Washington’s top high school football players: Meet the state’s best 30 defensive linemen in spring 2021
Is Eastside Catholic's J.T. Tuimoloau the state's best player ever? Will Tumwater's Jacob Schuster be a viable 2A state player of the year candidate? Is Lincoln of Tacoma's Jayden Wayne the next national superstar?
Over the next week, we’ll be taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Washington high school football this season. Our first list focuses on the best defensive linemen in the state.
MORE: TOP 30 RUNNING BACKS | TOP 30 LINEBACKERS | TOP 30 DEFENSIVE BACKS
Players are listed in alphabetical order:
TOP 30 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN IN WASHINGTON
JACK BERESFORD, Woodinville, 6-3, 235, sr.
Going to same school (WSU) as his older brother (Cade) - but is a much different body type as a leaner, faster pass rusher for Nick Rolovich.
ANTWAN BROWN, O'Dea, 6-3, 280, sr.
When you are trusted to fill Jalen Dixon's do-everything role in your first season after transferring from Garfield - that is a great nod.
ANDREW EDSON, Mount Si, 6-3, 235, sr.
WSU signee just wears offensive linemen down with his active heavy hands and tireless motor coming off the edge for the Wildcats.
NOWLIN EWALIKO, Ballard, 6-4, 230, sr.
A true two-way threat (DE/TE), Ewaliko should give San Diego State an athletic bull rusher - much like his father, Mike, was at Washington.
SIAOSI FINAU, Renton, 6-4, 280, sr.
The Washington Huskies have been known to find big diamonds in the rough for defense - and this Hawaiian rugby standout fits that mold.
FRANKCO GRATTON, Rainier Beach, 6-4, 215, sr.
It's safe to assume this explosive athlete's best days are ahead in college as this all-Metro League pass rusher can also play outside linebacker.
CURTIS AND HUNTER HILL, Graham-Kapowsin, 6-3, 290, jr.
The Hill twins are double trouble for opposing blockers, and these teenagers disrupt plays the same way on the interior - nastiness and leverage.
JUDAH JACKSON, Steilacoom, 6-4, 250, jr.
Steilacoom's fast athletes aren't just operating in space - this fearless quarterback hunter was named the 2A SPSL defensive MVP in 2019.
GABE JOHNSON, Bothell, 6-4, 215, sr.
This all-4A KingCo off-the-edge performer isn't the biggest guy, but watch him dominate other great linemen - and you'll know EWU got a steal.
J.P. LEAHY, West Valley of Yakima, 6-3, 260, sr.
Like rooting for late bloomers? This teenager has the pass-rushing gumption to be big time - and pedigree as Frank Leahy's great-grandson.
JORDEN MANU, Lakes, 6-4, 315, jr.
For as big as this 3A PCL first-teamer is, it's almost unthinkable how fast he can motor past interior linemen; Pac-12 recruit just hitting his stride.
MATULINO MASUNU, Bellevue, 6-1, 270, sr.
Facing the Wing-T offense every day in practice has made the Wolverines' two-time all-state interior lineman disciplined and play smart.
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BAILEY MEEK, Ridgefield, 6-5, 255, sr.
This small-school standout is a big-time talent as the 1A Trico defensive MVP, and signed to hunt down enemy signal callers at Army.
JOSH MCCARRON, Archbishop Murphy, 6-4, 215, sr.
Where does he play? Wherever he wants - and Snohomish County's top disruptor registered a ridiculous 30 tackles for loss as a junior.
KAZ MELZER, Gonzaga Prep, 6-4, 240, jr.
Dave McKenna coached all-state MVP Evan Weaver with the Bullpups, so he knows high-end talent when it shows up - and Melzer (knee) has it.
JACOB SCHUSTER, Tumwater, 6-3, 295, sr.
Could this be the year two defensive linemen are state players of the year? This University of Minnesota signee is 2A's most dominant player.