Pennsylvania's top high school football players for 2023: Meet the defensive linemen
The 2023 high school football season is finally here.
SBLive set out to find the best offensive and defensive players in the state at each position.
We started with the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, linebackers and defensive backs.. Now we go to the trenches to take a look at some of the top defensive linemen in Pennsylvania entering the 2023 season. Players from all classifications received consideration.
There are plenty of standout football players in Pennsylvania, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. Tag us on X or Instagram at @SBLivePA to discuss the other offensive linemen worthy of fans’ attention in 2023. You can also submit player nominations to ryan@scorebooklive.com.
(Note: These lists were compiled prior to the first week of the season)
(Photo of Bishop McDevitt defensive lineman Lucas Lawler by Paul Burdick)
Braheem Battles, jr., Allentown Central Catholic
The big man in the middle for Allentown Central Catholic, Battles had 85 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions during his sophomore season. Battles is a force to be reckoned with at 6-foot-3 and 324 pounds.
Dylan Bledsoe, sr., Garnet Valley
Also a standout wrestler, Bledsoe is a two-way lineman who is a factor at center and defensive tackle. He is a leader who has quick feet for his size at 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds.
Cameron Chmura, sr., North Allegheny
Chmura is a versatile senior lineman who had a strong 2022 season for Class 6A power North Allegheny. In late June, Chmura gave a verbal commitment to Marshall.
Deshon Dodson, sr., Neumann-Goretti
Dodson has been a dominant player at defensive end in the Philadelphia Catholic League. His Division I offers include Miami, Penn State, Texas A&M and Wisconsin.
Ryan Epps, sr., Harrisburg
Epps worked into the running back rotation as a junior, but his primary responsibilities come on defense. Last fall, Epps compiled 64 tackles (22 for loss), six sacks, 13 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.
Cole Euker, jr., Perkiomen Valley
A first-team all-Pioneer Athletic Conference selection on both sides of the ball as a sophomore, Euker is a force at 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds. He holds an offer from Ball State and is receiving interest from several other Division I schools.
Jayzen Flint, sr., West Catholic
Flint helped set the edge for West Catholic’s defense a season ago, recording 56 tackles (20 for loss) with four sacks and four pass deflections. The Boston College commit was voted Class 2A all-state.
Francisco Hall, sr., Coatesville
Hall is a versatile senior who can play anywhere on the defensive line for Coatesville. He’s at his best in the middle as a chaotic 6-foot, 250-pound defender.
Michael Hershey, sr., Spring Grove
A state placer as a heavyweight wrestler, Hershey will play football in college for Maryland. He is a two-way factor at offensive tackle and defensive end.
Lucas Lawler, jr., Bishop McDevitt
Also a standout wrestler for Bishop McDevitt, Lawler had a productive sophomore season on the football field. He recorded 47 tackles, 1.5 sacks and nine quarterback hurries.
Charlie Meehleib, sr., Elizabeth Forward
Meehleib is a natural athlete who could see snaps at tight end, outside linebacker and the offensive and defensive lines this season. As a junior, the Bucknell commit made the Class 3A all-state team on the defensive line.
Deyvid Palepale, sr., Hempfield
Palepale is a two-way standout who excels at offensive tackle and defensive end. The USC commit was a Class 6A all-state offensive lineman as a junior for Hempfield, but he is slated to play on defense for the Trojans.
Makel Parker, jr., Pope John Paul II
Parker is an explosive junior lineman with plenty of upside as a pass rusher and edge setter. He had 50 tackles (seven for loss) and a pair of sacks as a sophomore.
Koren Robinson, sr., Neumann-Goretti
A run-stuffing defensive tackle, Robinson is difficult to move at 6-foot-2 and 287 pounds. Robinson, whose Division I offers include Maryland and West Virginia, teams up with Deshon Dodson to create one of the best defensive lines in Pennsylvania.
Noah Rosahac, sr., Jim Thorpe
A two-way interior player for Jim Thorpe, Rosahac committed to Syracuse earlier this year. He was a Class 3A all-state selection on the defensive line as a junior after recording 83 tackles (25 for loss) and eight sacks.
Maxwell Roy, jr., St. Joseph’s Prep
One of St. Joseph Prep’s leaders up front, Roy is a dominant defensive tackle at 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds. The four-star prospect also wrestles at heavyweight and holds a career high school record of 74-17.
Tanner Wheeler, jr., Freedom
Wheeler is two-way contributor who is a factor at tight end and defensive end. Back in June, Wheeler picked up his first Division I offer from Temple.
Jahsear Whittington, sr., Imhotep Charter
A returning three-year starter, Whittington is a classic nose tackle at 6-foot-1 and 280 pounds. The three-star prospect has remained committed to Pittsburgh for nearly a year and a half.
Connor Young, sr., Mt. Lebanon
The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Young possesses a motor that never stops. The Navy commit had 31 tackles a season ago and was a first-team all-Tri-County Five selection.
Ty Yuhas, sr., Pittsburgh Central Catholic
A lifelong Pittsburgh fan, Yuhas committed to his hometown Panthers earlier this year. Yuhas, who played linebacker before moving to the defensive line, is known for his motor.
