65 defensive linemen to watch in South Jersey during 2023 high school football season
RJ Ali Jr., Haddon Heights, Jr., 6-1, 200 – Ali, a defensive end, had a strong sophomore season, posting 21 tackles, 5 for loss, 3 sacks and an interception.
Joel Amegatcher, Camden Catholic, Jr., 5-10, 260 – A returning starter, Amegatcher is looking to help turn the Irish around. Was a West Jersey Football League Constitution Division Second Team pick last year.
Joel Anderson, Delsea, Jr., 6-0, 200 – Had an excellent sophomore season for the South Jersey Group 3 champions. Anderson finished with 65 tackles, 11 for loss, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions. Will get work in the backfield too. He had 16 carries for 232 yards last year.
Darius Barlow, Cherry Hill East, Sr., 6-3, 230 – Barlow is a two-way starter for the Cougars. He had 24 tackles and 3 forced fumbles at defensive end, and the returning right tackle garnered WJFL Classic First Team honors for his play on the offensive line.
Rashee Bell, Eastside, Sr., 6-3, 230 – Standout basketball player for the Tigers has a lot of untapped potential on the football field. Explosive athlete could cause some havoc off the edge.
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Eric Bill, Shawnee, Sr., 6-0, 227 – Shawnee nose guard recorded 33 tackles and 3 sacks last season. Also the team’s starting right tackle.
Ty Binck, Gateway, Sr., 6-3, 275 – Binck earned WJFL Royal First Team honors after posting 13 tackles for loss last year. He’s a three-year starter and returning right tackle as well.
Darian Blachewicz, Millville, Jr., 6-2, 250 – Blachewicz was a wrecking ball on the defensive side at the end of last season and was a major reason why the Thunderbolts won the Group 4 state title. It also earned him a Courier-Post All-South Jersey Second Team selection. Blachewicz is also a three-year starter on the offensive line, where he plays left tackle.
Leo Bluestein, Cherokee, Sr., 6-2, 220 – Returning starter at defensive end made the WJFL American Second Team last season after recording 65 tackles, 15.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.
Kaden Bryant, Buena, Sr., 6-2, 210 – Bryant is a two-way starter for Buena, but is making some position changes. He’s moving from outside backer to defensive end and tight end to fullback.
Jon Brennan, Eastern, Sr., 6-1, 205 – Brennan, one of the Vikings’ top lacrosse players, uses his athleticism to make noise off the edge. He’s a three-year starter for Eastern.
Malachi Castle, Rancocas Valley, Sr., 6-3, 225 – The returning Courier-Post All-South Jersey Second Team selection did it all for the Red Devils last year. He had 56 tackles, 18 for loss, 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles on defense and was a hammer at fullback, rushing 55 times for 371 yards and 7 touchdowns. He even snagged 5 passes for 50 yards. Castle has an offer from Stony Brook.
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Matt Chinchillo, Clearview, Sr., 6-1, 255 – Three-year starter is a factor on both lines for the Pioneers. He garnered WJFL Continental First Team recognition on defense last season and is also the team’s right tackle. Has offers from St. Anselm and Alvernia.
Azahmir Cromartie-Cooper, Mastery Charter, Sr., 6-3, 305 – Cromartie-Cooper posted 64 tackles, 8 sacks and 3 forced fumbles for Mastery last season.
Graciano Diaz, Collingswood, Sr., 6-0, 265 – Panther nose guard can pack a punch. He’s going to be a vital piece on the defensive interior and could play some fullback as well.
Caidan Elmore, Gloucester, Sr., 6-0, 215 – Elmore excelled on both sides of the ball last year. He earned WJFL Colonial First Team recognition on defense after recording 54 tackles, 11 for loss, 3 sacks and 2 recoveries as a nose tackle. He played left tackle on offense but will shift to left guard this fall. Has an offer from Misericordia.
Jayden Farmer, Pennsauken, Sr., 6-1, 235 – Farmer had 53 tackles, 15 for loss, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions in 2022 to earn a spot on the Courier-Post All-South Jersey Second Team. He’s a returning starter on the offensive front too, where he plays right tackle.
Damere Finley, Gloucester, Sr., 6-2, 225 – A Courier-Post All-South Jersey First Team pick last year, Finley will look to build off a campaign in which he produced 52 tackles, 25 for loss, 9 sacks and a pick-6.
Jerome Foster, Glassboro, So., 5-9, 280 – WJFL Patriot Second Team selection as a freshman. Foster had 43 tackles, 10 for loss, 4 sacks and a forced fumble. Returns at right guard too.
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Noah Glenn, Bishop Eustace, So., 6-0, 185 – Glenn was thrown into the fire as a freshman and didn’t disappoint. The defensive end had 57 tackles, 4 for loss, and a sack.
Justin Gooden, Ocean City, Sr., 6-0, 242 – Gooden has been a starting guard each of the past two years and played rotationally on the other side, but depth on the offensive line will allow him to focus on defense this season. He had 43 tackles as a junior.
