2025 Pre-Season Defensive Line Position Rankings

Defensive end:

1. Ryan Carlen 🔱- Pretty unquestioned here I’d say with Cole gone. Ryan is always in the DMVP conversation. Last season he had 55 tackles, 5.5 Sacks, and scored on D. That’s good enough to put him in the Top 20 All-Time in tackles, and his 28 career sacks is good for 6th All-Time. ICFL’s current best overall defensive player. And his leadership is on another level this season. A huge reason for a completely revamped culture change for the Tide. 

2. Brogan Thoren ⛏️- A true badass game breaker when he played in the ICFL 4 years ago. He has nearly double the career Sacks Ryan does, but about half the tackles (50 & 123 respectively). Brogan usually always plays some TE too. Can’t go wrong with either of these guys. Can’t wait to grab a beer after games when you’re in Boise brotha!

3. Bryson Hammer 🐺- New guy took the league by storm last year. 44 tackles and 10 Sacks last season. It’s one thing when your own guys rave about you, because everyone is biased towards their boys. But I have more guys from other teams rave about this guy to me than anyone else. Huge part of a great Alpha defense. 

4. Josiah Maae 🔱- He’s been at DT most of his career, even though his best position is prob DE. I’m not 100% which spot he’s gonna line up in yet. But he’s extremely versatile either way. Most years durability has been an issue, but he looks healthier going into this season than I’ve seen in a while. Maybe not as much power as the guys above, but maybe better moves and hand fighting. Hes definitely funnier. 

5. Jeff Santos 🔱- How many years has Santos been in the ICFL. Who was first, him or Colt? In like 2008? His helmet is from the 90’s. Santos put up 26 and 3.5 last year in a very conservative defense that wasn’t geared toward sacks. He’s #2 All-Time in tackles at 303 and a staggering 73.5 Sacks. Which is technically 2nd All-Time, but that’s only if you count Reggie’s. If ya don’t know, ask somebody… else. This dude plays chess while you play checkers. He doesn’t need to beat you physically, but he absolutely will beat you mentally. 

6. Darrin Gusters 🏺- Last year was easily Gusters most productive season. He’s been in the ICFL for a while bouncing between teams and positions, but it finally all came together for him last year. I’m actually really happy for the guy. He’s a good dude who works hard, and it’s finally paid off. 37 tackles, 7.5 Sacks. 

7. Izzy Daffer 🐂- Izzy is a guy I never really think about. While teams are all so worried about Cole and Sasa, this silent killer knocks down 10 Sacks last season. I know our new DC that played with him on the Dors really talks him up. Now with Cole gone, does he fill the void, or face more double teams? Guess we’ll see. But I’m betting on Izzy. 

8. Frank Pinkney 🐂- Guy you absolutely had to game plan around a few years ago with the Tecs. I think he took last year off, and even the year before I think he struggled with availability. I actually don’t know for sure that he’s there, but a a couple guys I trust said he is. So if so, he’s way too good to leave off the list, especially in a new home. More talented than some above him, I just wanna see if he’s still got it before he’s annointed. 

9. Wayne Brown 🐅- Wayne was a dude for the Trojans back in the day. He is just an athlete that can play pretty much all over the field. I like him more as a slot/DB but he produced on the DL for the Trojans, and Sabers plan to do the same. He’s too fast for OL guys. And he’s bigger and stronger than someone you’d expect for that athleticism. 

10. Micah Hagler ? - I’ll be honest. I almost left this guy off the list. I only added him because I don’t like the #13 and wanted an even number. Don’t get me wrong, Reggie’s son is a good football player. He was a beast in spot duty for the Duckz and again for Sabers last year. He’s technically signed with the Sabers. But there’s a marital spat going on there, I asked if they wanted him listed with them, and they said nah. He messaged me about coming to BT, but that’s definitely not a good fit. So I know he’s out there shopping if you’re a team who needs a guy. He’s a good ball player, as long as you’re willing to deal with everything else that comes along with it.

11. Jordan Staughter ✈️- I don’t really know what to say about him other than he’s living every OL’s dream. Was one of the better OL in the entire league for the Aztecs a few years back. Really didn’t want to be an OL guy, so they started letting him carry the ball and line up at TE sometimes. Because he was athletic enough to do it successfully. And when you’re not happy with your role, there’s always a more desperate team out there willing to let you do whatever the hell ya want. He’s a good all around athlete. And he’s very serviceable at DE. Just not his BEST position. 

