This is the 13th edition of our Five To Watch series. We thank Attorney Michael Ossont of The Mattioli Law Firm for returning as our title sponsor for Five To Watch. There are 32 teams in the WVC and LFC plus Holy Redeemer so it’s impossible to recognize every single player who might be deserving. The players we do list are some of the best at their position or have an interesting role coming up in 2024 for their team. Players will be recognized at only one position, even if they are capable two-way players. For players who don’t make the list, we hope you strive to make our lists at the end of the season because they are the ones that really count.
Here are the defensive linemen (Listed alphabetically):
Evan Dean, Sr. – Western Wayne
Height: 6-1 Weight 250
@EvanDea77433975
Dean was the anchor of the lines on both sides of the ball for the Wildcats and will continue that role this season. On defense, he ended up with 76 tackles from his defensive tackle position while commanding double teams on a regular basis. Dean also added 5 tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks. He also was a mauler on the offensive line as Western Wayne continued to be one of the best run offenses in the LFC. Dean was named an LFC Division II First Team defensive and offensive lineman in 2023.
Dean Highlights
Cooper Patterson, Jr. – Lackawanna Trail
Height: 6-1 Weight 220
Patterson continued his dominance up front on defense as opposing teams had problems blocking him all season. He has very good size and strength and now add the fact he has been a two-year starter, the experience has made him even better. His coaches rave about his football IQ. Patterson was also one of the best offensive lineman in the LFC and helped the Lions to a league and district title. Patterson was named an LFC Division III First Team defensive and offensive lineman last season and also PFW All-State offensive lineman.
Patterson Highlights
Chase Schuckers, Sr. – Berwick
Height: 6-1 Weight 270
@chase_schuckers
Schuckers has been a three-year starter and a staple in the trenches for Berwick since he was a freshman. He has the strength, toughness, and experience to be dominant this season. Last year, he battled some injuries late but still was a factor. Schuckers is especially tough against the run because of his size and will command double-teams on a regular basis. He also is a starter on the offensive line and that experience should help the Dawgs be better this season. Schuckers was named a WVC Division 1 Second Team defensive and offensive lineman in 2023.
Schuckers Highlights
Pasquale Venetucci, Sr. – Delaware Valley
Height: 6-0 Weight 270
@PVenetucci99
Venetucci didn’t grab the headlines last season because of the talented DV senior class, but if you ask opposing coaches, he was a player who made plays for the Warriors up front and will now be their premier lineman on the defensive side of the ball. Size and strength are evident when you watch him play and he caused chaos for opposing offensive lineman trying to get leverage on him to block him. Venetucci was named an LFC Division I Second Team defensive lineman last season.
Venetucci Highlights
Dyjeere Weekes, Sr. – Scranton
Height: 6-3 Weight 293
@Dyjeereweekez68
When opposing running backs hit the line of scrimmage against Scranton, they usually ran into Weekes who possesses great size and strength. The senior has all the physical aspects of a run-stopper and expectations will be for him to be dominant on the line of scrimmage, espcially after losing two talented defensive linemen to graduation. Weekes will also be the top returning lineman on the offensive side of the ball for Scranton
Weekes Highlights
SLEEPER
Brody Spindler, Jr. – Pittston Area
Height: 6-0 Weight 220
Spindler wouldn’t be a sleeper after being the Patriots best defensive player the past two seasons. However, he is making the switch from linebacker to the defensive line. Pittston knows what they are getting with him as he has been a weight room warrior since he entered the program. Now, he shows he is unselfish making a move for the sake of the team’s needs. He is a standout wrestler which should help him in the trenches as he will also transition to the offensive line. Spindler was named a WVC Division 2 First Team linebacker and Second Team fullback in 2023.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Kyle Draina, Sr. – Crestwood – Highlights| Twitter
Rykin Hobart, Jr. – Susquehanna
Joe Perri, Sr. – West Scranton – Highlights
Travis Sharples, Sr – Scranton Prep – Highlights | Twitter
Cooper Thomas, Jr. – Tunkhannock – Highlights | Twitter
Zach Williams, Sr – Dallas –Highlights
