by Hunter Bower // GeauxPreps.com Owner

The line is key for any defensive unit and we take a look at some of the key faces to go watch perform this upcoming season. Most are being eyed by big-time Division I programs if they haven’t already committed.

listed alphabetically

Tyler Bailey, Ponchatoula

6-2 | 290 | Undecided | Class: Junior (2023)

Tyler Bailey is a three-star defensive tackle that causes so many problems for opposing teams. His work on the field helped pick up an early offer from LSU with many other schools sure to follow. His presence on the field is unnoticed and he will be a force to be reckoned with in 2021.

Maxie Baudoin IV, Ascension Episcopal

6-3 | 290 | Undecided | Class: Senior (2022)

Baudoin started on the defensive lineman as a junior, helping Ascension Episcopal to an 8-1 overall mark in 2020 followed by an appearance in the second round of the Division III playoffs. The three-star recruit will have quite a bit of offers to to entertain while finishing out his prep career this season. He recently announced his Top 10 including Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, and Texas A&M.

Walter Bob, Acadiana

6-4 | 250 | Alabama | Class: Senior (2022)

Walter Bob is not the top defensive lineman in the state of Louisiana for no reason. The Alabama commit dominated the gridiron last season, recording 54 tackles, 18 for a loss, along with nine sacks and two forced fumbles. His performance helped lead Acadiana to the Class 5A state championship, its fifth in school history. The ability to play in multiple roles on the line only raises his stock after each game. The four-star athlete is expected to have an even better season, which could be the demise of many top-tier football programs.

Jameian Buxton, Thibodaux

6-3 | 270 | Undecided | Class: Junior (2023)

Jameian Buxton’s level of play in just two seasons of varsity play were enough to draw offers from across the country. The junior lineman helped lead Thibodaux to an appearance in the Class 5A playoffs as a sophomore and has his sight set on bigger things in 2021. With schools like LSU, Georgia, Miami and Florida State knocking down his door, the three-star athlete will be fun to watch as he continues to dominate the line.

TaDerius Collins, Northwood-SH

6-4 | 230 | Undecided | Class: Junior (2023)

Collins’ stock rose right after his freshman season. The 6-4, 230 pound athlete started out as a receiver but quickly transitioned into the lineman role and hasn’t looked back. The Northwood Falcon causes issues at whichever position he plays and is able to quickly move in all types of space. He will be one to keep an eye on in a tough, competitive district full of DI talent.

Zalance Heard, Neville

6-6 | 300 | Undecided | Class: Junior (2023)

Zalance brings it all to the table. His size and ability to move is what already has drawn offers from the likes of Ole Miss and Texas. The junior defensive linemen will have plenty of time to develop and become a stronger asset for the ever-talented Neville Tigers. Don’t be surprised to hear his name called on the Friday night highlight reels this upcoming season.

Tygee Hill, Edna Karr

6-3 | 285 | LSU | Class: Senior (2022)

It didn’t take long for the LSU Tigers to make their case as to why Tygee Hill should take his talents to Baton Rouge next season. The four-star commit is impressive on the interior line and can display his strength in a number of avenues. But don’t let his stature fool as he can quickly move past his opposition and be a problem for quarterbacks. He hopes to lead Edna Karr back to the state title game for a sixth consecutive season before hanging up his cleats at the prep level.

J’Mond Tapp, Ascension Catholic

6-3 | 245 | Undecided | Class: Senior (2022)

Tapp is a three-sport athlete who can just flat out play and with do it with authority. With over 19 offers sitting in his back pocket, the four-star athlete is primed for another outstanding season after recording 64 tackles and 5.5 sacks last season. His performance helped lead Ascension Catholic to a 10-1 season plus a second-round appearance in the Division IV playoffs.

Fitzgerald West, Lafayette Christian

6-2 | 328 | LSU | Class: Senior (2022)

West, who recently committed to play at LSU, will be a great asset for the TIgers just like he has been for Lafayette Christian. The 328-pound defensive lineman has proven his versatility and his effectiveness at every position he plays, both on offense and defense. He will no doubt be a force for the Knights again this season and could help lead them to a fifth-straight state championship.

Quency Wiggins, Madison Prep

6-7 | 270 | Undecided | Class: Senior (2022)

Quency Wiggins is another defensive lineman that could potentially wind up as another strong get for the LSU Tigers. The four-star recruit has only played varsity football for just one season and was selected as an Adidas All-American among other similar distinctions for his play on the field. He continues to better himself with work at camps amongst the best in the game. He will no doubt be one to dominate the line as his natural ability to get to the ball could be second to none in due time.

Others To Watch:

• Jonathan Bax, Edna Karr

• Kai Brown, Brother Martin

• Zadarrin Evans, North Caddo

• Joshua Johnson, Catholic-BR

• Kadan Lewis, Terrebonne

• Jeremiah Macklin, Warren Easton

• J’Mari Monette, Alexandria

• Enyce Sledge, Neville

• Mehki Smith, Scotlandville

• Shon Washington, Warren Easton