mature interior defensive lineman at 6'1" 262 lbs who dominated his junior season with 73 tackles, 22 TFL, and 13 sacks as a two-way starter. He wins with an explosive first step, active hands, and a relentless motor that allows him to live in opposing backfields. His verified combine numbers (5.58 forty, 5.12 shuttle at 262 lbs) confirm functional quickness, and his three-year varsity starter resume combined with strong academics (AP coursework, Honor Roll) and multi-sport athleticism give him a high floor as a prospect with room to continue developing.
Prototypical edge rusher frame at 6'4" 230 with elite strength metrics (345 bench, 465 squat, 260 clean), Ivy League offers, and 72 tackles/7 sacks at Regis Jesuit before transferring to Cherry Creek. Brother plays DE at UCLA — the pedigree, academics (31 ACT), and physical tools make him the most complete DE prospect in the class.
Avoryon Brown is a 6'1" 205-lb junior DE/TE with legitimate two-way potential and explosive testing numbers (405 squat, 34" vertical). His junior season breakout -- 65 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks, 17 hurries in 8 games -- shows a physically mature edge rusher who consistently disrupts at the point of attack. With a full senior season ahead and room to add functional weight to his frame, Brown projects as a developmental defensive end or outside linebacker at the next level whose motor, strength base, and athletic traits give him significant upside.
At 6'5" 240 with 63 tackles, 17 TFL, and 8 sacks, Tisdall has the ideal EDGE frame and production to project as a legitimate D1 pass rusher. Needs verified athletic testing to unlock his ceiling, but the size-production combination is rare — a strong camp circuit could catapult his recruitment.
Tisdall is a physically imposing EDGE prospect with prototypical size (6'5" 240) and an outstanding junior stat line (17 TFL, 8 sacks). His combination of length, motor, hand usage, and pass rush moves gives him a clear FCS ceiling with G5 upside if verified athletic testing confirms his reported movement skills. The biggest gap in his profile is the absence of timed measurables and the lack of any D1 offers to date -- a strong camp circuit performance this offseason could change his recruitment dramatically.
Oregon State offer validates the 6'4" 240 frame, and 54 tackles with 13 TFL show elite backfield disruption at CO 5A. The sophomore-to-junior leap (1 TFL to 13 TFL) is dramatic, and his track background adds athletic upside — sack finishing (only 3) needs to improve, but the tools and trajectory are D1.
Quentin Dorsey is a 6'4", 240-lb junior edge rusher at Grandview (CO 5A) who made a dramatic statistical jump as a junior with 54 tackles, 13 TFL, and 3 sacks after posting 19 tackles and 1 TFL as a sophomore. His frame, lower-body power (365 squat, 255 clean), and short-area quickness (4.6 shuttle) give him a strong physical foundation, and his multi-sport track background adds to his athletic upside. With a full senior season ahead and room to add functional weight to his frame, Dorsey projects as a high-ceiling edge prospect whose production and measurables should continue to trend upward.
Long 6'4" 220 frame with elite verified strength (455 squat/deadlift, 245 clean) and 8 sacks as a junior — massive leap from 1 sack as a sophomore shows accelerating development. Wrestling pedigree (state qualifier at 215) confirms functional power; needs 20-30 lbs but the frame and power base are ideal for a developmental college DE.
Brooks Ragan is a 6'4" 220 lb rising senior DE/TE out of Basalt (CO 2A) who exploded as a junior with 8 sacks, 9 TFL, and 49 total tackles -- a massive leap from 1 sack as a sophomore. His verified weight room numbers (455 squat, 455 deadlift, 245 bench, 245 clean) demonstrate an elite power base for his age, and his long frame has significant room to add mass. He's a high-motor, two-way lineman who impacts games as both a pass rusher and on special teams, and his best football is clearly ahead of him.
