Updated Look at SC’s Top 5 Defensive Linemen

Josh Buchanan

December 8, 2020 @ 03:04 PM

Updated Look at SC’s Top 5 Defensive Linemen This group is the strongest position in the 2021 class for South Carolina. Below is our look at the top defensive linemen heading in to signing day. <ol> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59291" first="Tyrion" last="Ingram-Dawkins"], Gaffney, 6’5, 298</li> </ol> This was a tough pick because there are three elite linemen in the state in this class but Ingram-Dawkins got the nod with his size, strength, and ability to disrupt the backfield. He can shut down the run game and disrupt the passing game. In 2020 he had 31 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. The Gaffney standout is committed to Georgia where he could potentially be a dominant interior player in the SEC. <ol start="2"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59292" first="Justus" last="Boone"], Sumter, 6’5, 250</li> </ol> There are many years that Boone would be the #1 rated defensive linemen and he was close to earning that this year. He finished 2020 with 42 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 11 hurries. He is a big, long defender who can stop the run and wreak havoc in the pass game. Boone has heavy hands and delivers a good pop on initial contact. He can win with power and speed as an all-around force on the line. Boone is verbally committed to sign with Florida this month. <ol start="3"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59297" first="T.J." last="Sanders"], Marion, 6’4, 284</li> </ol> As good as Boone was, Sanders did close the gap with a dominant senior campaign. He is a big body with power, speed, strength, and the ability to play inside or outside up front. Sanders finished with 53 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and six sacks in 2020. He is committed to play for South Carolina where he should be an impact player for the Gamecocks. <ol start="4"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59299" first="Jatius" last="Greer"], Belton-Honea Path, 6’5, 260</li> </ol> The next in a deep position group is Greer who also had a very good senior year. His size and range to make plays sideline to sideline and terrorize a backfield have turned him into one of the best pass rushers in the state. He can beat blockers off the edge with power or speed, quick first step, and good motor. He is committed to sign with Syracuse this month. <ol start="5"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59306" first="Elijah" last="Davis"], Wagener-Salley, 6’3, 260</li> </ol> Davis is the first on our list who has not committed anywhere and he should have a much longer offer list. He plays inside linebacker for them but his size and length look like a college end. He shows good instincts, closing speed, and makes a lot of plays. It will be interesting to see if he changes position or stays at linebacker. His top offers currently are East Carolina, Georgia State, Kansas, North Texas, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Charlotte.