Off the edge: Top DL performers from this past weekend

A number of talented players stood out in Atlanta this past weekend but it was the defensive line group that may have shined brightest. Modern football places an increased premium on two skill sets (passing the football and putting pressure on the passer) and this group featured players who are only scratching the surface of their skills in the latter. Several impressed in the individual skills and one-on-one competition over the weekend and a few should be considered hidden gems in the pass rush arena. Here’s a look at a handful of defensive lineman who caught my eye: <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34012" first="Denzel" last="Moore"] (6’2” and 230 lbs.), Class of 2023</strong></span> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>Meadowcreek HS (Norcross, GA)</em></span> [caption id="attachment_42233" align="alignnone" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-42233 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/DenzelMoore-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="34012" first="Denzel" last="Moore"][/caption]&nbsp; Moore <span style="font-size: 1rem;">was one of the mos</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">t explosive players off the edge both in measured time and in the eye test. The No. 2 defensive lineman in the state of Georgia on Prepredzone’s 2023 rankings, Moore didn’t disappoint.</span> His speed out of his stance is elite and he has the frame to continue to add strength. Holds 15 offers including several of the biggest programs in the country..Moves very fluidly without effort, I’d expect him to continue to develop into one of the best pass rushers in the country. https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1292229834496708618 <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Demareon Andrews (6’3” and 235 pounds), Class of 2022</strong></span> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>Westlake HS (Atlanta, GA)</em></span> Among the upperclassmen, Andrews was a standout performer. Excellent quickness off the line and enough strength to move offensive lineman in front of him, Andrews could be a breakout player in 2020. Currently holds no offers and I’d expect to see that change in the coming months. https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1292168501294178309 <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Xavier Brown (6’6" and 280 pounds), Class of 2021</strong></span> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hart County HS (Hartwell, GA)</span> [caption id="attachment_42306" align="alignnone" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-42306" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/XavierBrown-300x215.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="215" /> Photo: PrepRedzone[/caption] A basketball player who is giving football his attention now, Brown is certainly a player to keep an eye on this fall. With his combination of size and strength, Brown could be in line for a breakout senior season. Has excellent reach and could develop quickly into a Division 1 player. Drew plenty of attention from some of the best scouts in attendance on Saturday. https://twitter.com/honch62576663/status/1292289770459213824 &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Nicholas Scott (5’11” and 225 lbs), Class of 2021</strong></span> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>Mauldin HS (Mauldin, SC)</em></span> I’d argue Scott was the biggest sleeper at the entire camp. The rising senior currently holds no offers yet he was possibly the biggest standout amongst all defensive lineman in attendance. Deceptively quick and strong, Scott received praise from the coaches for his multiple moves off the line. While certain players excelled in one or two pass rush moves, Scott seemed to have a variety of options when attacking the offensive tackle in front of him. Scott played primarily at inside tackle this past season, but college coaches could find a true diamond in the rough if Scott is placed on the edge. I’d expect his recruitment to increase significantly with more exposure. https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1292233743751622656 <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Naejaun Barber (6’2” and 220 lbs), Class of 2021</strong></span> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>Ridge View HS (Columbia, SC)</em></span> I was surprised Barber is only listed at 220 pounds because his strength looked like that of a player with 30 more pounds of weight. Barber displayed excellent quickness off the line and used his hands well to get into the chest of opposing offensive lineman. The competition ratcheted up during his reps and with no current offers, I’d classify him as a possible sleeper along the defensive line for college recruiters. https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1292299360525520897