Western North Carolina 2021 DL Rankings

The review of football players in Western North Carolina continues.  The next group of players up for review are the defensive linemen.  Six defensive linemen made the cut.  The players listed are the best in the area: &nbsp; <strong>#1.  [player_tooltip player_id="28455" first="Isaac" last="Washington"], 6’3” 265 – East Surry HS.</strong>  Dominant force who overpowers offensive lineman to disrupt and stop the play, often for lost yardage.  He is very quick out of his stance, often goes by the offensive lineman unblocked.  The University of Tennessee commit is expected to continue his high level of play during the upcoming season. &nbsp; <strong>#2.  [player_tooltip player_id="28489" first="Ryheem" last="Craig"], 6’3” 215 – Alexander Central HS.</strong>  Explosive acceleration enables him to get quickly in the backfield to stop the play.  Displays great speed in the open field to run down the ball carrier.  The expectations are high as he prepares for the upcoming season.  The FCS offers should start to come in for him. &nbsp; <strong>#3.  Ethan Taylor. 5’10” 195 – Hayesville HS.</strong>  Displays quickness to cover receivers in short coverage.  Good speed on blitzes and closes in on the ball carrier quickly.  He is expected to continue a high level of play as he prepares for the upcoming season.  The D3 offers should start to come in for him. &nbsp; <strong>#4.  Damian Turpin, 6’1” 230 – Chase HS.</strong>  He uses his hands well to control blocker to make the play.  Quick out of his stance to get into the backfield to stop or disrupt the play.  The expectations are high as he prepares for the upcoming season.  The D2 offers should start to come in for him. &nbsp; <strong>#5.  Cole Sparks, 6’0” 190 – Mitchell HS.</strong>  He is quick out of his stance to get past blocker to make the stop.  Runs well in open space and closes quickly on the ball carrier.  He is expected to continue to improve as he prepares for the upcoming season.  The D3 offers should start to come in for him. &nbsp; <strong>#6.  Manuel Carranza, 6’1” 250 – St. Stephens HS.</strong>  He sheds blockers to stop the play.  He runs well in the open field to close in on the ball carrier.  He is expected to continue to improve as he prepares for the upcoming season.  The D2 offers should start to come in for him. &nbsp;