The absolute toughest position to try to rank. There have been incredible defensive linemen to play at Longview, and this should be criminal to rank them. Lock me up. Top 10 DL since 2000 from Longview.
Years: 2008-09
Years: 2007
At 6' 175 pounds, it made no sense for Cordarren Soloman to be on this list. Even with his slight build, Soloman could stop the run as well as get after the passer. Solomon set the school record in sacks in 2007 with 11, had 66 tackles, 13 for loss and 4 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. The track athlete had an incredible burst off the ball, and was a speed demon around tackles.
Years: 2008-10
T. Jones started his career out at linebacker and moved up to the varsity midway through his sophomore year. After a couple years at linebacker, Jones moved down to the defensive line and flourished immediately. Jones finished as a first team all stater on the Texas Writers' Poll after finishing his senior season with 85 tackles, 14 for loss and 11 sacks in 15 games. He was extremely physical for someone at 6' probably anywhere from 210-220 lbs. He hardly ever got reached and did a great job of squeezing down on inside runs.
Years: 2012
Allen played in just 8 games in Longview after transferring from Chapel Hill, but the man was an animal in those 8 games. Allen had 49 tackles, 18 for loss, 12 sacks in just those 8 games. Had he played in all 13 games that season, there's no telling what his numbers would have been.
Years: 2008-09
College: Houston
Farley, a 2 year starter, was 6'1, 250 and an absolute load, and the strongest guy I've ever been around. . From first hand experience, if he got his arms extended on you then it was over. He teamed with Bubba Vactor to make the most dangerous duo of defensive tackles Longview has ever seen. Although he was a little stiff, his strength and straight line speed was bar none. He was an all district guy both his junior and senior year. As a junior, Farley had his biggest statistical season. Farley finished that season with 88 tackles with 8 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. In 2009, he was a key defender on a team that pitched 3 shut outs his senior year, and 6 games where the team gave up less than 10 points. Limited by injury, Farley finished the season with 49 tackles and 3 sacks. Farley went on to sign with the University of Houston where he graduated.
Years: 2021-22
College: Lamar
Talk about a bottle of explosion. Sometimes unhinged, but often times on par, Rougely was an absolute stick of dynamite for the Lobos in 2021 and 22. In 2021, JR went for 12 sacks, tying the then school record. As a senior JR got off to a slow start but piled it on late in the season. He went for 10 sacks. For a career, 22 sacks for the mad man.
Years: 2021-2023
Billy Smith was a 3 year starter for the Lobos at defensive tackle. Weighing less than 225 during his career, Smith was at a size disadvantage. Smith used his toughness and speed as an advantage for him. As a junior Billy became a full time starter and balled immediately. Billy statistically has the best season by a defensive tackle in Longview history. Smith finished with 69 tackles, 17 for loss, and 13 sacks, a school record. As a senior Billy balled again. He finished with 57 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks. With over 20 sacks in his career Billy Smith is that guy.
Years: 2021-2023
Coming in from Carlisle, Xaryus had a big adjustment to make to 5A level of football. His sophomore year was a learning experience, but when his junior year came around 55 came alive. As a junior, Sheppard amassed 76 tackles, 19 for loss and 11.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries and 1 blocked punt. That stat line is ridiculous but he doubled down as a senior. Sheppard finished with 79 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 1 safety. Billy and Sheppard are the only two Lobos with 20 plus sacks in their career.
Years: 2010-12
The most productive tackler in Lobo History happened to play behind one of the best defensive tackles in Lobo History. A 3 year starter, Cornelious Williams was an absolute stump in the middle of a defense and could not be moved. As a sophomore the young buck put up 33 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. As a junior, he increased that number to 58 tackles, 6 for loss and 1 sack. He required double teams at all times and finished his senior year with 84 tackles, 17 for loss, 3 sacks. He was the best at holding the point and not allowing offensive lineman to work up to the next level, and is the best defensive tackle Mark Peters said he's ever coached. "Bubba could take a game over, but Cornelius could make you scrap your game plan. He was the best I have ever seen at understanding what you were trying to do to him and the defense and block recognition."
Year: 2018-19
College: Texas A&M
The most explosive defensive lineman in school history. At 6' 235, Drew Beltran could not be blocked 1v1, and in his senior year he proved it time and time again. As a junior, Beltran hurt his knee and missed the majority of the season. He found his way back in the playoffs and became a part of a deadly 8 man rotation that won state in 2018. Drew finished with 23 tackles that season. As a senior, all things were up for Drew. He finished with 64 tackles, a school record 27 tackles for loss, the then school record 11 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.
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