How Good is Denzel Ware?

Defensive End

6’3”, 220 lbs.
Crestview, FL

Rivals: #233 Overall (5.8 rating out of 6.1)
24/7: #44 Overall, #4 Weakside defensive End
Scout: #3 Outside Linebacker

Chose UK Over: Florida State, Clemson, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Georgia Tech, and Ohio State

Twitter: @Juiceman_18

 

In two words: REAL good. I watched every new defensive lineman’s highlight tape and was thoroughly impressed. I didn’t expect for any of them to be outdone by a new player, then Denzel Ware committed. Ware combines elite athleticism and “smart football” to make for one of the most diverse talents on a defensive line that I have seen.  Jason Hatcher wows you with his athleticism, but even DLine coach Jimmy Brumbaugh said that, “he still needs to be taught the game of football.” This is not the case for Denzel Ware.

 

Ware is a fundamentally smart football player that lines up anywhere from NoseGuard, to defensive end, to pass-rushing OLB. When his coaches ask him to line up in a 4-point stance and bear crawl, he does it. After crawling through the line, causing a pile up, he doesn’t give up and continues to stalk his prey. In addition to doing some bruisin’ inside, he reads and reacts well with the offensive line. Many defensive ends can be tricked when the ‘mesh’ play occurs between the QB and RB in the backfield. Ware is the smart, disciplined player that follows his keys to make the play.

 

Coach Brumbaugh talked on Sign Day about the importance of  “actively using your hands as a defensive lineman”. It makes things more difficult for the guy trying to block you, but ‘gettin’ your hands in there’ also creates a disruption for the offense. Ware’s ability to use his hands to swat passes and force fumbles makes him a unique talent. The best defensive lineman in the NFL (J.J. Watt, Jason Pierre-Paul) are the best because they make game-changing plays like that consistently.

 

Check out Stoops’ First Commitment’s Highlight Video. You will not be disappointed.

 

-Sorry I couldn’t embed the video @RoushKSR