As the 2024 Texas high school football season draws near, the American-Statesman is ranking the best players by each position group.
High school reporters Rick Cantu and Colby Gordon will start with offensive linemen and end with quarterbacks next week.
Top 10 defensive linemen in the Austin area
( Players listed in alphabetical order )
Gus Cordova , Lake Travis defensive end/tackle
The USC commit received offers from dozens of Power Four Schools. This senior is a force in the trenches.
MORE ON THE CAVS: Lake Travis has experienced QB, talented newcomers needed to retake district
Caius Coy , Westwood defensive end
A first-team all-district pick last fall as a junior, he’ll lead the Warriors’ playoff push. He's pledged to Sam Houston State.
Now with the Jaguars after starring at Crockett the last few years, he made 146 tackles and had seven forced fumbles as a junior.
MOVE DOWN COULD BE KEY: Why Dickey and LBJ have a legit shot at a state title
Maddox Flynt , Westlake defensive tackle/end
The District 26-6A defensive player of the year and first-team all-Central Texas pick last fall will be even better this season as a junior.
MORE ON THE CHAPS: Westlake hopes to redeem itself after 2 straight trips to state semifinals
Big and fast, he’ll need to have a productive year as the lone player with experience on the Wolves’ defensive line. The senior, who is also a long snapper and tight end, is committed to Division II power Colorado School of Mines.
MORE ON THE WOLVES: Can Weiss bounce back after big losses to graduation?
Justin Lee , Round Rock defensive end
Quick off the edge, Lee is primed for another impactful year if he isn’t double- or triple-teamed every play. The spring graduates is committed to UTEP.
At 6-foot-3, 265 pounds the senior has the size to dominate opposing lines. Pledged to Arizona State, Morgan also received offers from Texas Tech and Cal.
3 KEY PLAYERS, QUESTIONS: Why Vandegrift checks in at No. 5 in our preseason countdown
Alister Vallejo , Liberty Hill defensive end/tackle
Whether playing inside or on the edge, he’s difficult to deal with. Had more than 70 tackles as a sophomore and has received an offer from Ole Miss.
RELATED: Liberty Hill needs Vallejo, defense to lead the way as offense revs up
Connor Vasek , Westlake defensive end
Teams up with Flynt and Cullen Devine for the best defensive line in the area. The senior has pledged to play at Air Force.
MORE: No. 1 Westlake enters 2024 season as Central Texas' top football team
Ian Witt , Vandegrift defensive tackle
A third-team all-Central Texas pick as a junior a year ago, he had 52 tackles, 11 for loss and 2 sacks for one of Class 6A's top defenses.
WITT AND MORGAN LEAD THE WAY: No. 5 Vandegrift will rely on defense while revamped offense makes its mark this fall
Also keep an eye on: Cullen Devine, sr., Westlake; Marco Sanchez, sr., East View; Dylan Turbeville, sr., Georgetown; Tyler Evans, sr., Rouse; Jason Handy, sr., Vista Ridge
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas high school football: Top 10 defensive linemen in the Austin area
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