Pass rushers and run stuffers: 20 Central Indiana defensive linemen to watch in 2025 season

Indianapolis Star

6 days ago

A dominant defensive lineman can make a defense look a whole lot better. Here are 20 Central Indiana defensive linemen who will have an impact for the 2025 high school football season:
The 6-3, 250-pound Bower, a defensive end, finished his junior season with 45 tackles, including four for a loss, with a team-high three sacks. He committed to Charlotte over offers from six other Division I programs. Bower, rated as a three-star prospect in the 2026 class, has big goals for his senior season.
The 6-5, 240-pound junior defensive end is one of the most highly touted prospect in the 2027 class. Brewer, who had 30 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three sacks as a sophomore, is rated as a four-star prospect with a long list of offers that includes Indiana, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee and many others.
Yes, the 6-3, 260-pound Purdue recruit appeared on our offensive line list. But he belongs here too. He finished last season with 56 tackles, including 14 for a loss, and seven sacks for the Class 4A state champions. He has 127 tackles and 11 ½ sacks for his career.
The 6-5, 285-pound defensive lineman missed last season due to injury but returns as one of the top players the class. Cherry, a Purdue recruit, had 70 tackles, including six for a loss, with three sacks in a full season as a sophomore.
The 6-2, 215-pound Clutter, a defensive end, was one of the most productive linemen in 6A with 52 solo tackles (73 total), nine tackles for loss, and six sacks. He also had one interception for the Orioles as a junior.
The 6-4, 240-pound Finch is one of the most highly touted players in the state in the 2026 class — and he backs it up. The Alabama commit led Warren Central in tackles last season with 92 (24 for a loss), along with seven sacks, two caused fumbles, one fumble recovery and one blocked punt.
The 6-2, 270-pound Hamilton can play tackle or end and is the captain of the defense. The line should be a strength with Hamilton returning, along with Xavier Storm. Hamilton has offers from Saint Francis and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
The 6-2, 215-pound Horton is one of the more versatile players on the Roncalli defense. Over the past two seasons, he has 74 tackles, including 4 ½ for a loss, and one caused fumble. Horton is one of several experience players returning for the Royals' defense.
The 6-4, 250-pound Kennerk had a big sophomore season with 84 tackles, including 17 for a loss, eight sacks, two caused fumbles, one fumble recovery and one blocked punt. Kennerk had 29 tackles in two wins over Monrovia.
The 6-2, 230-pound Lane had 32 tackles as a junior (eight for a loss) with one sack and one fumble recovery last season for the Warriors. Coach Jayme Comer will look to Lane to anchor the defense this season.
The 6-4, 265-pound senior tackle was one of the leaders of the Chatard defense last season, putting up 51 tackles (17 for a loss) with 4 ½ sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and 14 quarterback pressures. Has offers from Butler and Lehigh.
The 6-2, 305-pound Markey, an all-state wrestler, is getting his chance on the defensive line this season after the graduation of Damien Shanklin, Tyrone Burrus and Marcus Bell Jr. He has offers from Gannon, Marian and Saint Francis.
The 6-2, 255-pound Maynard, who committed to Grand Valley State last month, finished last season with 69 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and one sack. Maynard, also a long snapper and team captain, has 102 career tackles, including 12 for a loss.
One of the few highlights of an 0-10 season for Southport was the play of the 6-2, 285-pound defensive tackle. Moore had 67 tackles, including 6 ½ for a loss, with 3 ½ sacks and one caused fumble. He will anchor the 3-4 defense for new coach Sean Little.
The 6-5, 230-pound Newman-Nwodika committed to Western Michigan in June after picking up an offer a few weeks earlier. Also a basketball player, Newman-Nwodika will likely primarily play on the offensive line but is also expected to see time on defense. His athleticism and strength makes him a factor on either side of the ball.
Coach Bill Peebles expects the defensive line to be a strength with seniors Pugh, Aiden Flournoy and Jack Watko. The 6-2, 220-pound Pugh, who had 27 tackles and six tackles for loss as a junior, has offers from Saint Francis, Mount Saint Joseph, Gannon and Wabash.
The 6-4, 255-pound Robinson, a Northern Illinois recruit, finished with 43 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception and one blocked field goal as a junior. Robinson has 74 tackles in two seasons.
The 6-5, 260-pound defensive end had six tackles for loss in just six games as a sophomore. He will play a much bigger role for the Class 6A defending champions as a junior. Sowunmi already has offers from Bowling Green, Indiana, Kansas, Kent State, Louisville, Purdue and Toledo.
The 6-2, 225-pound Smythe, an Indiana commit, has been a relentless force at defensive tackle for the Grizzly Cubs for three seasons. He had 96 tackles, including 13 for a loss, including 5 ½ sacks. Smythe has 202 career tackles, 30 for a loss, and 16 sacks. Impressive.
The 6-4, 230-pound Stanley, a defensive tackle, had a big junior season with 41 tackles, including six for a loss, and four sacks. Stanley is quick off the ball and is a rangy athlete. Seems poised for a big senior season on what should be a strong line.
Dallas Clarke, Triton Central, Jr.: 41 tackles and four sacks last season.
Brayden Cline, Beech Grove, Sr.: Had 6 ½ sacks as a junior.
Will Duncan, Hamilton Heights, Sr.: 40 tackles and three sacks as junior.
Jacob Eldridge, Pendleton Heights, Sr.: 49 tackles and four sacks as junior.
Alex MacDonald, Westfield, Sr.: Made 26 tackles, six for loss, last season.
Correy Midgett, Speedway, Sr.: 39 tackles and four sacks in nine games.
Gabe Miller, Tri-West, Sr.: 71 tackles and five sacks last season.
Austin Oakley, Zionsville, So.: Underclassman to watch for Eagles.
Nate Onoja, Avon, Sr.: Committed to Indiana State.
Brennon Trueblood, Eastern Hancock, Jr.: 14 ½ tackles for loss, 4 ½ sacks as sophomore.