The defensive line position can be important for the average defense. The defensive line is tasked to plug running holes while the linebackers and defensive backs rally to the ball, while also getting pressure on the quarterback to help the linebackers and defensive backs in the pass game.
The defensive line can set the tone right away in stopping the offense and getting off the field.
Here are 10 returning defensive linemen in District 10 this fall. Fans can vote for the top returning defensive lineman until Thursday at noon.
Caiden Holler, General McLane – Holler is the top returning tackler for the Lancers this fall. The Maine recruit had 60 tackles as a junior, including 11½ for a loss. He also recorded 4½ sacks, six quarterback hurries and recovered two fumbles.
Mason Keister, Cathedral Prep – The defensive lineman had a breakout sophomore year. He was voted to the all-region team after finishing third on the team with 36 tackles. He also forced one fumble and recovered one fumble.
Abdul Stanton, Oil City – Stanton was part of a ferocious Oiler defense last year that was tough to run on and prevent from racking up sacks. He was fourth on the team with 69 tackles, including five for a loss. He also had five sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, one pass defense and forced one fumble.
Hunter Cox, Greenville – Cox is a tough lineman to block as he is active in stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback. He had 76 tackles, including 13 for a loss, to go with 4½ sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
Robert Smith, Cambridge Springs – Smith is a leader for the Blue Devils’ defense. He had 52 tackles, including 11 for a loss, to be voted to the all-region team as a junior. Smith also had four sacks, one pass defense, one forced fumble and blocked one punt.
Tyler Quinn, Mercyhurst Prep – Quinn is another part of a long line of talented linemen at Mercyhurst Prep. He is a leader on both sides of the ball and will be counted on as a big-time senior this fall.
Brayden Bernsley, Seneca – Bernsley is one of Seneca’s top returning tacklers this fall. He had 51 tackles, including 10 for a loss as a junior. He also recorded five sacks, one pass defense and he forced two fumbles.
Dante Evans, Hickory – Evans will have a big role this year as a top defensive player back for the Hornets. He had a breakout sophomore season with 59 tackles, two sacks, two pass defenses and three fumble recoveries.
Marius Best, Sharon – Best is a top returning defensive end after a breakout sophomore season. He collected 60 tackles, including nine for a loss, to go with six sacks and two forced fumbles for the Tigers.
Landon Nickerson, Corry – Nickerson is a leader on the defensive line for the Beavers. He had 29 tackles, including six for a loss, to be named to the all-region team. He also had ½ sack and nine quarterback hurries for Corry.
Contact Tom Reisenweber at treisenweber@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNreisenweber.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Fans can vote for the top returning D-10 defensive lineman of the year
