As we move closer to the football season, it’s time to start looking at the top defensive linemen recruits in the state of Texas. This list is always subject to change, but these 20 players are off to a great start and should be among the best come next season. These players range from pure pass-rushers to all-around defenders, so there is something for everyone here. Be sure to watch out for these guys when watching Texas High School Football games this year!
#20. John Baldwin (23) | 6’5″ / 220 | DL | Clear Brook
John is a run-stuffing defensive end who can shut down the pass rush and pursue the ball carrier. Baldwin has outstanding height, long arms, and a large build that he may use to add more bulk at the next level. Despite some issues with hand movements and getting to the QB, Bladwin’s technique needs improvement.
#19.Devin Strange (23) | 6’1″ / 220 | DL | Liberty Christian
Devin has a motor and physicality about him that you’d want to see with players off the edge. With his high motor and tenacious pursuit, he’s strange, can fly towards the ball carrier and never give up on plays. Strange, can put his hand down or stand up and is excellent against the run. If developed further, he could move up a lot of rankings and recruiting boards.
#18.Michael Madrie (23) | 6’5″ / 235 | DL | Argyle
Michael’s is recruiting stock this season and move up our list. Argyle is a powerhouse program and Madrie performs well in competition. Shows an explosive burst off the ball, great speed, and agility getting to the quarterback. In addition to his great size and height, his ability to cause problems in the backfield makes him one of my favorite prospects to watch out for this season in the 2023 defensive linemen
class.
#17.Chase Edwards (23) | 6’7 / 240 | DL, EDGE | Cy Falls
Chase could very well emerge as one of the top defensive linemen prospects and could easily pass many on this list this season. With next-level size and skills already; not many adjustments need to be made for Edwards to not only raise his stock this season but also be an immediate producer and possible award winner at the next level.
#16.Dylan Spencer (23) | 6’5″ / 245 | DL | C.E. King
Spencer has chosen the Texas Longhorns over numerous other schools, including Baylor, LSU, SMU, and others. He appears to be one of the most dominant and next-level prospects on this list. Has a tall build with long arms that can play with hands in the ground or stand up and shed block easily. Is strong against both the run and pass.
#15.Jayden Cofield (23) | 6’3″ / 300 | DL | Manor
Cofield has been committed to the Texas Tech Red Raiders, but interest from other schools hasn’t prevented him from receiving attention. Since April of this year, when he committed to the Red Raiders, Cofield has received offers from Baylor and Minnesota, and we don’t see a stop in sight for him.
#14.Johnny Bowens (23) | 6’3 / 270 | DL | Judson
Bowens is one of the most dominant defensive linemen out of the central Texas area committed to the Aggies. He has a strong bull rush and can throw blockers around because of his strength and fly towards the ball carrier with a high motor. Think if he continues to lean out, adding more mass to his frame, he will be a dominant force at the next level and possess a high ceiling.
#13.Joseph Mutombo (23) | 6’5″ / 215 | DL | Keller Central
Joseph is unquestionably a FBS talent, and he’s your entire package on the defensive end. Disengaging blockers is only one of Joseph’s game technique-wise, but he’s a force off the edge. On contact, Joseph brings down the lumber and has the ability to make a name for himself this season.
#12.DK Kalu (23) | 6’4″ / 250 | DL | Ridge Point
A high motor and good awareness in his pursuit of the ball carrier make Kalu an excellent blitzer. He can plug up the interior of the defensive line and sneak into the backfield with a nice swim move or pure speed. Possesses a high motor, and he has outstanding attention to detail in his chase for the ball carrier.
#11.Keviyan Huddleston (23) | 6’4″ / 220 | DL | Chapel Hill
Huddleston is a big 6’4″ and 240 pounds. He’s played both sides of the ball at defensive end and offensive tackle in his career. His athleticism shows on defense. He has an exceptionally high motor, as well as the ability to get to the quarterback quickly. Also, he has a strong desire in pursuit of the ball
#10.Avion Carter (23) | 6’4″ / 240 | DL | Tascosa
Carter has the size and power to be a solid run stopper. Avion is an extremely aggressive player with a fast initial step off the ball. In the blink of an eye, Carter can be by blockers.
#9.Zachary Chapman (23) | 6’5 250 | DL | Fort Bend Marshall
Chapman has the body and skill to be among the best, but he must improve his speed and motor skills with the football in order to complete plays. Has physical stature and intangibles that make him a highly regarded FBS prospect.
#8.Kaleb James (23) | 6’4 250 | EDGE | Mansfield
Kaleb is a 3-star Arkansas commitment who is regarded as one of the top-edge rushers and d-linemen in his class. Kaleb has next-level size and ability, and he will dominate for the Razorbacks in the future.
#7. Prince Umanmielen(23) | 6’4 215 | EDGE | Manor
Umanmielen is the most powerful and athletic defensive end that we’ve seen yet. He’s a fast-edge rusher with astounding mobility who can outrun just about every quarterback. His burst and agility were unrivaled by many QBs, making him an impossible matchup for them. Loved his ability to get the ball off quickly, as well as his
#6.Ashton Porter (23) | 6’3 240 | DL | Cy Ranch
Porter has a massive build with lengthy arms and a sturdy appearance. He utilizes his size and springs off the ball, getting to the QB in an instant. Porter is also a hard-hitting defender who can lay the wood on runners pursued at full speed with a high motor. Keeps his center of gravity low and can bend the edge unhindered
#5.Jordan Renaud (23) | 6’4″ / 250 | DL | Tyler legacy
Renaud has a tall, long frame and arms; he drives the line with a powerful push towards the quarterback. Bull-rushing Renaud displays his power and ability to ward off blockers while keeping blockers at bay. A big-time hitter and form tackler who excels in both areas.
#4.Trey Wilson (23) | 6’3″ / 230 | DL | Lakeview Centennial
His fundamental trait is his speed off the edge, which he gets with a high motor to the ball carrier. He has patience reading plays and allowing them to develop on his end.
#3.Enow Etta (23) | 6’4″ / 220 | DL | Covenant Christian Academy
Enow has the speed and athleticism to cover a lot of ground and get to the quarterback. He can rush the QB, record a sack, or make an interception for defensive points.
#2.Colton Vasek (23) | 6’6 230 | EDGE | Westlake
Colton has been one of the recruits whose interest has skyrocketed. He’s a tall and lanky defensive end who will light up quarterbacks like a Christmas tree. Given the opportunity to put on more lean mass; Vasek will be an outstanding edge rusher in college who may very well also appear playing on Sundays.
#1. David Hicks (23) | 6’4″ / 245 | DL | Paetow
On the defensive line, David is a monster. He shoots out of his stance with vicious hand moves, and he can race by defenders on his way to the quarterback. I believe he has the potential to be an exceptional interior defensive lineman who wreaks havoc at the next level.
