Larry Dibbles

It's a very good year for defensive line prospects nationally, and especially in Texas. For example, Travis Leitko of The Woodlands, Marco Martin of Mesquite, and Rodrique Wright of Alief-Hastings could all stake a claim as the state's No. 1 DL prospect. However, in my opinion one player to stands out head and shoulders above the rest: Larry Dibbles ( 6-4, 280, 4.58) of Lancaster.

On film he has proven to be the type of player who must be accounted for at all times. He comes off the corner with tremendous speed, strength and fluidity. As a junior he recorded 142 tackles, 21 QB sacks, and 30 tackles for losses, and he caused eight fumbles, batted down eight passes and made one INT. In person Dibbles looks more like a defensive tackle, closer to 6-3 in height and weighing around 285 pounds. However, with his unusually quick feet, explosive moves and great body control, he is without a doubt the nation's premier defensive end prospect.

Dibbles helped solidify his status as the No. 1 DL by running a 4.58 at the Oklahoma camp, which opened a lot of eyes, and he immediately became the most talked-about player at the camp. His summer performance in Norman drew rave reviews and also comparisons to 2001 Sooner recruit Tommie Harris, another native Texan with great size and explosive moves.

What also makes Dibbles special is the fact that he's not satisfied with just being one of the best. He works relentlessly hard to become the best. This Second Team All-Stater is a devastating pass rusher with long arms, big-time closing speed and outstanding body control. He's also a very aggressive player who goes all out in practice as well as in game situations, and I believe his combination of explosive speed and strength will enable him to become an All-American at either the defensive end or defensive tackle positions once he gets to college.

He bench-presses 440, squats 620 and finished fourth in the state in the shot put with a toss of 60-3 despite the fact that he threw on a broken toe. His father, Larry Dibbles Sr., played at TCU. When I recently spoke with Larry Jr., he told me he has no favorite school, but did list Notre Dame, FSU, UCLA, Texas, Penn State and Miami (Fla.) as an early top six. In my view, whichever school is lucky enough to sign Larry Dibbles next February is getting itself not only an All-American pass rusher but also a team leader, a student and a winner.

Tom Lemming is editor of Prep Football Report. For information on how to subscribe to Prep Football Report's three yearly magazines and five newsletters ($60 for the magazines and $90 for both magazines and newsletters), fax your name, address and fax number to 847-842-1313 or write to P.O. Box 59113, Schaumburg, Ill. 60159. For year-round recruiting updates, call Tom Lemming's Prep Football Hotline at 900-860-9888. Calls are $1.79 per minute, and callers must be 18 years old or have parents' permission.