2022 Five DEs to Watch: South Dakota
South Dakota has had a few defensive ends from their state that have turned into household names at the next level and the NFL. John Dutton of Rapid City played 14 seasons mostly for the Cowboys after a career at…
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Continue ReadingSouth Dakota has had a few defensive ends from their state that have turned into household names at the next level and the NFL. John Dutton of Rapid City played 14 seasons mostly for the Cowboys after a career at the University of Nebraska. Ordell Braase of Mitchell played 12 seasons for the Baltimore Colts in the 1950s and early 1960s. With such a shortlist of guys take their talent to the NFL, we take a look at the Class of 2022 defensive ends. These five prospects stood out to on film as the next men up in the Class of 2022 to impact the defensive line and just maybe in a college city near you and have a shot at the NFL in the coming years. I give you “Five DEs to Watch: South Dakota.”
Magnus Nelson, Brookings
Nelson was a two-way starter as a sophomore for the Bobcats and had a bull-type build as a defensive end. This prospect is a massive problem if he can get thru the middle of your line. With a little more speed, might be a nice linebacker transition at the next level as he has the grit to play the position, in my opinion.
Chase Kelly, Florence-Henry
Kelly is a fundamental problem in the middle for running backs. His ability to manhandle a runner with tackles similar to WWE moves makes this prospect tape something to watch. One of those prospects you want to keep watching and watching his film is a super athlete that is more than worthy of a chance to play college football.
Quinten Christensen, Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central
Christensen is a man among boys on the football field on both sides of the ball for the Blackhawks. He has so much length to get in the backfield and evade the running game and get after the quarterback. Needs a little development in his footwork in coverage. Still, it hasn’t stopped the Division I programs from calling from the Missouri Valley. Christensen was also 3rd place in state wrestling last year and is an outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA.
Cameron Jackson, Sioux Falls Lincoln
Jackson still has raw potential, but you cannot be fooled by a 6’7 defensive end. Jackson can wreak some havoc in the backfield with his big frame but still has some development to do. The most significant area would be his ability to attack the runner faster as he gets there quickly. Always, he puts the pedal on the ball carrier where he needs to develop.
Kendis Ledbetter, Sioux Falls Washington
Physicality on tackles is what Ledbetter does best. If you see him let up on any tackler, you might not be watching the right guy. Sheds off blocks very quickly and can evolve in both the pass rush and stuff the run. An elusive prospect that has already gotten the love September 1st thru now from the Missouri Valley. Look for Ledbetter to be one of the top DL prospects in the Dakotas in the Class of 2022. This prospect has the potential to be one of the best South Dakota has ever seen.