Fort Worth high school football: Top 10 area defensive linemen to watch in 2025
The Star-Telegram is releasing its list of Fort Worth-area players to watch by position groups. Check back for more players to watch as the high school football season approaches.
Introducing the top 10 defensive linemen to watch.
1. Jesse Ford, Senior, Arlington Martin
Ford, a four-star TCU pledge, is arguably the premier defensive player to watch in the entire Fort Worth area. He is rated as the No. 29 class of 2026 player in Texas by 247Sports.
Playing for a program that developed four time All-Pro Myles Garrett, Ford has the tools to dominate with a 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame. Last season, he had 49 tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. As Martin looks to reclaim its winning legacy, keep an eye on Ford to set the tone.
2. Tucker Ashford, Senior, Fort Worth Christian
Ashford, a three-star Kansas State pledge, has a 6-3, 240-pound frame. He is ranked as the No. 92 senior in Texas by 247Sports. ESPN ranks him as a four-star recruit on their 2026 300 rankings.
Ashford earned TAPPS All-District 1 Division II honors and also made the all-state first team.
3. Alijah Lash, Senor, Haslet Eaton
Lash, a 6-3, 226-pound San Diego State commit, can squat a school-record 605 pounds and bench 315 pounds. 247Sports ranks him as a three-star recruit and the No. 135 class of 2026 player in Texas.
4. DeMorey Beasley, Senior, North Crowley
Beasley, a 6-2, 245-pound three-star recruit by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, has offers from Stephen F. Austin, Texas State and UTSA. He’ll be a key player to watch in the trenches as the Panthers look to repeat as Class 6A Division I state champions.
North Crowley has tons of depth, with Derrick Gleason III and Donovan Ughanze also commanding the same respect. Ughanze has offers from Baylor, Boise State and more, while Gleason earned defensive MVP honors in the title game.
5. Carson Dempsey, Senior, Aledo
Dempsey, a 6-3, 225-pound Tulsa commit, earned first-team all-district honors as a junior. He is one of four returning defensive line starters for the Bearcats, including standouts Cooper Cyphers and Tymon Meeks.
6. Zac Hayes, Senior, Southlake Carroll
Versatility makes Hayes stand out on an uber-talented Carroll roster. He plays defensive line, but he is also one of the best punters in the area with a six-star rating. Hayes will play in the All-American Bowl and has offers from Baylor, SMU, Army and more.
He earned first-team all-district honors last season, making 66 tackles with 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
7. Caynan James, Senior, Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights’ defensive line is packed with talent, and James, a UTEP commit, is the leading senior. He made 80 tackles with 14 tackles for loss and five sacks en route to all-district first-team honors for a second straight season.
8. Carter James, Junior, Arlington Heights
Carter James, Caynan’s younger brother, is a tackle-for-loss machine. He had 25 last season and also had 67 tackles and 12 sacks. Carter James earned first-team all-district honors.
9. De’Marius Logan, Senior, Colleyville Heritage
Logan was named Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s Preseason Defensive MVP for District 3-5A Division II, a highly competitive group with Aledo and Richland. He was productive last season with 64 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and six sacks.
10. Adam Berns, Senior, Fort Worth Christian
Berns, a 6-5, 268-pound Navy pledge, is a team captain and is rated as a three-star recruit by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.
More positions (Check back for updates)
Top 10 offensive linemen to watch
Top 10 defensive backs to watch
.jpg)