Defensive linemen

Written by Duane Long | 25 March 2010

Now we get to the fun stuff. I have said about positions in the past that I only hope we see a class as good as the one we were talking about. Never have I hoped to see a class again like this defensive line class for 2011. This is something like we see coming out of south. This is a class that the state of Florida would be happy with. There are tackles as well as ends. The best thing about it is it is full of the kind of players that makes JT use the term "bigs". Versatile players who could project to a couple of different positions, and more importantly they could be plugged in at several different positions and not miss a beat. It starts with Kenny Hayes. I have to make him the number one lineman in the class because of that versatility. He can play either end position. Miller is arguably the better weak side end but he is not as big. I don't think he could play on the strong side. His coach is a man I have a great deal of respect for. He has coached at the college level. He says he does not think Miller has the frame to add the weight to play on the strong side. Both are elite athletes. They have the first step that makes them special. They have the motor that is so important to being a defensive player. The next player on my list is an unknown to most of you. He belongs in the discussion of the best in the state of Ohio. If Tony Davis gets his grades in order he is a national defensive line prospect. He is a little more athletic version of Chase Farris. I don't know about playing left tackle but he is certainly an elite big who could play on the strong side or play the three-technique. His future is up to him.

6 - Austin Traylor - Walnut Ridge - DE/OLB. What an athlete Traylor is. I have not heard anything about his grades and I think everyone wants to get him in to camp to see his body and get some times from him. His stock could go through the roof with a good athlete season.

7 - Robert Mincey - Fairfield - DL. Another versatile big who could project to strong side end but I think he ends up at DT. He is another who could see his stock soar with a good summer.

8 - Jesse Hayes - Moeller - DE. Long and lean with a great looking frame to add weight. Relentless in pursuit.

9 - Chris Rock - DeSales - DE/DT. Everyone is asking the same question. When do we see him become the football player that his measurables say he can be? Played in some high profile games late in the season when he was supposedly sick.

10 - Kyle Rose - Centerville - DL. The most underrated defensive lineman in Ohio. Probably a strong side end but could grow into a three-technique.

11 - Deonte Gibson - St Edward - DE/OLB. Measurables are not what the elites want but this kid brings it. 3-4 teams should get to St. Ed and introduce themselves to this relentless edge playmaker.

12 - Joel Heath - Mt Healthy - DE/DT. The rawest of raw players. Great body and outstanding growth potential. Ask me to pick one player off this list who we will hear some announcer say, how did Jim Tressel let this guy get out of Ohio, and I would pick Heath.

There are two players out there who could shake this list up. I have still not seen Jarett Grace. A couple of plays does not give a good enough glimpse. I have heard alot about him and seen his offer list but I cannot put him on this list of elite players based on that. The other is another kid from Wyoming who I have not seen junior film of. I was very impress with what I have seen from Brian Price but it was sophmore film. He is a long lean kid who is very athletic.