Rare length at 6'5" with a 7'0" wingspan and advanced pass-rush toolkit (bend + bull rush) on an undefeated 4A state champion. At only 200 lbs he needs significant mass, but 55 tackles and 15 TFL as a junior on a great team — combined with freshman-year dominance (15.5 sacks) — show a high-ceiling edge rusher still growing into his body.
Dominick Webb is a high-upside, projectable edge rusher with rare length (6'5", 7'0" wingspan) and developing athleticism on an undefeated 4A state championship team. His frame has significant room to add mass, and his pass-rushing toolkit (bend, bull rush, hand usage) is advanced for a rising senior. If he can add 20+ lbs of functional weight and verify his speed at camps this offseason, he profiles as a legitimate mid-major to Group of 5 prospect with FBS upside -- the kind of late-developing Colorado edge that could explode between junior and senior year.
68 tackles, 19 TFL, and 9 sacks is elite disruption production regardless of classification — 28% of his tackles went for a loss. At 6'1" 215 with solid strength numbers and a 3.9 GPA, the speed (5.12 forty) is a concern for D1 edge play, but the motor, wrestling background, and backfield penetration rate are undeniable.
Stalcup is a high-motor, multi-position defensive front prospect at 6'1" 215 lbs with outstanding junior-year production (68 tackles, 19 TFL, 9 sacks) out of Colorado 2A. He plays with relentless effort, wins with leverage and effort rather than pure speed, and has the frame and academic profile (3.9 GPA) to project as a developmental D1 defensive end or outside linebacker. His three-sport background and strength foundation suggest meaningful physical upside heading into his senior season.
The offer list (Oklahoma State, Liberty, Toledo, Central Michigan, FAU) validates what the tape shows — a 6'5" 300-lb athlete who plays varsity basketball and moves like a much smaller man. Only 9 tackles and 1 TFL on defense because he's primarily an OT prospect, but his frame, offers, and multi-sport athleticism make him the most recruited lineman in the class.
Jenkins is a massive, nimble offensive tackle with a long frame and rare athleticism for his size — he plays varsity basketball and has been clocked grabbing 13 rebounds in a game at 6'5"+. Scout evaluations praise his ability to climb to the second level, lock down edge rushers with quick feet and strong hands, and pancake defenders in the run game. He anchored a Pine Creek offensive line that produced nearly 3,000 rushing yards at 6+ YPC and earned 5A all-state honorable mention as a junior. With his frame, movement skills, and two-way versatility, Jenkins projects as a high-ceiling offensive tackle with the physical tools to develop into a college starter.
6'3" 220 DE at Valor Christian with 40 tackles, 9 TFL, and 4 sacks as a junior — PRZ scouts confirm first-step quickness and translatable hand technique. Frame can carry 240+ in college, and the 5A competition level adds value; needs verified athletic testing to push into offer territory.
Sanders is a 6'3" 220-lb defensive end with a strong junior season at Colorado 5A powerhouse Valor Christian, posting 40 tackles, 9 TFL, and 4 sacks. Scouting reports highlight his first-step quickness, hand technique, and block-shedding ability as his most translatable tools. Still a rising junior with significant physical upside and a frame that can support 240+ lbs at the college level — the combination of his length, motor, and pass-rush technique makes him a legitimate developmental edge prospect.
Elite weight room numbers (505 squat, 315 bench, 540 deadlift) and a Cornell offer validate the 6'2" 288-lb interior lineman who produced 28 tackles, 5 TFL, and 3 sacks from DT. Rugby All-State pedigree translates to leverage and body control — he's a physical, high-character prospect whose strength and density project well as a college nose or 1-technique.
Flynn Latta is a physically mature, two-way interior lineman (C/DT) who brings verified elite strength (505 squat, 315 bench, 540 deadlift) and impressive junior-year defensive production (28 tkl, 5 TFL, 3 sacks) from the DT position. His rugby pedigree (10 years, state champion, All-State) translates to natural leverage, body control, and competitive toughness in the trenches. Combined with a strong academic and leadership profile, he projects as a high-character, high-floor interior lineman whose physical tools and work ethic suggest continued development.