Chris Hagan, Gloucester Catholic, Sr., 6-0, 240 – Hagan garnered WJFL Horizon First Team recognition at linebacker last year after posting 61 tackles, 13 for loss, 3 interceptions and a forced fumble. He’s shifting to a defensive end role in 2023.
Stephen Hankey, Palmyra, Jr., 6-2, 210 – Two-way starter at defensive end and offensive tackle. He was a WJFL Classic Second Team selection last fall.
Teddy Hawkins, Riverside, Sr., 6-0, 170 – Hawkins had 51 tackles, 3 for loss, 4 sacks and a safety at defensive end last season. He also plays tight end. He snagged 3 passes for 40 yards in 2022.
Ah’Shod Hill, Pleasantville, Sr., 6-0, 224 – WJFL Patriot First Team defensive end had 51 tackles, 7 for loss, and 1.5 sacks last season. Hill is a bruiser at running back too. He had 14 carries for 108 yards and 2 scores as a junior.
TJ Hymer, Schalick, Jr., 5-11, 210 – Cougar nose guard finished with 41 tackles, 5 for loss, and a team-high 5 sacks last year. He was also a WJFL Horizon First Team pick for his work at left tackle.
Will Jacobs, Bordentown, Sr., 6-5, 225 – Jacobs notched 39 tackles, 8 for loss, and 6 sacks as a junior. He’s also the Scotties’ starting tight end.
Richard “Wink” James, Camden, Sr., 6-1, 265 – Courier-Post All-South Jersey Second Team defensive tackle had 55 stops, 17 for loss, and 8 sacks last fall.
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DJ Johnson, Burlington City, Jr., 5-8, 220 – Not the biggest nose guard, but he makes his presence felt. Was a WJFL Freedom First Team pick as a sophomore. Will also start at guard on offense.
Jaelen Johnson, Willingboro, Jr., 5-9, 245 – Three-year starter at defensive tackle goes by the nickname “Baby Aaron Donald.” Had 51 tackles, 10 for loss, and 4 sacks en route to WJFL Liberty Second Team honors.
Najee Johnson, Deptford, Jr., 6-0, 210 – Primarily played on special teams last season, but he’s built himself up during the offseason and looks ready to shine on both lines.
Jayden Jones, Millville, So., 6-2, 215 – The defensive end burst onto the scene during Millville’s championship run and is poised to be one of the breakout players in South Jersey. He has offers from Michigan, Penn State and Pittsburgh.
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Danny Knorr, Haddon Twp., Sr., 6-1, 230 – Knorr is a versatile piece on defense for the Hawks. He’ll play both defensive end and outside linebacker. He was also a WJFL Classic First Team pick at guard.
Ubrig Kurtz, Holy Spirit, Fr., 6-2, 225 – Head coach Andrew DiPasquale has been impressed by the football newcomer and expects the powerful freshman to have a role at nose guard.
Camaj Matthews, Haddon Heights, Fr., 5-11, 190 – Younger brother of Eagles defensive end and Haddon Heights graduate Haason Reddick. He’ll get a chance to make an early impact, as will his brother, fellow freshman Cinque Matthews.
Maurice Matthews, Middle Twp., Jr., 6-0, 220 – Three-year starter plays nose guard on defense and right guard on offense. Was a WJFL Patriot First Team pick as a sophomore after registering 28 tackles.
Jalen McCain, Winslow, Sr., 6-3, 210 – Returning defensive end finished with 28 tackles, 6 for loss, and 4 sacks last year.
Malachi McCoy, Cumberland, Sr., 5-11, 250 – Four-year starter on the defensive front. Defensive tackle earned WJFL Royal First Team recognition last season after posting 41 tackles, 10 for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 3 recoveries.
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Rashaun McQueen, Overbrook, Sr., 6-2, 215 – McQueen is a four-year, two-way starter. He was a WJFL Colonial First Team pick at left tackle, and at defensive end he finished with 48 tackles, 4 for loss, and 2 sacks.
Adrian Morgan, Pennsville, Sr., 6-2, 195 – Morgan was a WJFL Royal Second Team receiver in 2022 after catching 18 passes for 188 yards and 2 touchdowns, and the Eagles expect him to make a big impact at defensive end too. Had 19 tackles and a sack last season.
Ronald Neenhold, Lower Cape May, Sr., 6-0, 245 – Neenhold has become a fixture on both sides of the ball for the Caper Tigers. Enters his third season as a starter.
Edward Nusslein, Maple Shade, Sr., 6-2, 310 – Nusslein earned WJFL Freedom Second Team honors at nose guard last year. He’s also a vital piece of the offensive line. The left tackle is a four-year starter.
Ugo Nwotite, St. Augustine, Sr., 6-5, 200 – Raw but full of potential, Nwotite is a transfer from Kent School (Conn.). The defensive end has only played one year of football but has offers from Maine and Rhode Island.
