These defensive linemen are the ones you should keep an eye on in 2024

By Jordan Burton (for OzarksSportsZone.com)

There are many talented defensive linemen in our coverage area, which includes more than 60 teams. Below are some of the best defensive linemen to keep an eye on this season. This list is organized alphabetically.

NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on any of our SEVEN other soccer watchlists. In order to highlight as many players as possible, A PLAYER CAN ONLY APPEAR ON ONE LIST.

The football watch lists we publish include: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers/Tight Ends, Offensive Linemen, Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.

Nick Allen and Mason Hendricks, Lebanon

Usually the conversation in Lebanon revolves around top-notch offensive linemen, but Allen and Hendricks are a pair of outstanding defensive ends. Both are great against the run, both can pressure the passer, and both play with relentless drive and toughness, which is a pillar of Lebanese soccer.

Landon Bland, Carthage

Already considered a three-star prospect by 247 Sports, Bland has offers from Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska and Purdue as a defensive end or edge rusher. His length and athleticism make him a Power 5 coach’s dream. As a sophomore, he had eight tackles for a loss and four sacks.

Cooper Clark, Thayer

Clark put up video game numbers as a junior, finishing the season with 86 tackles (23 TFLs), seven sacks, four forced fumbles and 15 total quarterback hurries. And he even had an interception. At 6’1″ and 250 pounds, he plays with a lot of swing and is versatile enough to play anywhere on the line, but he specializes in tackling. He’s also a great offensive lineman.

Josiah Hazlewood, Joplin

Hazelwood is an absolute bowling ball of a defensive lineman at 6’1″ and 230 pounds, and he uses that leverage extremely well by playing low padding and forcing opponents to double him. He is rumored to be a 500-pound squatter and deadlifter. When you watch him play, you can tell he’s a terror.

Logan Hunt, Republic

Republic’s magical run last year was key to his ability to establish and defend the run; Hunt played a major role in stopping him. The All-COC pick is a traditional nose guard by nature, but Republic likes to move him all over the line, which increases his effectiveness. And at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, he’s still athletic enough to cover some defensive ends. Offensive coordinators will try to stay out of his way this year, too.

Owen McCullah, Bolivar

McCullah is also a standout offensive player. While he’s a little below average, his power and drive make him a real threat on the offensive line. He was All-Ozark Conference both ways as a sophomore and will be one of the best trench guards in the newly formed Ozark Mountain Conference.

Trevor Meadows, Carthage

He is headed to Pittsburg State after dominating the COC last year. At 6’3″ and 295 pounds, he is nearly impossible to keep out of the backfield and can penetrate from almost any gap despite constant double and triple coverage. He can line up at nose, tackle, or even end. Pitt State has a really good player.

Paul Muff, Camdenton

Muff is another nose guard who is incredibly good at taking blocks at the line of scrimmage. Thanks to Muff, Camdenton’s linebackers often get a clear path to the ball. He’s more than just a block taker, he’s also proven he can play against the run and put pressure on the passer.

Nolan Napier, Seneca

As a junior, he was an all-state defensive end and wrestler. This wrestling technique made it nearly impossible for offensive linemen to get a handle on him for long, which is why he was one of the most disruptive players in the Big 8 last year. Seneca controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and Napier was a big reason for that on defense.

Lucas Wattenbarger, Reeds Spring

He’s a little different than most of the guys on this list, as Wattenbarger is a hard-nosed downhill guy. He doesn’t dance around blocks, but instead runs through them and tries to get straight to the ball. He’s also a standout offensive player, earning accolades on both sides of the ball.

Trevor Wilson, Springfield Central

D2s across the Midwest are lining up to acquire his services, and it’s easy to see why. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound senior can play defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker, which coaches really like. As a junior, he finished the season with 84 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and a school-record 10 sacks. He plays with grit, which earned him four years as a starter.

Ruben Arvizu, Ozark
Eli Burgin, Willard
Mario Delapena, Lamar
Jansen Hunt, Aurora
Jaxon Hunter, West Plains
Owen Patterson, Lockwood
Isaac Pickett, Cassville
Dallas Roberts, West Plains
Layne Seago, Houston
Peyton Self, Ash Grove
Skyler Slaton, Branson
Blake Starks, Carl Junction
Gage Warner, Pierce City
Owen Willis, Marionville