80 tackles from the DE spot on a back-to-back 5A state champion is remarkable volume, and PRZ scouts praise his bull rush power and hand technique. At 6'3" 240 with long-snapping value and a 10-to-80 tackle leap, the motor and competitive pedigree are clear — needs to convert more tackles into TFL/sacks (only 4/3) to project as a primary pass rusher.
Thomas is a 6'3" 240 lb rising senior EDGE/DE who produced 80 tackles, 4 TFL, 3 sacks, and an INT as a junior while starting on a back-to-back Colorado 5A state championship team. PRZ scouts praise his hand usage, bull rush power, lateral quickness, and block-shedding ability -- tools that project well at the next level. He adds long-snapping versatility and plays varsity lacrosse; the combination of size, multi-sport athleticism, and a rapid development trajectory (10 tackles as a sophomore to 80 as a junior) makes him a prospect worth evaluating closely heading into his senior year.
The 13 TFL in 10 games at CO 5A is one of the best disruption rates in the class, and the 6'5" frame is ideal for a college DE — he just needs 40-60 lbs to fill it out. The sophomore-to-junior leap (1 tackle to 40) shows a player just scratching the surface; high ceiling but very raw physically at 205 lbs.
Mason Stephenson is a high-upside 6'5" defensive lineman with a long, projectable frame who produced at a high level as a junior in Colorado 5A, posting 40 tackles, 13 TFL, 2.5 sacks, and 6 hurries in 10 games. His 13 TFL demonstrate elite backfield penetration ability, and his sophomore-to-junior leap shows an accelerating development curve. At 205 lbs he is still very much growing into his frame, and his ceiling will be determined by how he fills out physically and how he tests athletically -- but the length, production, and motor are all there for a legitimate developmental defensive end prospect.
Prototypical D1 edge frame at 6'5" 250 with a diverse pass-rush toolkit (bull rush, swim, spin) and 15 career TFL across two varsity seasons. Tested 40 of 5.25 is a concern, but the size, basketball athleticism, and PRZ scout evaluations of his explosion out of his stance suggest a developmental edge with real physical upside.
Thomas-Flores is a 6'5" 250-pound defensive end with a high physical ceiling, legitimate two-way versatility, and consistent production (62 tackles, 15 TFL, 6 sacks over two varsity seasons). PRZ scouts describe him as explosive out of his stance with a diverse pass-rush toolkit — bull rush, swim, and spin moves — plus the bend to win around the edge. His tested speed (5.25 forty) is a developmental area, but his frame, motor, and football IQ suggest significant upside as he continues to physically mature into his senior year.
All-State Honorable Mention at 6'5" 230 with 76 tackles shows elite effort and motor from a prototypical edge frame. The glaring issue is only 2 TFL and 1 sack on those 76 tackles — he's not finishing plays in the backfield despite getting there. The frame and recognition are real, but he needs a senior-year sack breakout to validate his pass-rush projection.
Shefte is a 6'5" 230-lb rising senior edge rusher with the length, frame, and positional versatility that jump off the screen. He earned CHSAA 4A All-State Honorable Mention as a junior after recording 76 tackles, 2 TFL, and 1 sack -- more than doubling his sophomore output of 33 tackles. Independent scouts praise his bend, hand usage, strength at the point of attack, and ability to chase down ball carriers in space. As a two-sport athlete who also plays varsity basketball, he brings translatable coordination and footwork. With room to add significant mass to his frame and a full senior season ahead, his physical ceiling is substantial.
Father appears to be David Shefte based on Twitter account (@DavidShefte) that follows and interacts with Chris's football content. No further athletic background information found.
76 tackles, 10 TFL, and 3 sacks as a SOPHOMORE at 6'3" 240 is impressive production with two full seasons of development remaining. Size and motor are college-caliber, but 8-man competition and a 0-60 playoff loss raise level-of-competition questions — needs camp testing and film against better opponents.