Kosi Onunkuo, Florence, So., 5-11, 225 – Onunkuo has flashed during the summer and looks to have a prime role at defensive end this season.
Andrew Osborn, Washington Twp., So., 6-0, 225 – Got a cup of coffee at defensive end last season but he’s expected to make the leap as a sophomore.
CJ Pearce, Holy Cross, Jr., 5-10, 250 – Returning two-way starter for the Lancers. He had 19 tackles and a forced fumble playing defensive tackle last fall and he mans the left guard position.
Hajeem Preston, Atlantic City, Sr., 6-3, 270 – Hasn’t played football in two years but has looked the part in training camp. Will play nose guard for the Vikings.
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Mike Simeon, Egg Harbor Twp., Sr., 6-0, 235 – Three-year starter picked up WJFL United First Team honors in 2022 after recording 55 tackles, 13 for loss, 5.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 3 recoveries, 2 blocked punts and a blocked field goal.
Brandon Simmons, Glassboro, So., 6-1, 250 – Simmons shined in his first year of high school football. The WJFL Patriot Second Team defensive tackle had 41 tackles, 12 for loss, 7 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries, one of which he scored on. Has offers from West Virginia and UNC Charlotte.
Detric Simmons, Salem, Sr., 6-3, 320 – Simmons was a force on both lines for the Central Jersey Group 1 champions in 2022. He was a Courier-Post All-South Jersey Second Team selection for his work at left tackle but could’ve gotten it on defense too after finishing with 119 tackles, 10 for loss, and 6.5 sacks.
Will Slocum, Penns Grove, Sr., 6-2, 225 – Slocum moved around the line last season and earned WJFL Diamond Second Team honors, producing 35 tackles, 9 for loss, and 4 sacks.
Chad Smallwood, Timber Creek, Sr., 6-4, 330 – Former Charger returns to Timber Creek after a year at Winslow. Smallwood is a house up front. He’ll play the 1-technique and right guard.
John Smith, Camden, Sr., 6-3, 215 – Hammonton transfer should factor prominently at defensive end for the Panthers. WJFL Memorial Second Team selection had 34 tackles and 3 sacks in 2022.
JaSuan Solomon, Woodbury, Jr., 6-0, 190 – Solomon had a super sophomore season to help Woodbury win the Group 1 state title in both football and basketball. He earned Courier-Post All-South Jersey First Team recognition with 66 tackles, 14 sacks, a pick-6 and a forced fumble, and he started at left tackle.
Kyle Stickel, Seneca, Sr., 6-0, 190 – Three-year starter earned WJFL National First Team honors at defensive end, wracking up 60 tackles, 6 for loss, 7 sacks and a fumble-return TD. The Golden Eagle is also a weapon at tight end. He had 14 catches for 204 yards and 5 scores last year.
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Eli Thompson, Highland, Jr., 6-3, 210 – Thompson was a factor as a sophomore with 35 tackles, 8 for loss, 7 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. He also starts at receiver. He had 7 catches for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Andrew Tighe, West Deptford, Sr., 6-3, 195 – Tighe was named to the WJFL Constitution Second Team last year after registering 25 tackles, 7 for loss, and 5 sacks.
Sean Torres, Oakcrest, Jr., 5-11, 205 – Torres was a big part of the Falcons’ pass rush last year, finishing the campaign with seven sacks.
JoNathan Valentin, Cherry Hill West, Sr., 6-3 230 – Three-year starter at defensive end closed last fall with 24 tackles, 4 for loss, 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.
Tommy Walters, Northern Burlington, Sr., 6-1, 220 – Three-year starter for the Greyhounds. An “ absolute tank,” as head coach Jule Dolci calls him, was a WJFL National First Team pick last season.
Brady Whitzell, Kingsway, Jr., 6-0, 205 – Whitzell earned WJFL Continental Second Team honors after recording 34 tackles, 5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He’s also the team’s starting center.
Gabe Wilkins, Absegami, Sr., 6-1, 275 – Four-year starter on both sides of the football. He anchors both lines. His versatility is highlighted on the offensive end as he’s started at every position on the front five.
Caron Wright, Glassboro, Sr., 6-1, 210 – The WJFL Patriot First Team defensive end feasted last year, posting 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Has offers from Temple, Tulane and UNC Charlotte.
Brahim Wynn Jr., Timber Creek, Sr., 6-3, 240 – The Courier-Post All-South Jersey First Team defensive end was tough to corral last season. He finished with 69 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Massachusetts commit.
EJ Zapata-Smalls, Pemberton, Jr., 6-4, 245 – Returning starter had 42 tackles, 5 for loss, 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries a year ago. He starts at defensive end as well.
Josh Friedman has produced award-winning South Jersey sports coverage for the Courier Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times for more than a decade. If you have or know of an interesting story to tell, reach out on Twitter at @JFriedman57 or via email at jfriedman2@gannettnj.com. You can also contact him at 856-486-2431. Help support local journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: South Jersey football players to watch in 2023: defensive linemen
