Future Focus: Top 2023 Defensive Linemen

Photo: Prep Redzone

Will Helms August 23, 2020 @ 09:55 PM

We recently released our watch list for the class of 2023, so over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing you to the top prospects. First up, we take a look at the top players in a talented defensive line class. [player_tooltip player_id="44968" first="Rico" last="Walker"], 6’4 215, EDGE, Hickory Walker is our top overall prospect in the 2023 class and is listed as an athlete as he can play receiver as well. Walker is already a dominant defensive player and if he into his frame, he has the potential not only to be a top prospect in North Carolina, but one of the best players in the entire country. He holds three Power Five offers as a rising sophomore, but with his rare combination of size and speed, he’s likely to have many more by this time next year. [player_tooltip player_id="44971" first="KJ" last="Sampson"], 6’3 285, DT, New Bern Sampson is a run-stuffing defensive tackle that is just now beginning to tap into his nearly unlimited potential. This offseason he’s gained strength and put on 15 pounds. As he develops more as a pass rusher, he’ll become a can’t-miss prospect. He already holds offers from Tennessee, Charlotte and South Carolina and should have more suitors after this season. [player_tooltip player_id="45005" first="DJ" last="Watkins"], 6’2 235, EDGE, Albemarle Watkins led all North Carolina freshmen in sacks a season ago, finishing the year with seven. Already, he displays a knack for being in the right place, leading all freshman defensive ends in tackles and finishing fourth among all freshmen in that same category. He’s a long, quick prospect who can with with athleticism or skill. He’s already producing so we’ll be interested to see how his recruitment unfolds over the next few years. [player_tooltip player_id="45002" first="Kyler" last="Puckett"], 6’2 220, DL, Southwest Guilford Puckett plays defensive tackle for Southwest Guilford, and he could grow into an interior lineman at the college level. However, we think his quickness sets him up to be a standout strongside defensive end. His first step is elite and it’s easy to see his film and forget he’s a freshman. His ceiling is only limited by how much he grows in the next few years, but at this point he should be firmly on the radar of several Power Five schools.