Connor Knezel is a 6'3" 240-lb two-way lineman who posted 76 tackles, 10 TFL, and 3 sacks as a sophomore defensive end while also recording 21 pancake blocks on offense. He carries a 4.0 GPA and has been a varsity starter since his freshman year. His size, motor, and production project him as a developmental defensive end or edge player at the next level, though verified athletic testing would help confirm his speed and explosiveness ceiling.
6'3" 235 with 35 tackles, 8 TFL, and 4 sacks at CO 5A — the frame and strength (275 bench) project well for continued development. Positional versatility across DE and DT adds value, but needs verified athletic testing and a stronger senior season to generate D1 interest.
Solomon Kelley is a 6'3", 230-235 lb defensive lineman with a productive junior season (35 tackles, 8 TFL, 3 sacks) and verified upper-body strength (275 lb bench). His frame has clear room to add functional weight, and his positional versatility across DE and DT gives him scheme flexibility. He is a rising senior who should be tracked for continued physical development and athletic testing this offseason.
Three-year varsity starter with 35 career TFL and a 405 squat — the production consistency (13-14 TFL each of the last two years) is impressive. At 6'1" 220 he's undersized for interior DL at the next level but could project as a penetrating 3-technique if his frame can carry 260+.
Kason Lopez is a high-motor, undersized interior defensive lineman with elite backfield disruption production -- 35 career TFL and 6.5 sacks through three varsity seasons starting as a freshman. His strength numbers (405 squat, 225 bench) show a strong foundation, and his consistent statistical improvement each year suggests he is still ascending. The key projection question is whether his 6'1" frame can carry the 260-280+ lbs needed to hold up as an interior lineman at the next level, or whether his skillset translates better to a penetrating 3-technique or even an edge role in certain schemes.
7 sacks, 11 TFL, and 13 hurries as a junior DE on a 13-1 playoff team shows consistent pass-rush ability and motor. At 6'0" 185 he's significantly undersized for DE — projects as an OLB/EDGE hybrid who will need to add 25+ lbs and verify his athletic testing to attract college attention.
Javon Barnard is a productive, high-motor defensive end who posted 7 sacks, 11 TFL, and 13 hurries as a junior on a 13-1 CHSAA 3A playoff team. At 6'0" 185 lbs with DE/MLB versatility, he projects as an EDGE/OLB at the college level with room to grow into his frame. His relentless pass-rush production and ability to stack tackles from the DE spot suggest a player whose motor and instincts will translate — he needs verified athletic testing to fully define his ceiling.
63 tackles, 8 TFL, and 3 sacks at 6'2" 210 with a wrestling background — the frame can carry 230-240 in college and the leverage skills translate. Needs verified athletic testing and a stronger sack total as a senior, but the multi-sport athleticism and production profile are solid for a developmental DE.
Trevon Young is a 6'2" 210-lb junior defensive end at Grand Junction (CO 4A) who posted 63 tackles, 8 TFL, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles across 12 varsity games. His production, especially in the backfield, is notable for a player with significant physical growth still ahead of him. As a multi-sport athlete with a wrestling background, he possesses the leverage and competitive toughness that translate well to the next level, and his frame suggests he could carry 230-240 lbs with a college strength program.
78 tackles in 9 games (8.7 per game) from the interior DL spot is exceptional motor and effort — add 7 TFL, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 caused fumbles. At 6'1" 265 he's a density nose tackle type whose pass-rush ceiling (only 2 sacks) is limited, but the run-stuffing production is legitimate at the 2A level.
Connor Anthes is a productive, high-motor interior defensive lineman who posted 78 tackles and 7 TFL in just 9 games as a junior at the 2A level -- an 8.7 tackles-per-game clip that is exceptional for a down lineman. At 6'1" 265 lbs, he plays with the density, pad level, and effort to stack and shed blocks against the run, and his 140 career tackles through three varsity seasons demonstrate durability and consistency. He projects as a nose tackle or interior DL at the next level, and verified athletic testing data would help further define his ceiling.
