Nothing hinders an attack like the inability to win the battle early on. Defensive linemen who refuse to give up ground and can pressure the quarterback and absolute game wreckers. These 10 Southwest Florida players, which include four-star prospects Kendall Guervil of Fort Myers and James Johnson of North Fort Myers, exemplify these skills and are the beating heart of their defensive units.
You’ll also have your say, as we’ve included a poll about which box striker you think is the best. You can also CLICK HERE to vote.
Here is our list of the best strikers in the area in alphabetical order:
Stream Florida HS football games on the NFHS Network
Best High School Football Defensive Linemen in Southwest Florida in 2024
Henry Brown
Dunbar
Measurable: 5-foot-11, 250, Senior
The athletic defensive tackle had 45 tackles, including 10 for loss, and three fumble recoveries for the Tigers last season.
Main seniors: Listing SW Florida’s Top 67 Seniors for the 2024 High School Football Season
Michael ‘Mint’ Edwards
Dunbar
Measurable: 5-foot-10, 270, Senior
Another star interior player for the Tigers, Edwards led the team in tackles for loss with 26 stops in the backfield. He had 74 total tackles, along with six sacks, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Noah Figueroa
East Lee County
Measurable: 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Senior
The defensive end had 30 tackles, including 11 for loss, a team-leading 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles for the Jaguars last season.
Micah Fils-Aimé
First Baptist Academy
Measurable: 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Junior
Main university offers: Wake Forest, Boston College, Massachusetts
A transfer from Golden Gate, Fils-Aime finished with 90 tackles and 30 tackles for loss last season along with 12 sacks to help the Titans’ defense allow just under 16 points per game.
Kendall Guerville
Fort Myers High School
Measurable: 6-foot-1, 305 pounds, Junior
Main university offers: Florida, Georgia, Florida State, Tennessee
A four-star prospect, Guervil had 49 tackles (eight for loss), 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in nine games for the Green Wave last season.
The Big 15: Top college football recruits from Southwest Florida high schools ranked 1-5
Tommy Halgrim
Fort Myers
Measurable: 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Senior
College Commitment: Air Force
The defensive end had 59 tackles, including nine tackles for loss, three passes defended and one blocked shot for Onda Verde last season.
Harkym Henry
Lehigh High School
Measurable: 6-4, 240, Senior
Henry plays with a mix of power and explosiveness on the edge and will be the leader on the Lightning’s defensive front this season.
James Johnson
North Fort Myers
Measurable: 6-foot-1, 275 pounds, Junior
Main university offers: Florida, Miami, USC, Wisconsin
A four-star prospect, Johnson recorded 51 tackles, including 13 for loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles for the Red Knights last season.
The Big 15: Top college football recruits from Southwest Florida high schools ranked No. 6-10
Sean Kabengele
Naples
Measurable: 6-foot-1, 305 pounds, Senior
College Commitment:Cornel
Kabengele finished with 44 tackles and 10 tackles for loss while adding 12 quarterback hurries and three sacks for the Golden Eagles last season.
Ryan Peterson
Bishop Verot
Measurable: 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, Senior
Peterson was consistently active on the Vikings’ defensive line, leading the team with 19 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He made 62 tackles, second most on the team, and recovered two fumbles.
Occasionally, we recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently and do not influence our coverage.
This article originally appeared in the Fort Myers News-Press: Ranking the best defensive linemen in SW FL high school football. Vote for number 1
