Leading up to the 2025 season, AL.com is highlighting the top high school football players in Alabama.

We looked at the best quarterbacks in 1A, the best running backs in 1A, the best wide receivers in 1A, the best tight ends in 1A and the best offensive linemen in 1A. Now, it’s time for the best defensive linemen in 1A.

We contacted coaches across the state and asked them to fill out a survey requesting information about their team. These lists were compiled primarily based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.

If you are an Alabama high school football coach who did not receive the survey, email [email protected] or [email protected]. We will continue to add to these lists throughout the summer.

BEST DEFENSIVE LINEMEN, ALABAMA 1A

Brody Anderson, sr., Lynn

Anderson earned first-team all-state honors as a junior while helping the Bears to an 11-2 record and third-round playoff appearance. His senior campaign could be even more impressive as he tries to lead Lynn on another deep playoff run in 2025.

Aiden Benson, sr., Meek

A starter since eighth grade, Benson is described by Tigers coach Daniel Evans as “one of the smartest linemen I have ever coached.” His extensive experience in big games will be crucial for Meek this season.

Danny Boice, sr., Billingsley

At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Boice is praised by Bears coach Lanny Jones as “a very athletic lineman” who “moves well for his size.” He’ll be the backbone of Billingsley’s frontline on both sides of the ball.

Liam Brown, jr., Meek

Brown doesn’t have as much experience as some of his teammates, but Tigers coach Daniel Evans praises his work ethic. “We expect big things from him this year,” Evans said.

Jaydon Buchanan, jr., Wadley

The junior two-way starter will take on an expanded role for the defending state champion Bulldogs and first-year head coach Dake Rivers. “Jaydon will play fullback and he will help anchor the defensive line,” Rivers said.

JaBari Burns, sr., Wadley

Burns will anchor the Bulldogs’ offensive line and be the leader on the defensive front, according to coach Dake Rivers, who will rely on senior leadership in his first year at the helm at Wadley. Burns was selected as a first-team all-state defensive lineman in 2024.

Gabe Cardenas, jr., Billingsley

A starter since eighth grade, Cardenas brings “a lot of experience and grit” to the Bears’ program, per coach Lanny Jones. Cardenas’ knowledge of the system and leadership qualities make him valuable on both sides of scrimmage.

Joshua Chestnutt, jr., Fruitdale

Chestnutt recorded 52 tackles, two sacks and a scoop-and-score touchdown at defensive end last season. Pirates coach Lane Brown is moving him from center to tight end on offense this year, and he’ll continue to wreak havoc on defense.

Marctavious Crittenden, sr., Georgiana

A rare fifth-year starter, Crittenden has started every game on the offensive line since his eighth-grade season under Panthers coach Berry D. Bess. He’s also been a mainstay on the defensive line, bringing unparalleled experience to the Georgiana front.

Jaquez Dixon, sr., Sweet Water

A three-year starter who will anchor the Bulldogs’ defensive line, Dixon also will be called upon to play offensive tackle this season. Sweet Water coach Pat Thompson will rely heavily on Dixon’s experience and leadership in the trenches.

Kavarris Duncan, jr., Winterboro

The defensive ballast for the Bulldogs recorded an impressive 74 tackles (including 15 for loss), four sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery last season. Duncan has received an offer from Troy and is known for his intensity and strength. Coach Skylar Mansfield calls him the “engine” of the defense and expects him to take on double teams, disrupt the run and lead the defensive line in creating pressure.

Mike Gee, jr., Maplesville

At 6-foot-1 and 260 pounds, Gee brings surprising quickness to the nose guard position. “You have to double team him,” Red Devils coach Brad Abbott said, highlighting Gee’s ability to disrupt offensive game plans from the interior.

Landon Gilliland, jr., Wadley

Gilliland will moor the offensive line at center and start at defensive tackle for the Bulldogs. New Wadley coach Dake Rivers values Gilliland’s adaptability and versatility in the trenches.

Cam Grace, sr., Meek

Tigers coach Daniel Evans said “no one works harder” than Grace, who improved steadily throughout last season. His continued development will be “extremely important” for Meek in his senior year.

Dale Gray, sr., Berry

Gray contributed 30 tackles (17 solo, 13 assists) last season. He will be a key piece for coach Danny Raines and the Wildcats’ defensive front in his senior campaign.

Trae Heath, jr., Wadley

Heath will be our “leader at the defensive end position while also serving at tight end on offense,” Bulldogs coach Dake Rivers said.

Terry Hilliard, jr., Brantley

Described by first-year Bulldogs coach Andrew Lowery as “a very hard worker with outstanding talent,” Hilliard dominates the line of scrimmage with his size and strength. He provides an anchor on both sides of the ball for Brantley.

Jordan Jackson, sr., Berry

Jackson was a force for the Wildcats last season with 56 tackles (43 solo, 13 assists) and eight sacks. The senior defensive end will be an important cog in coach Danny Raines’ defensive scheme.

Jeremiah Jones, sr., Pickens County

Tornadoes coach Michael Williams describes Jones as a “big athlete that has improved every year.” Jones’ continued development will be crucial to the Pickens County defensive line.

Jay Maness, so., Sweet Water

Sweet Water coach Pat Thompson describes the sophomore as someone who “plays hard with a mean streak.” In his first varsity season, Maness will try to make an immediate impact for the Bulldogs.