Elite lower-body strength (535 squat, 520 deadlift) at 6'0" 270 with playoff experience against quality 4A opponents on a deep-run Broomfield team. Compact interior DT who anchors well, but height (5'10"-6'0") and modest TFL production (4 TFL, 2 sacks) limit his ceiling — projects as a run-stuffing nose at the small-college level.
85 tackles and 10 TFL as a 6'1" 195-lb junior show a high-motor defender who flies to the ball — the 14-tackle game vs Rifle is impressive. Undersized for college DL and lacks verified athletic testing; projects as an OLB/DE hybrid who needs 20+ lbs and a strong senior year to attract attention.
Chris Hays is a high-motor, two-way player from Basalt (CO 2A) whose primary value right now is on the defensive side of the ball, where he posted 85 tackles, 10 TFL, and 3 sacks as a junior. At 6'1" 195, he projects more as an OLB/DE hybrid than a traditional tight end at the next level, and his ability to consistently get into the backfield is his calling card. He still has his senior season to grow into his frame and expand his offensive role -- the athletic bloodlines are there (brother Taylor was a dynamic playmaker for Basalt's 11-1 semifinal team) and his multi-sport background suggests upside.
Older brother Taylor Hays was a standout two-way player at Basalt High School (Class of 2025). Listed at 6'2", Taylor caught 31 passes for 552 yards and 12 touchdowns, rushed 31 times for 360 yards and 5 TDs, and led the team with 8 interceptions on defense during the 2024-25 season (11-1, 2A state semifinalists). Taylor signed with Nebraska Wesleyan University (NCAA Division III) for football.
61 tackles, 11 TFL, and 5 sacks represent strong disruption numbers, but at 5'11" 180 with zero verified athletic testing or film available, the physical tools are a complete unknown. The production trajectory (13 tackles as a soph to 61 as a junior) is intriguing — needs measurables and film to be properly evaluated.
Kian Martinez is a 5'11" 180 lb defensive prospect at Mountain Range who posted 61 tackles, 11 TFL, and 5 sacks as a junior -- production numbers that indicate a high-motor defender who wins in the backfield at a strong rate. His statistical jump from sophomore year (13 tackles, 1 sack in 5 games) to junior year shows a player on a steep development curve with his best football still ahead of him. Verified athletic testing and film are needed to fully assess his physical tools and technique, but the on-field production and frame suggest a player worth tracking closely heading into his senior season.
6'3" 200 with positional versatility (DE, OL, TE, LB) and a wrestling background — the frame projects well for a college DE if he can add 40+ lbs. Production doubled from sophomore to junior year (24 to 47 tackles), but 2 sacks and no verified measurables keep his ceiling uncertain.
Carter Blair is a 6'3" 200-lb junior defensive end at Silver Creek (CO 4A) who took a major step forward in 2025 with 47 tackles, 6 TFL, and 2 sacks after posting 24 tackles as a sophomore. His frame, wrestling background, and positional versatility (has played DE, OL, TE, and LB) give him a projectable physical profile with room to add functional weight. Film shows an active, disruptive presence off the edge with the motor and leverage to continue improving as a pass rusher heading into his senior season.
All-Fort Collins Team recognition validates his 40 tackles, 6 TFL, and 2 sacks at CO 5A, and the two-way OLB/TE usage shows football IQ. At 6'2" 190 he needs significant mass, but the lean, projectable frame and ascending production curve make him worth tracking into his senior year.