12. Isaiah Little 🐺- Isaiah Little is more of a run stopping DE than a pass rusher (37 tackles, 3 Sacks last year). But he really is a solid football player. He will start for an, again, very underrated defense. 

13. Derik Hitesman 🔱- Hitesman has been a solid dude in this league for a long time. I really like the guy. He’s a little older and his commitment kinda slid away, and it’s shown on the field. Last year he wanted to start for BT despite making like 2 total practices. That wasn’t going to happen, so he became a Guardian. That was Hell on Earth, so he asked for another shot with BT. Again, gotta make practices. So far we’re 0-5 bud, and I’m currently at roster cap with plenty of guys I need to make room for. He is Top 20 All-Time in tackles though, plus 33 career sacks. If you’re a team that wants to start a guy who won’t practice, hmu, I’ll give him free release. 

14. Jordan Perez 🔱- A dude we were really excited about when he came over from the Savage. We watched his film before offering. He spent most of last year on the OL due to team need. And he wasn’t bad there at all. But he’s much better at DE. He’s a little banged up right now, so we’re not sure when he might be available, but hopefully it’s soon. Because the potential is there.

Defensive Tackle:

1. Sasa Pualau 🐂- The biggest physical presence in the ICFL is still somehow underrated. Got 1 total All-Star vote 2 years ago… mine. Last year was better, but should be unanimous. There’s nobody we game plan for more than him. I hear he might be moving to DE this season. His athleticism/size/strength combo allows him to play almost anywhere. I see more double teams in his future, no longer playing next to Nicholson. Last year he had 21 tackles, 3 Sacks, and Blocked 2 kicks. But his impact is so much greater than his numbers, and he missed the entire post season. 

2. Freddy Llamas 🏺- Strong as hell, technical as hell, pretty damn athletic. 2 and 3 are interchangeable in different ways. Against a good technical center, Freddy is better. Against a low tier center, Naseem is more dominant because of his speed and motor. Freddy is the truest DT on the list. Only 12 tackles, 3 Sacks, but in limited time. I see those 400lb bench press videos. 

3. Naseem Eissa 🔱- He couldn’t wait to see his ranking. Now hes gonna be mad at me. Being above the guys you are is a HUGE compliment. Athletic freak that looks undersized, and way too fast to have any business in the trenches. But still stronger than most OL and his production speaks for itself. The only DT that runs down plays 20 yards down field, then returns a punt. Only 20 tackles last year because we needed a playmaker on offense, but he’s usually good for 50. But he’s Top 6 in tackles All-Time, 16 Sacks, and has recovered a crazy 7 fumbles because he never gives up on a play.

4. Josiah Lara 🐅- Feels wrong putting this guy so low. He’s damn good. And he starts both ways. This group is just THAT deep. Doesnt have quite the numbers as the others, but he passes the eye test for sure. 22 Tackles, 3 Sacks. 

5. Dustin Hurst 🔱- Uber strong. Not the most technical, and wont chase many down. But so damn strong. Destroys run gaps and opens blitz holes. Got a raw deal last year with several guys not liking him for seemingly no real reason. We chose him, they’re all gone. Another dude throwing up 400lb press videos. I expect an even bigger year than last years 35 Tackles (led all DT), 1.5 Sacks. 

6. Miguel Arguello 🐂- Strong/technical, but undersized. I think I said the exact same thing last year and remains the same. He’s a poor mans Freddy Llamas. Which is a compliment my guy. If he was a little bigger, he’d be higher up. Still managed 2.5 Sacks. 

7. Mitch Gammon 🔱- Super raw. But built like a brick shit house and runs like a deer. He doesnt always know what exactly to do, and technique isn’t great. But when it comes to “see ball, get ball” what are you gonna do? He can go through you or around you, and you’re gonna be about as impactful as a gnat on the windshield. Pumped to get the Terminator back in Black. 🤖

8. Soni Tuinei 🔱- One of the pickups we’re most excited about. He’s a giant that moves great for his size. Getting some great coaching right now, and improving every week. He is the guy to most watch on this entire list. Would probably be a DE if we didn’t have who we already have there. He makes for an extremely athletic DL overall, without sacraficing any size/strength. Candidate for D Rookie OTY. 

