2023 Rankings: Defensive Linemen Breakdown

The 2023 player rankings were recently updated and the next group of players up for review are the Defensive Linemen.  The players listed are amongst the best in their class: &nbsp; <strong>State Rank:  4 – POS[Rank] #1. [player_tooltip player_id="44971" first="KJ" last="Sampson"], 6’4” 285.  New Bern HS.</strong>  A dominant force on the defensive line.  Technique sound and displays precision footwork on the field.  It is exceedingly difficult to block him in a one-on-one situation.  A combination of size, power, and quickness.  Strong performance at the VTO Sports All-American Challenge at IMG Academy.  He has an extremely high upside and will continue to get better. <strong>State Rank:  17 – POS[Rank] #2.  [player_tooltip player_id="44979" first="Zach" last="Barbour"], 6’5” 195.  Forest Hills HS.</strong>  He often goes by the offensive lineman unblocked on his way to stop the ball carrier.  Covers ground quickly in the open field to make the play.   He will gain valuable experience during the upcoming season and will continue to improve his skills. <strong>State Rank:  26 – POS[Rank] #3. [player_tooltip player_id="45002" first="Kyler" last="Puckett"], 6’2” 220.  Southwest Guilford HS. </strong> Displays good use of hands and strength to get around offensive lineman to stop the ball carrier in the backfield.  Quickness enables him to make a high number of tackles for losses. <strong>State Rank:  41 – POS[Rank] #4.  [player_tooltip player_id="44999" first="David" last="Neal"], 6’2” 220.  Camden County HS.</strong>  Displays ability to shed blockers to stop the ball carrier.  He plays with a lot of energy and runs well in the open field.  He will continue to improve his skills during the upcoming season. <strong>State Rank:  43 – POS[Rank] #5.  [player_tooltip player_id="45001" first="Jameson" last="Pegues"], 6’0” 305. Southeast Guilford HS.</strong>  A quick and agile defensive lineman who makes a high number of tackles for losses.  He moves quickly in short distances with a lot of power.  He will continue to improve his skills during the upcoming season as the anchor of the defensive line. <strong>State Rank:  44 – POS[Rank] #6.  [player_tooltip player_id="45005" first="DJ" last="Watkins"], 6’2” 235. Albemarle HS.</strong>  A combination of power and quickness enables him to go unblocked by the initial blocker to stop the ball carrier.  He is an aggressive player with a lot of athletic ability.  He will get better during the upcoming season and gain valuable experience. <strong>State Rank:  51 – POS[Rank] #7.  [player_tooltip player_id="50904" first="Jikheim" last="Melendez"], 5’11” 250.  Warren County HS.</strong>  Displays good technique and skills on the playing field.  He gives maximum effort on every play which ignites his teammates.  He will continue to improve as he gains valuable playing experience during the upcoming season. <strong>State Rank:  55 – POS[Rank] #8.  [player_tooltip player_id="104092" first="Eliyt" last="Naire"], 6’3” 235. Olympic HS.</strong>  Accelerates with a burst of speed out of his stance, leaving the offensive lineman in his stance.  He will continue to improve with game experience during the upcoming season. &nbsp; <strong> </strong>