Top 10 Fort Worth-area high school defensive linemen features Division I prospects
As the high school football season inches closer, we turn the page to the defensive side of the ball, where the Fort Worth-area sees a ton of FBS talent this fall.
By now, we all know that COVID-19 has forced a delay of the start of the Class 5A, 6A and private school seasons until September. While most 4A-1A programs will kick off on time, we get you set for the 2020 campaign.
Return to dfwvarsity.com for the area’s Top 10 linebackers on Wednesday.
1. David Abiara, Sr., Mansfield Legacy
6-4, 250, 4 stars, Notre Dame commit
Ranked as the No. 23 strong-side defensive end in the country in the Class of 2021 by 247Sports. Also ranked as the No. 51 overall 2021 prospect in the state. Chose the Irish over 23 other offers. Recorded 75 tackles and 15 sacks last season.
2. Ernest Cooper IV, Jr., Arlington Martin
6-4, 235, 4 stars
Ranked as the No. 6 strong-side defensive end in the country in the Class of 2022 by 247Sports. Holds 24 offers, which include TCU, Texas, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma and USC. Made 61 tackles, 14 for loss and four forced fumbles last season.
3. J’Dan Burnett, Sr., Nolan Catholic
6-0, 200, 3 stars, Louisiana Tech commit
Also playing outside linebacker, Burnett chose LA Tech over 15 other offers. Named TAPPS first-team all-state defensive end with 69 tackles, 15 for loss, 14 1/2 sacks and seven forced fumbles.
4. Raam Stevenson Jr., Sr., Mansfield Timberview
6-3, 200, 3 stars, Washington State commit
Chose the Cougars over 12 other offers. Has 72 tackles and 17 sacks during the past two seasons.
5. Jayden Gray, Sr., Eaton
6-3, 235, 3 stars, Iowa State
Chose the Cyclones over 12 other offers. Made 54 tackles and eight sacks last season.
6. Brett Drillette, Sr. Brock
6-3, 215, 3 stars, Louisiana-Monroe commit
Also lines up at outside linebacker. Was named district defensive player of the year and first-team all-state after making 145 tackles and nine sacks last season.
7. Braylen Jackson, Sr., Mansfield Lake Ridge
6-3, 265, 3 stars
Holds 27 offers, which includes 11 Power Five schools. Projected to commit with SMU according to 247Sports.
8. Curlee Thomas, Jr., Nolan Catholic
6-4, 235, 3 stars
Ranked as the No. 31 strong-side defensive end in the country in the Class of 2022 by 247Sports. Holds 11 offers, which include Oklahoma State, Kansas, Arkansas, Baylor, Connecticut and Syracuse. Named defensive sophomore of the year at Fossil Ridge last season.
9. Kamren Washington, Sr., Mansfield Summit
6-1, 260
Holds eight offers, which include Lamar, ACU, Sam Houston State and Houston Baptist.
10. Cameron Wright, Jr., Fort Worth Wyatt
6-2, 275
Recorded 123 tackles, 32 for loss and 15 sacks last season.
Honorable mention: Paul Breedlove, Fort Worth All Saints; Kaleb James, Nolan Catholic; Austin Nkwoparah, Arlington Bowie; Marquis Evans, Arlington Martin; Jordan Ederson, Fossil Ridge; Alexander Kateba, Fossil Ridge; Nick Ravalico, Keller; Mike Sandjio, Timber Creek; Austin Korbe, Keller Central; Tongo Lolohea, Euless Trinity; Aaron Austin, North Crowley; Marc Hernandez, LD Bell; Tito Tejada, Haltom; Cory Aper, Glen Rose; Malik Tillman, Crowley; Donald Thompson, Crowley; Austin Worley, Brewer; David Avelar, Azle; Justin Alvarado, Burleson Centennial; Darryn Kindles, Burleson Centennial; Evan Baltezar, Burleson; Caden Anderson, Aledo; D’Angelo Freeman, Midlothian Heritage; Kaleb Tompkins, Midlothian; Marshall Hodges, Midlothian; Shelby Clark, Fort Worth Eastern Hills; Manuel Vega, Fort Worth Carter-Riverside; Junior Seay, Kennedale; Julius Perez, Kennedale; Harry Gonzales, Benbrook; Matthew Welch, Lake Worth; Brian Neal, Lake Worth; Nace Washington, Brock; Izaiah Nava, Fort Worth Trimble Tech; Sebastian Tudela, Fort Worth Polytechnic; Terrell Tilmon, Mansfield Timberview; Benneth Nnanna, Arlington Seguin; Dylan Inman, Boyd; Collin Black, Godley; Maddox Epperson, Fort Worth All Saints; Kyle Lehew, Arlington Grace Prep; Xavier Keegan, Arlington Grace Prep; Brayden Smalley, Trinity Christian Willow Park; Jayce Wells, Colleyville Covenant; Connor Donathan, Fort Worth Lake Country
This story was originally published August 25, 2020 at 7:00 AM.