Nehemiah McCary, so., Maplesville

Already holding an offer from Troy as a sophomore, McCary has the potential to be one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the state regardless of classification. Red Devils coach Brad Abbott has high expectations for 2025 and beyond for this young standout.

Kiyen McCoy, fr., Winterboro

Despite being a freshman, the 6-foot-3, 330-pound McCoy will start on the offensive and defensive lines. Bulldogs coach Skylar Mansfield praises his “varsity-level footwork and strength” and believes he has a high ceiling with his strong work ethic.

Blaine McDuffa, sr., Hackleburg

McDuffa is a four-year starter and leader on the offensive line. Panthers coach Rod Hudson values his experience and leadership. Off the football field, McDuffa recently won first place in the state for beef production entrepreneurship in the Alabama FFA Association Beef Production Proficiency Awards.

Zakari Morgan, sr., Winterboro

Morgan recorded 29 tackles, three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery last season. Bulldogs coach Skylar Mansfield describes Morgan as a “high-effort player who leads by example” and expects him to provide leadership in the trenches alongside Kavarris Duncan.

Tim Parnell, sr., Leroy

With his 5-foot-8, 245-pound frame, Parnell earned first-team all-state honors as a junior after recording 77 tackles and 5.5 sacks for a Bears team that finished 10-2. Parnell also received honorable mention on the Press-Register All-Coastal team.

Mason Parr, sr., Berry

Parr recorded 32 tackles (14 solo, 18 assists) last season for the Wildcats. Berry coach Danny Raines will count on Parr’s experience and know-how in the trenches this season.

Dom Patterson, sr., Hackleburg

Panthers coach Rod Hudson describes Patterson as a “good, experienced interior player.” His size, familiarity and consistent line play will help anchor Hackleburg’s defensive front.

Lane Plott, jr., Billingsley

Like his teammate Cardenas, Plott has started since eighth grade and brings extensive experience and leadership. Bears coach Lanny Jones praises Plott’s work ethic and passion for helping make the Billingsley program successful.

Jayden Reasor, jr., Millry

At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Reasor will make an impact at defensive end and be the “go-to guy” on offense. Wildcats coach Shane Hendry, in his 23rd year at Millry and fifth as head coach, said he appreciates Reasor’s work ethic and competitiveness.

Tacorius Reed, so., McIntosh

Reed made an immediate difference as a freshman defensive end with 24 tackles and six sacks. Demons coach Joshua Harris expects even more from Reed in his sophomore campaign.

Jamal Stallworth, sr., Georgiana

A three-year starter who began his football career as a sophomore, Stallworth has been a leader for Panthers coach Berry D. Bess. “He stepped into a huge role for us and has held it down ever since,” Bess said.

Dekevion Staples, sr., Wadley

Described by new Bulldogs coach Dake Rivers as “our leader on the offensive line,” Staples also will get significant time on the defensive line in many situations in 2025.

Zamerre Taylor, jr., Fruitdale

Despite this being Taylor’s first year playing football, Pirates coach Lane Brown is excited about his potential. “He is a big kid, very athletic,” Brown said, noting that Taylor has been a regular in the weight room. He’ll play defensive end and wide receiver for Fruitdale.

Desmond Thomas, so., Wadley

At 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, Thomas has the physical tools to be the next big recruit from Wadley. First-year head coach Dake Rivers believes Thomas could be special if he continues to work hard. He’ll start at defensive tackle alongside senior JaBari Burns and at left tackle on offense.

Ashton Waltrip, jr., Berry

Waltrip racked up 67 tackles (47 solo, 20 assists) with 7.5 sacks last season for the Wildcats. Coach Danny Raines, in his second year of his second stint at Berry, will look to Waltrip to continue his disruptive play off the edge.

Lavon Watkins, jr., Fruitdale

After transferring in last year and sitting out a season, Watkins is ready to make an impact for Fruitdale. Coach Lane Brown appreciates his work ethic, noting that he’s “one of the first to get in” the weight room. Though Watkins played exclusively defense at his previous school, he also will get some carries for the Pirates’ offense.

Alfred Weaver, sr., McIntosh

Demons head coach Joshua Harris is “looking forward to a big year” from Weaver, describing him as “dominant wherever you put him.” His size and versatility make him an asset anywhere on the field for McIntosh.

Kaderius Williams, sr., Georgiana

A two-year varsity starter who stepped into a role on the offensive line last season because of injury, Williams “works extremely hard in the weight room and drills,” according to coach Berry D. Bess. The Panthers expect a big season from Williams, building on the strength of his offseason work.

Ethan Woods, jr., McIntosh

Woods recorded 11 tackles last season and notched eight pancake blocks on offense. Demons coach Joshua Harris expects continued development from the junior lineman.

Von Woods, jr., Maplesville

A first-team all-state selection, Woods dominated with 66 tackles and 7.5 sacks last season. Red Devils coach Brad Abbott praises his “great speed and technique off the edge,” making him one of the most feared pass rushers in Class 1A.

Jediah Works, jr., Maplesville

A dual-threat player who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season, Works also will get plenty of time at defensive end. Maplesville coach Brad Abbott expects Works to be a major contributor in his junior season.

Hunter Wyatt, jr., Meek

Tigers coach Daniel Evans is “looking for a breakout season” from Wyatt, who has “worked his tail off this offseason.” Evans believes Wyatt’s potential is “very high” as he enters his junior year at Meek.

For complete coverage of Alabama high school football, including schedules, scores, recruiting news and additional player spotlights, visit AL.com’s high school sports section throughout the season.