2022 Sleepers: Defensive Line

Mississippi is known for the elite talent that is produced in state on the defensive line, yet the depth found up front is equally impressive. Let’s take a look at a few "sleeper" prospects who we expect to see recruitment heat up for as senior year nears. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/donterry-russell/">[player_tooltip player_id="104437" first="Donterry" last="Russell"]</a> | Provine The recruitment for the upcoming senior from the Jackson, MS area has already began to take off as he holds a couple of Power 5 offers early on. Strong ties in-state with Mississippi State are present with his brother De’Monte, who is a defensive lineman for the Bulldogs. Next level length is obvious with Donterry, who looks destined to be a pass rush/edge defender on the line like his brother. The frame lacks some mass at this time, but a college strength and conditioning program should have no trouble in filling him out. Good burst accompanied by smooth change of direction make him worthy of constant double teams off the end. Expect to hear Russell’s name mentioned as one of the top defenders in the state by the end of his senior season. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dj-burgess/">[player_tooltip player_id="104438" first="DJ" last="Burgess"]</a> | Lafayette County Football is in the blood of Burgess who is the son of Ole Miss alum, 2x NFL Pro Bowler Derrick Burgess. The Lafayette County upcoming senior is coming off a monster junior year in which he totaled 70+ tackles and 11.5 sacks. Burgess fires off the football and plays with an up-tempo motor throughout the play. The elite length that is often seen in defensive end prospects doesn’t pop off the tape but the frame does not lack power whatsoever. Burgess has a good understanding of the game and combines that well with his next level strength. Big games and big situations are where Burgess appears the most which is a trait that cannot be taught. Look for a big senior year on the horizon at Lafayette County for Burgess and offers to start rolling in. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/derick-harden/">[player_tooltip player_id="104439" first="Derick" last="Harden"]</a> | Olive Branch Prototypical Edge rush frame is obvious in Harden with room to add strength/mass. Harden’s build screams D1 athlete and his tape proves it. Burst off the ball is seen with violent intentions as he approaches the football. As Harden grows into his athleticism and works out some stiffness his game will only improve. Potential to be the type of pass rush threat that demands double teams each and every play. Under-recruited athlete at this time that has loads of untapped potential. Surprised that he doesn’t already have some Group of 5 offers under his belt.