Cohen Saunders is a 6'2" 190 lb junior OLB/TE at Fossil Ridge (CO 5A) who showed a significant production jump in 2025 with 40 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 PDs, and 4 QB hurries across 9 games. He has a lean, projectable frame with room to add considerable mass and plays with an evident motor — multiple film clips and a published photo show him finishing plays on quarterbacks and in the backfield. His two-way usage (OLB/TE) speaks to his football IQ and versatility, and his development curve from sophomore to junior year suggests he is still ascending as a player heading into his senior season.
First Team All-Area at Vista Ridge (4A) with PRZ scouts citing an 'elite first step' — technically sound edge rusher with good hand placement. At 6'1" 210 with only 3 TFL and 2 sacks, the disruption stats don't yet match the scouting reports; needs a senior-year breakout to validate the tools.
Smith is a technically refined defensive end with a verified elite first step and sound hand placement/pad level per independent scouting evaluation. At 6'1" 210 lbs entering his senior year, he projects as a strong-side DE or stand-up edge in a 3-4 scheme at the college level. His year-over-year production jump (31 to 46 tackles) and First Team All-Area recognition as a junior suggest a player whose best football is still ahead of him, with the frame and motor to continue developing through a college strength program.
College-ready frame at 6'2" 235 with a 400-lb squat and DE/DT versatility — the sophomore-to-junior leap (0 TFL to 6 TFL) shows development. Needs verified athletic testing and stronger production against better competition to clarify his ceiling.
William Burns is a 6'2", 235 lb defensive lineman at Montbello (Denver, CO) who made a significant leap as a junior, recording 35 tackles, 6 TFL, and 2 sacks after posting modest sophomore numbers. He plays both DE and DT, carries a college-ready frame with a reported 400 lb squat, and was recognized on Playmaker's Corner's Colorado edge rusher watchlist. With a full senior season ahead, verified athletic testing would help quantify the explosiveness and get-off that his production suggests.
5 sacks and 7 TFL as a junior with a 3.9 GPA and wrestling/track background show a competitive, high-character kid. At 5'10" 205 he's undersized for DE — projects as a rush specialist or OLB at a smaller program, but the multi-sport athleticism and academic profile are real selling points.
Jonah Hernandez is a compact, high-motor defensive end who made a significant leap as a junior, posting 39 tackles, 7 TFL, 5 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries in 11 games of Colorado 4A competition. He plays with relentless effort and has three years of varsity experience. His 5'10" / 205 lb frame likely projects him as an outside linebacker or rush specialist at the next level, though his wrestling background and track participation suggest functional strength and athleticism that could support continued physical development. A 3.9 GPA with AP coursework makes him an easy admit.
A 515-lb squat school record at 200 lbs is an extraordinary strength-to-weight ratio, and state wrestling qualification at 285 confirms functional toughness and leverage. At 5'11" 200 playing DT, he needs 40-60 lbs to project at the next level — the tools are fascinating but the frame is a real question.
Sophomore-to-junior leap from 5 tackles to 36 tackles with 5 TFL shows a player emerging as a two-way contributor. At 6'1" 215 he needs 35-40+ lbs for college line play, and no verified athletic testing makes projection difficult — the scout praise of pad level and hand strength is encouraging.
Xander Valentin Bradford is a 6'1", 210-215 lb two-way lineman at Centaurus (CO) who took a significant step forward as a junior, posting 36 tackles, 5 TFL, and 2 sacks on defense while starting on the offensive line. Scout evaluations highlight his low pad level, hand strength, pull-blocking ability, and competitive toughness. The key question for Bradford's projection is his frame -- he'll need to add 35-40+ lbs to play on either line at the college level, and verified athletic testing would help define his ceiling as either an undersized DL or a developmental OL prospect.
Two consecutive All-League honors and a doubled tackle total (31 to 66) on a 2A semifinal team show a productive, improving player. At 5'11" 190 he's undersized for college DL — may need to transition to LB with added weight; academic profile needs verification.
