It takes a lot of pressure off a defense when their line is able to make plays. Being able to sack the quarterback is often what we think of defensive linemen doing, but their value is often understated. Just getting pressure on the quarterback nearly every play can affect the game in a big way. And keeping the offensive line off the linebackers is huge. You can expect these players to stand out this year as the best upfront. These are our top 5 defensive linemen in the SAC for 2019.
#1: Gianini Belizaire- Snider
Belizaire had 8 sacks last season, a number that could be even bigger this season, and helped Snider to a 9-3 record. He was also responsible for 61 total tackles, averaging 5.5 a game. Snider will have a great defensive line this year and Belzaire will be a big part of it. Many offenses will have to make sure they have a plan on how to handle him in 2019. He was All-SAC First Team last season.
#2: Will Derrick- Bishop Luers
Derrick was All-SAC First Team last season as a d-lineman. During his junior year, at 6’0″, 250 lbs., he recorded 56 tackles and 17.5 tackles-for-loss. He’s also a big part of the Luers offensive line. So conditioning and endurance will be a key factor for Derrick with a Knights’ team that lost a lot of production last year.
#3: Jordan Watercutter- Bishop Dwenger
Watercutter is a disruptive force for the Saints. He was All-SAC First Team last season as a junior. He finished 2018 with 39 tackles and 11 tackles-for-loss. He’s a tenacious player with a combination of speed and strength. Dwenger has good players all over the place, so opposing offenses will not be able to key in on Watercutter, which could lead to a big senior season.
#4: Vincent Fiacable- Bishop Dwenger
Fiacable is the first junior to appear on this list. Last season he had 20 tackles which is a pretty successful year for a sophomore. Look for him to make a big jump this year and be an impact player for the Saints. He could also see time on the offensive line. He’s another big body for BD at 6’3″, 270 lbs. He was All-SAC Second Team last season.
#5: Larry Sible- Carroll
Carroll returns a very important part of their defense this year with Larry Sible. The 6’4”, 230 lbs. senior had 5 sacks to go along with 25 total tackles in 2018. He should be even more productive this season and is easily one of the best linemen in the conference going into 2019.
Honorable Mention(s):
Nigel Robertson- Northrop
Robertson headlines the Northrop defense in this upcoming season. He was responsible for 46 total tackles and 4 sacks last season. He also forced 2 fumbles. He has proven to be a disruptive force with his burst of speed and agility. Robertson looks to help out Northrop’s defense again in 2019 as a senior.
Jalen Wiggins- Snider
Snider’s defensive line is ferocious and Wiggins should be a key part of it. Though he only had 2 sacks and 25 tackles in 2018, his numbers should go up in his senior year. If they do, Snider’s defense will not be fun to face upfront.
Jaylen Walker- North Side
Walker will help North Side improve from their 2-7 record last season in the SAC. The defensive end will look to build off of his sophomore year last season. He is also a long snapper for the Legends.
