Our subjective list, which we turned into a top 15 because of the high number of players involved, is based on many factors: strength, technique, ability to dominate, footwork, agility, smarts, endurance, etc. Also considered: a player's potential at the next level.

Please note that some two-way standouts -including George Washington's Sharrif Floyd, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound force - will not be listed here. They will get their due when we grade the area's best defensive linemen.

1. Seth Betancourt, St. Joseph's Prep, senior, 6-6, 295, tackle. The Boston College recruit is a hard worker, excellent run blocker, and surprisingly athletic. His size and wingspan engulf defenders.

2. Matt Williams, Cardinal O'Hara, senior, 6-3, 275, tackle. His muscle and technique have helped spark speedster Corey Brown and quarterback Ryan Laughlin. Williams recently committed to James Madison.

3. J.D. Dzurko, North Penn, senior, 6-3, 270, tackle. Having made the switch from center, his interior grit has helped the Knights average 35.6 points per game. He is receiving interest from the Division I-AA likes of Delaware and Villanova.

4. Chase Hoyt, West Chester Rustin, senior, 6-4, 250, tackle. With Hoyt clearing the way, Rondell White has rushed for 1,363 yards and 19 touchdowns on 119 carries.

5. Mack Crowell, Downingtown West, senior, 5-10, 230, tackle. A two-year starter, Crowell has shined while protecting QB Bret Gillespie and opening holes for tailback Kessan Christopher.

6. Jake Zuzek, West Catholic, senior, 6-2, 290, center. He has been a mainstay up front for Brian Fluck's squad. Last season, he helped the Burrs average 48 points per game and reach the PIAA Class AA state final.

7. Bill Conover, Upper Moreland, senior, 6-1, 305, tackle. As one of the spark plugs for Chris Smallwood, Conover has aided in the Golden Bears' quest to earn a Class AAA playoff berth.

8. Joe Cenatiempo, Garnet Valley, senior, 6-9, 300, guard. He has a terrific first punch, excels at moving defenders, and is one of the Jaguars' best overall competitors.

9. Jay Knighton, Hill School, senior, 6-2, 255, center. Knighton has been instrumental in making classmate Dante Astheimer one of the area's most dangerous halfbacks.

10. J.J. Denman, Pennsbury, sophomore, 6-7, 285, center. With the up-and-coming Denman in the middle of things, the Falcons average nearly 36 points per outing.

11. Zack McMenamin, Interboro, junior, 5-10, 205, tackle. His performances have been critical in pushing the undefeated Bucs to the top of the Del-Val League standings.

12. Nick Hober, Ridley, senior, 5-11, 260, guard. Hober is smart, aggressive, and a lead-by-example type for the Central League leaders.

13. Matt DiGiacomo, La Salle, senior, 5-11, 265, guard. Continued progression from this stalwart will be crucial in the Explorers' bid to repeat as Catholic League champions.

14. Andy Stengel, Downingtown East, junior, 6-3, 245, guard. Against Downingtown West last week, his efforts helped sophomore workhorse Drew Harris total 152 yards on 38 carries.

15. Nick Quintans, Penncrest, senior, 6-2, 250, guard. Thanks to his strength and work ethic, the explosive Lions are averaging 41.1 points per game.

Twenty-five others to watch: Micale Allen, North Catholic, senior, 6-1, 245, guard; Zachary Bissey, Haverford High, senior, 5-11, 245, guard; Chuck Boddy, Germantown Academy, sophomore, 6-0, 250, guard; Derrick Carter, Glen Mills, sophomore, 6-0, 265, tackle; James Colivas, Monsignor Bonner, senior, 6-4, 285, tackle; Rob Crispin, Ridley, senior, 6-2, 240, tackle; Will Emery, Chestnut Hill Academy, senior, 6-1, 265 tackle; Dan Foust, Pottsgrove, junior, 6-0, 245, center; Ted Gramiak, Episcopal Academy, junior, 6-2, 265, tackle; Tom Hewitt, Springfield-Delco, senior, 6-1, 215, tackle; Abdel Kanan, George Washington, senior, 6-1, 240, tackle; and Chris Knott, Archbishop Wood, junior, 6-3, 265, tackle.

Also, Pat Mallon, Kennett, senior, 6-4, 300, tackle; Anthony McFalls, Great Valley, senior, 6-2, 255, tackle; Sean McGinn, St. Joseph's Prep, senior, 6-4, 257, tackle; Chris Nelson, Conestoga, senior, 6-3, 235, tackle; John Rizzo, Neshaminy, senior, 6-2, 280, tackle; Matt Schickling, Roman Catholic, senior, 6-3, 240, guard; Ben Schiner, Perkiomen School, senior, 6-1, 220, tackle; Max Silver, Haverford School, senior, 6-4, 275, tackle; Tauheed Smith, Frankford, senior, 6-5, 360, tackle; Kevin Strigle, Marple Newtown, senior, 6-2, 270, tackle; Steve Szostak, La Salle, senior, 6-1, 265, tackle; John Young Penncrest, senior, 6-0, 230, tackle; Frank Yurick, Upper Dublin, senior, 6-4, 255, tackle.