Daily News football countdown: Top defensive linemen to watch in 2025

Defensive linemen come in all shapes and sizes, and they certainly have different skill sets. Some come off the edge looking for a sack, some clog the middle to stop the run, others command a double team, and some are there just to contain the outside.

The area has had its share of great defensive linemen in the past decade, most notably Kayvon Thibodeaux of Oaks Christian, who is now one of the best edge rushers in the NFL for the New York Giants. Maybe another great Sunday player is competing locally on Friday nights … only time will tell.

Here is a look at the Daily News area’s top defensive linemen to watch in 2025.

(Top players are listed in alphabetical order by last name)

Kasi Currie, Sierra Canyon, Jr.: Currie is 6-foot-5, 315 pounds with offers to schools like Nebraska, LSU and Florida State. Currie’s size makes him a national recruit, according to pundits. He can also play offensive line.

Mikhal Johnson, Sierra Canyon, Sr.: Johnson is a three-star prospect with offers to Arizona State, Air Force, Columbia, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah and UNLV.

Joseph Peko, Oaks Christian, Sr.: Peko has NFL bloodlines. His father, Domata Peko, played in the NFL from 2006 to 2020 for the Bengals, Broncos, Ravens and Cardinals. Joseph is 300-plus pounds and is a major problem in the interior. Peko holds 17 Division I offers.

James Moffat, Crespi, Sr.: Moffat was a first team all-league selection for the Celts as a junior after tallying 27.5 tackles for loss. He’s committed to Princeton.

James Montes, Kennedy, Sr.: Montes was named the West Valley League defensive lineman of the year in 2024 and also earned All-City honors.

Izak Simpson, Simi Valley, Sr.: Simpson is a great story. After never playing football, Simpson came out to play football his sophomore year and is now a Sacramento State commit.

Richard Wesley, Sierra Canyon, Sr.: This Texas commit is one of the top edge rushers in the country. He reclassified from 2027 to 2026 after tallying almost 20 sacks the past two seasons. He commands double teams and is an unreal combination of size and speed.

Others to watch: Zayne Reed, Oaks Christian, Jr.; Kingston Williams, Chaminade, Jr.; Chris Colon, Notre Dame, Jr; Albert Bellingrath, Agoura, Sr.; Cruz Rivezzo, Moorpark, Sr.; Connor Schlimgen, Newbury Park, Sr.; Jose Lopez, Alemany, Sr.; Leonidas Vargas, St. Genevieve, Sr.; Khye Perez, Birmingham Charter, Sr.