Southeastern Pa. players to watch: Defensive linemen

Teams rely heavily on defensive linemen who quickly corral ballcarriers and apply a strong pass rush.

La Salle, in its attempt to take the Catholic League Class 6A title back from bitter rival St. Joseph's Prep, has one of the area's strongest defensive line rotations.

The Explorers bring back an experienced group that features Garrett Zobel, Chris Maloney, Colin Hirschmann, and Danny Kuznetsov.

St. Joe's Prep has a major force up front in tackle Ryan Bryce, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound tackle who has committed to Army.

Haverford School, which is aiming for its fourth Inter-Ac League title (the Fords shared it with Malvern Prep in 2013) in five seasons, has top-notch bookends in Colin Hurlbrink and Asim Richards.

Hurlbrink (6-3, 250) has committed to Lafayette; Richards, a 6-5, 265-pound junior, has scholarship offers from Connecticut, Syracuse, Temple, Rutgers, and West Virginia.

Germantown Academy, last season's Inter-Ac co-champ with Malvern Prep, has a solid unit that includes tackle Elijah Wroten (6-4, 295) and ends Joe Cawley (6-0, 250) and Jim McGettigan (6-1, 260). Malvern brings back two-way tackle Ryan Betz, a 6-3, 260-pounder and Bucknell recruit.

Archbishop Wood's hard-charging line has a rotation made up of Billy Shaeffer, Kyle Pitts, Adrian Lambert, Tommy Walsh, George Mazzacano, Sean McHugh, and Connor Bishop. Shaeffer will join Hurlbrink at Lafayette; the 6-5, 235-pound Pitts is projected to be a tight end at Florida.

Neumann-Goretti's Christian Barmore (6-5, 290) has committed to Temple. Archbishop Ryan's Tim Moulton (6-4, 265) has scholarship offers from Central Florida and James Madison.

Pennridge's Oliver Jervis is a 6-6, 245-pound end with an offer from Monmouth. He doubles at quarterback for the Rams.

In addition to Jervis, the Suburban One League has stalwart linemen in Abington's Jamil Robinson (5-11, 235), Central Bucks South's Adam Collachi (6-1, 255), and Council Rock South's John Dooley (6-2, 285).

The Ches-Mont League National Conference features Coatesville's nose guard Alex Raimondo (5-9, 215) and Downingtown East ends Connor Munnelly (6-2, 260) and Nica Hesel (6-3, 200).

Imhotep Charter junior end Omar Speights (6-2, 240) has scholarship offers from Baylor, Brigham Young, Duke, Kentucky, and Tennessee, among others.

Simon Gratz end Steve Reynolds (6-1, 235) is another top Public League performer. He has offers from Army, James Madison, and Morgan State, among others.

Players to watch

Ryan Bryce, St. Joseph's Prep, Sr. – The veteran tackle is bound for Army.

Zymir Cobbs, Imhotep Charter, Sr. – He is a 6-3, 240-pound nose guard.

Mike Gobora, Pennsbury, Sr. – The Falcons' end is always around the ball.

Desmond Johnson, Simon Gratz, Sr. – His interior play is key for the Bulldogs.

Milton Mamula, Episcopal Academy, Sr. – He led the Churchmen in sacks.

Jack McDaid, Great Valley, Sr. – He makes noise on both sides of the ball.

Calvin Pressley, West Catholic, Sr. – He totaled 57 tackles last season.

Elijah Riddick, Bartram, Sr. – He doubles an an offensive tackle for Braves.

Billy Shaeffer, Archbishop Wood, Sr. – An end who can also play tackle.

Justin Shields, Springfield (Delco), Sr. – Tackle anchors the Cougars' line.

Joe Spillman, Ridley, Sr. – The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder is a run-stuffing end.

Topher Taylor, New Hope-Solebury, Jr. –  Foes look up to the 6 -7, 235-pounder.

Kyle Tobin, Marple Newtown, Sr. – He registered seven sacks last year.

Chris Yaksich, Downingtown West, Jr. – Second-year starter for the Whippets.

Garrett Zobel, La Salle, Sr. – He's a two-way standout for the Explorers.