Editors note: This is the fifth story in the eight-part “YPS Top 40” series from Your Prep Sports highlighting 40 of the top returning football players for the 2023 season.

Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

The YPS Top 40 is an eight-story series highlighting 40 of the top returning football players in the Your Prep Sports area by position group.

After focusing on the offense for the first four stories in the series the focus today shifts to the defensive side of the ball.

The series continues today with the defensive line which is among the most deep and talented position groups in the area.

In the next few days three other position groups, linebacker, defensive back and special teams will all be featured.

Here is a look at seven of the top returning defensive lineman in the Your Prep Sports area for the 2023 season.

Brody Clubb

Junior, Clear Creek Amana

A big, strong and athletic defensive end Clubb continues to climb the list of top defenders in the state while establishing himself as a major college prospect.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Clubb had the best season of his career last season as a sophomore setting career highs in tackles, solo tackles, sacks and tackles for loss and picked up his first major offer from Iowa State in June.

A starter as a freshman in 2021, Clubb had 39.5 tackles including a sack and 3.5 tackles for loss in his debut season.

Clubb was even better last season as he ranked third on the team with 44 tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks while moving between defensive end and outside linebacker.

A three-star prospect on Rivals, Clubb caught six passes for 63 yards and a touchdown last season as tight end but will move to offensive line this season.

Clubb’s combination of strength and speed cause major issues for offensive lineman and should have the junior end in for a big-time season.

Ben Kampman

Senior, Solon

Kampman saw varsity action two seasons ago as a sophomore but exploded last fall earning Class 3A first-team all-state honors after a breakthrough season.

A high-energy defensive end Kampman was among the most disruptive players in 3A last season ranking sixth in 3A with 15 tackles for loss and seventh with seven sacks.

Kampman used his non-stop motor to rank second on the team with 41 tackles as a junior and recovered a fumble as the Solon defense posted three shutouts and held opponents to 12.7 points per game.

Following his breakthrough season Kampman has collected offers from Army and Division II powerhouse Northwest Missouri State.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Kampman has added weight to his lengthy frame and should be in for a huge senior season as the leader of the Spartans defensive front.

Dantrell Skinner

Senior, Liberty High

One of the most athletic and exciting defensive linemen in the state Skinner has the combination of strength and explosion that allows him to play anywhere on the defensive front.

The 6-foot, 220-pound Skinner was a consistent disruptive force last season ranking fifth on the team with 39 tackles including 23 solo stops.

Skinner had nine tackles for loss and a sack on his way to earning first-team all-district and second-team Class 4A all-state honors.

An explosive athlete, Skinner lined up in the offensive backfield in short-yardage situations last season and recorded a pair of rushing touchdowns.

After bursting onto the scene last season look for Skinner to continue to raise his stock as one of the elite defensive linemen in the state this fall.

Logan Wright

Senior, West Branch

The rock in the middle of the West Branch defense last season Wright proved almost unblockable at times while earning Class 1A first-team all-state honors.

Wright ranked fifth on the team with 36 tackles last season including 21 solo stops from his interior defensive line spot.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Wright led West Branch with 18 tackles for loss and six sacks last season helping the Bears reach the Class 1A state semifinals.

Wright has been a load to handle in the run game since stepping into the lineup as a sophomore but last season showed the ability to rush the passer.

Over the past two seasons Wright has made 59.5 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks and should add to those already impressive statistics with a big senior season

Drew Streb

Senior, Regina

A two-way standout on both lines Steb is a tone setter for the Regals up front on both sides of the ball.

Streb was effective on both sides of the ball but did perhaps his best work last season on defense where he ranked third on the team with 38 tackles.

An athletic lineman at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Streb had four tackles for loss and two sacks last season.

Streb could easily make this series as an offensive lineman but his presence on the defensive front will be critical for a Regina defense that must replace five of its top seven leading tacklers from last season.

Tono Cornell

Senior, City High

Another linemen with the ability to excel on both sides of the ball, Cornell will look to anchor a City High defensive line that is the key to an attacking Little Hawk defense.

An Illinois State recruit, Cornell is a powerful tackle that is difficult to move and can shut down opposing running games.

The 6-foot-2, 294-pound had 3.5 tackles for loss last season among 5.5 total tackles.

Look for Cornell to make a big jump this season in his second season in the City High program and to become a major impact player along the defensive front.

Zach Logsdon

Senior, West High

Whether lining up at defensive end or outside linebacker Logsdon has a way of finding the football.

Last season the 5-foot-9, 190-pounder made 40.5 tackles including 4.5 sacks as a linebacker.

This season Logsdon could be used more in a hybrid defensive end role as the Trojans look to utilize the speed and high motor that make Logsdon effective.

Where Logsdon lines up expect him to continue to produce.

Over the past two seasons Logsdon has made 50 tackles with six going for loss and should be in for a huge senior season.

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