Landon Edwards is a two-way lineman (OL/DL) at Elizabeth who has shown a strong developmental trajectory, more than doubling his tackle production from sophomore to junior year (31 to 66 total tackles) while adding 6 TFL, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 13 games for a team that reached the 2A state semifinal. At 5'11" 190 lbs, he is undersized for traditional offensive or defensive line at the next level, but his motor, productivity, and two consecutive All League 2nd Team honors suggest he could project as a smaller-school interior DL or potentially transition to linebacker with added weight. With one full season remaining, his physical ceiling and ability to add mass will determine his college trajectory.
The growth trajectory from 6'1" 155 to 6'2" 180 is encouraging, and forced fumbles in a playoff quarterfinal show effort. Only 1 TFL and 1 sack in 41 tackles is minimal disruption — needs another 30+ lbs and a significant production jump as a senior to project at the next level.
All-State selection with 82 tackles, 12 TFL, and 5 sacks on defense plus 1,673 rushing yards shows an elite 8-man athlete with incredible motor and toughness. At 5'9" 170, he has no clear DL projection at the next level — his value is as an athlete/safety/slot, not a defensive lineman.
Owen Harris is a high-motor, two-way football player who dominated Colorado 8-Man football as a junior with 1,673 rushing yards and 17 TDs while also posting 82 tackles, 12 TFL, and 5 sacks on defense. At 5'9" 170 lbs with a 245 lb bench press, he possesses legitimate functional strength and contact balance that fuel his 7.7 YPC average. His position at the next level will likely need to shift from his current RB/DE role -- he projects as an athlete with the toughness, two-way versatility, and competitive drive to contribute in a scheme that values effort and physicality.
Three-year varsity contributor with positional versatility (TE/ILB/DE/OL), but at 5'10" 205 with modest defensive production (35 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack) he's a tweener without a clear college position. Needs a strong senior year and weight gain to project anywhere on the line.
Projectable 6'2" 190 frame with two-way production (567 rushing yards, 30 tackles/3 sacks), but primarily an offensive player at this stage. The DL production is secondary, and he's better evaluated as an athlete or RB than a defensive lineman prospect.
Judah Howe is a 6'2" 190 lb two-way athlete with an ideal frame to continue adding mass through his senior year and beyond. His junior breakout -- 567 rushing yards on 7.8 YPC with 8 TDs and a 60-yard long run -- shows a runner who can create explosive plays while also contributing 30 tackles, 3 TFL, and 3 sacks on defense. He projects as a physical, downhill runner with the length and frame to grow into a 210-215 lb back at the college level, and his multi-sport background (varsity baseball, LHP) supports overall athleticism and coordination.
At 5'11" 193 with 39 tackles and 4 TFL, he's a tweener without verified film or athletic testing. No Hudl highlights and limited recruiting visibility make evaluation nearly impossible — needs size, film, and camp exposure.
Compact 5'8" 180 two-way player whose value is his motor and versatility, not his DL projection. With 9 career TFL across two seasons he shows some backfield disruption, but the frame eliminates any realistic college DL pathway.
Lian is a compact, physical two-way player who has been a varsity starter on both sides of the ball since his sophomore year at Wheat Ridge. At 5'8" 180 lbs, he runs with a low pad level and contact balance that allows him to churn out yards between the tackles, and he flashes second-level speed on chunk plays (7.1 YPC in a 141-yard game against Niwot). His defensive versatility as an edge/linebacker hybrid who has recorded 9 TFL, 2 sacks, and an interception adds real value — he's a football player, not just a running back. Verified athletic testing would help quantify his speed and explosiveness, which scouts describe favorably but remain unmeasured.
39 tackles and 6 TFL show some disruption ability, but at 5'10" with no listed weight and playing on a dominant Montrose team that inflates stats, there's not enough here to project a college DL. Needs verified measurables and production against better competition.
No listed height, weight, or verified film makes this player impossible to evaluate as a DL prospect. Listed as WR/OLB at a small program — 45 tackles and 4 TFL show effort, but without basic measurables there's no DL projection to make.