9. Dason Pizano 🐺- A damn good ball player on both sides of the ball. Playing both ways I think kinda hurts him at both. But he’s needed on both. So it’s harder to dominate at either. But being an All-Star on both sides tells ya everything you need to know about him. Only 18 tackles, 2 Sacks last year with Min Ho Park getting the lions share. But with him gone, it’s Pizanos A gap now. 

10. Brad Thomas 🏺- Put up better numbers than I thought for the Aztecs. I admit I had him underrated last year, and might again this year. 15 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks. They’re just too talented to count any of them out, but too deep to expect any of them to lead categories. 

11. Gaton Gilham 🐅- Double team eater. Sometimes your job isn’t to rack up stats. Sometimes you create for others, and make everyone around you better. And that’s his job. Still was able to generate 14 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks. 

12. Jace Brinkman ✈️- A great offensive OL that will get to play more D on his new home. He’s higher ranked on the other side. Here he just gets to have fun and go play around. Still prob the best DT in Warhawk history. Very big, pretty strong, kinda athletic. He’s a redwood among the pines, and his teammates treat him like celebrity awe struck fans. 

13. Chris Torres ⛏️- Diggers say this dude is an animal. He gets the new guy treatment down here. But he was 1st team all conference 2 years ago. Go show us, and rise the ranks. 

14. Tony Osos 🔱- Look, I know, he’s 50. But he’s as good once as he ever was. Not the same longevity he once had. But he’s still a Bull Dog in a pussy house. He’s fkn mean, and has a motor. He’s not backing down from anyone, and will tire you TF out so Seem/Hurst/Gammon/Tuinei can come back fresh. 

15. Zach McCowan 🪄- Griffins are still menuevering DL. He may end up an End. But they say he’s their best DL overall. Last season with the Savage, he rangled 26 ball carriers, and 2 QB’s behind LOS. 

16. James Eyre 🪽- One of the few Guardians to make any lists. He’s one of their best players, though still a Guardian. He’d benefit from having any talent whatsoever around him. Yeah, I know, I sound a lil’ harsh on Guardians. So do anything at all in the last decade to change it. Look at the Griffins. New team, started a month ago, and have a full squad. It’s not impossible, you just put in minimal effort, so no excuses.

Defensive line roundup:

1. Black Tide 🔱 (51) - Carlen, Eissa, Maae, Santos, Hurst, Gammon, Tuinei. Most dominant position group so far. Tide are deep AF in the trenches, and their 2nd group is better than the bottom halves starters. Sorry, I just call it how I see it. 

2. Matadors 🐂 (24) - Sasa, Arguello, Daffer, Pinkney. Dors took a huge hit with Nicholson, Tautolo, and Garcia gone. If that changes, this whole list changes. Some key guys still keeping these guys dominant. Love ya JG, always! 🙏 

3. Aztecs 🏺(18) - Llamas, Gusters, Thomas. Freddy is a super star. The others put up much better numbers than you’d expect them too. But DB’s and LB’s are better groups for the Tecs. Better coverage will create more coverage sack opportunites. 

4. Alphas 🐺 (14) - Hammer, Pizano, Little. Tied with the group below. Deferred to the best overall DL player from each. That’s Bryson Hammer. Alphas will have a really good defense. 

5. Sabers 🐅 (14) - Lara, Gilham, Brown. They keep telling me how underrated they all are. They’re solid for sure. But the defensive trenches were a big reason why y’all missed the playoffs last year and the guys above you didn’t. 

6. Diggers ⛏️ (11) - Thoren, Johnson, Torres. Was just notified Aaron Johnson starts at DE opposite Brogan. Thought he was OL only. My bad brotha, I wasn’t aware. That might have been enough to jump you guys up 2 spots. This is the most underrated DL group right now. 

7. Warhawks ✈️ (7) - Straughter, Brinkman. Maybe the best position group on a bad Warhawk defense. These guys won’t sniff the playoffs, but hey, at least they’ll have fun! 

8. Griffins 🪄 (1) - McCowan. Above Guardians, because, well I’ve already said. Still a swiss cheese front with holes everywhere. 

9. Guardians 🪽 (1) - Eyre. Rough year ahead… again. Please make it through the season. 🙏