Multiple 2023 DLs In Georgia Have 5-Star Potential

As Prep Redzone has reported multiple times, the state of Georgia is loaded with some of the nation’s top talent across the board in the 2023 class. The peach state is very deep both on offense and defense, but the deepest position group is arguably along the defensive line. We’ve already seen multiple 2023 defensive linemen earn SEC offers and there’s a few who have the potential to earn 5-star status down the road. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34010" first="Justin" last="Benton"] (Newton)</strong> There aren’t many players across the state with the work ethic and drive that Benton does. The Georgia Bulldog legacy isn’t the biggest defensive lineman at 6-foot-3 245-pounds, but he’s all muscle and plays faster and harder than most defensive lineman you’ll see at the high school level. He’s extremely quick off the ball and had a giant sophomore season for the Rams. In 2020, Benton recorded 85 tackles, 25.5 TFLs, 13.5 sacks, and forced four fumbles. He was incredibly productive and could see himself as one of the higher-ranked DEs across the country in the 2023 class. &nbsp; <strong>Seven Cloud (McEachern)</strong> One of the top defensive lineman in the Atlanta area, the Powder Springs native is a massive 6-foot-3 325-pound defensive tackle who committed to play football at UGA earlier in the week. He’s a boulder in the middle of the Indian’s defensive line and hasn’t even scratched the surface of his potential. He’s an excellent run defender with the potential to be an impact nose guard if he continues to develop and transform his body. As he continues to work, he has the potential to see his ranking skyrocket after a big junior season. As a sophomore last fall, Cloud recorded 36 tackles, 8 TFLs, , 5 sacks, 3 FFs, 8 QB pressures, and two blocked field goals. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34021" first="Stantavious" last="Smith"] (Dougherty)</strong> The Albany native had a big freshman year where he picked up offers from Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, among others. As a sophomore he backed up his play, showing his versatility and ability to play in multiple spots along the line. At 6-foot-3 250-pounds, Smith is a thick body with great lower body strength. He’s not incredibly long, but he’s strong and plays with great leverage. He’s a dominant defensive end at the moment but could move inside in a few years as he adds more weight. He’s one of the top young defensive lineman in South Georgia with big-time potential over the next few years. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34024" first="Gabriel" last="Harris"] (Thomas County Central)</strong> The best of the bunch across the state in the 2023 class could be the South Georgia defensive end from Thomasville. Already one of the most athletic defensive ends in the state, the super sophomore is long edge defender who is great at the point of attack. His length helps him get off blocks and his quickness allows him to sneak into the backfield on a consistent basis. He has a great frame with the ability to add more and more muscle before he enters college. Harris holds offers from Georgia, Florida State, Georgia Tech, among others. &nbsp; &nbsp;