Top Returning Defensive Linemen (DE) 2025
- 1. Tim Fuhrmeister (C.B. East)- The 6’5” 265 lb. behemoth, who is committed to Columbia University next fall, is poised for a breakout year. Last season as a junior, his efforts garnered 2nd Team All-National Conference Honors after compiling 36 total tackles (TT), 15 tackles for loss (TFL), and 3.5 sacks, 1 pass defended (PD), 1 Forced Fumble (FF), and 1 field goal blocked (BLKFG). Fuhrmeister will be relied on much more this season, as both leading tacklers from a year ago (Connor & Logan Simkiss) are at Tufts. We expect an even more impressive senior season.
- 2. Jackson Connelly (Quakertown)- Connelly had a stellar junior season in which he received 2nd Team All-Continental Honors after registering 69 TT, 14 TFL, 5 sacks, & 2 Quarterback hurries. The 6’3”, 230 lb. defensive end will again cause problems for opposing tackles. We expect that with another season under his belt and improved mechanics, he’s going to lead his team in sacks. When asked about a bold prediction earlier this offseason, head coach George Banas said, “Jackson Connelly would lead the team in sacks.” We think he could lead the league.
- 3. Justin Waugh (Upper Dublin)- Similarly to Connelly, Waugh stands 6’2.5” and 230 lbs. After registering 54 TT, 8 sacks, 3 FF, 1 PD, and 14 quarterback pressures, the defensive end received 1st Team All-Continental honors as a junior. This year, he and teammate Benji Ravitz have a chance to do some damage defensively up front for the Cardinals. We expect Justin to have a dominant senior year.
- 4. Benji Ravitz (Upper Dublin)- This two-way starter finds himself at fourth on our list after a similar performance to his teammate, Justin Waugh. He compiled 54 TT, 2 sacks, 1 pick-six, and 2 PD. The 6’3.5”, 220 lb. end was not recognized with league honors, but his performance belongs up here. Head coach Bret Stover can cause some problems for teams with Ravitz and Waugh.
- 5. Owen Swartz (Neshaminy)- Swartz received Honorable Mention All-National Conference Honors after he topped 50 TT, 6 sacks, 13 TFL, and 2 FF in his junior campaign. Swartz is versatile on the line because he can rotate inside to defensive tackle as well. His 6’2”, 265lb. frame packs power and drive, but he also has great bend and speed to get by opposing linemen.
- 6. Amir Butler (Plymouth Whitemarsh)- The 6’3” 215 lb. Butler had an impressive junior season for the Colonials. He totaled 45 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 8 TFL, 1 defensive touchdown, 1 safety, and 2 FR. Behind some other impressive edge rushers, Butler found himself empty-handed when it came to league honors. We think he will continue to dominate and produce for the Colonials and head coach Dan Chang. Expect big things from the senior, and you can count on seeing his name up here at the end of the season.
- 7. Alistair Reese (Cheltenham)- The senior defensive end comes back to Cheltenham for his senior year after registering 44 TT, 6 TFL, 3 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries, 1 FR, and 1 blocked punt. He has good size, coming in at 6’3” and 235 lbs. Cheltenham’s Terrence Tolbert, who is in his first year as head coach at Cheltenham, has plenty of pieces like Reese to compete and win some games this season. Look for Reese to be a huge part in their success on the field.
- 8. Cole Lilienfeld (Wissahickon)- Lilienfeld is an undersized defensive end who stands 5’10” and 195 lbs. No statistics were available at the time of this entry, but he did garner Honorable Mention All-American Conference Honors a season ago, which cannot be overlooked. While we believe this multiple-sport athlete will continue to shine on the lacrosse field, we think he will continue his dominance of the American Conference.
- 9. Gavin Graham (C.B. South)- A powerful running back and defensive end combo player. Graham stands 6’1” and 225 lbs. Graham didn’t garner any offseason honors, but on a stacked and loaded team, he was able to contribute 25 TT, 6 TFL, and 1.5 sacks. Now that Graham will see the field more, we think those numbers will grow, and we will see his name up here again, as he is only a junior.
- 10. Zach Szabo (C.B. West)- Zach received rave reviews from head coach Rob Rowan this offseason. He is also a leader on this Bucks team, and his teammates follow his lead as he often sets the tone. Last season, the backup quarterback stepped up in a big way and played defensive end, and he had a phenomenal offseason to improve upon last year’s resurgence. He tallied 24 TT, 3.5 TFL, & 2 sacks in about 75% of the season as he did not play every game, which makes the stats even more impressive.