High school defensive linemen to watch
Cathedral defensive lineman Hunter Echols, at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, is poised to have a breakout season.
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A look at the top defensive linemen in the Southland.
Player; School; Ht.; Wt.; Yr.; Comment
Martin Andrus; Los Angeles; 6-2; 255; Jr.; He’s the best in the City Section.
Oluwole Betiku; Gardena Serra; 6-3; 240; Sr.; Has relentless desire to succeed.
Jacob Callier; St. John Bosco; 6-2; 240; Jr.; Ready for a big season.
Hunter Echols; Cathedral; 6-5; 235; Jr.; Showing signs of being a standout.
Chuck Filiaga; Vista Murrieta; 6-7; 305; Jr.; Big wall in the middle of the line.
Liam Jimmons; Huntington Beach; 6-4; 240; Sr.; USC commit had nine sacks.
Marcus Moore; Crespi; 6-3; 235; Sr.; Let’s see who can block this UCLA commit.
Keanu Saleapaga; La Mirada; 6-5; 270; Sr.; USC commit has lots of strength.
Sal Spina; St. John Bosco; 6-3; 260; So.; Has potential to be a star.
Chris Yaghi; Foothill; 6-4; 275; Sr.; California commit was league lineman of the year.
Best of the rest:
Gabriel Grbavac; St. Francis; 6-2; 230; So.; Outstanding young prospect.
Nahje Flowers; Dorsey; 6-4; 275; Sr.; Ready for his best season yet.
Neff Haleakala; Mission Viejo; 6-0; 295; Sr.; Roadblock in the middle.
Noel Iwuchukwu; Sherman Oaks Notre Dame; 6-1; 220; Sr.; Had six sacks.
Seven Ma’aele; Gardena Serra; 6-5; 288; Sr.; Back from injury; ready to cause problems.
Taylor Manuel; Valencia; 5-11; 225; Sr.; Tops in the Foothill League.
Derek Moore; Crenshaw; 6-3; 220; Sr.; Has athleticism and quickness.
Kyrell Naope; Alemany; 6-2; 270; Sr.; Ready to be a defensive stopper.
Edward Nobles; Sylmar; 6-0; 286; Sr.; Has size to make a difference.
Anthony Pandy; Narbonne; 6-2; 220; Jr.; Will be a top City Section sack man.
Anthony Rogers-Rose; Westchester; 6-4; 260; Sr.; First-team all-league player.
Michael Sandoval; Chatsworth; 6-2; 230; Sr.; Defensive end will be tough in City Division II.
Andrew Vasquez; Bishop Amat; 6-0; 215; Sr.; Had seven sacks.
Chandler Willis; Ocean View; 6-3; 225; Sr.; Will be turned loose to rush quarterbacks.
Travis Yates; Orange Lutheran; 6-2; 260; Jr.; Showed lots of potential as a sophomore.
—Compiled by Eric Sondheimer
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