2023 Stock Risers: Defensive Line

We march forward in our 2023 Stock Risers series as we reach the defensive side of the ball. Often with younger classes, we’re dealing more with potential than production along the defensive line but there are still several players that have shown both. Two defensive linemen sit atop our rankings and eight sit inside the top 50, so here we’ll break a few of them down. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="44971" first="KJ" last="Sampson"], 6’4 285- New Bern (No. 1 DT, No. 2 overall)</strong> Like our top overall prospect, [player_tooltip player_id="44968" first="Rico" last="Walker"], Sampson could be considered more of a stock confirmer than a stock riser. We ranked him fourth in the state before the season and saw nothing to suggest that ranking was unwarranted. Sampson’s first step is truly impressive and even at his size, he’s one of the quickest players on the field. Between that and his great play strength, it’s obvious why he has a host of Power Five suitors. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="143171" first="No’Tavien" last="Green"], 6’2 210- New Bern (No. 2 Edge, No. 14 overall)</strong> Like his teammate, Green had a great sophomore season, but unlike his teammate, it came a bit out of nowhere. Green has excellent bend around the edge which will translate well to the next level. He also accelerates out of his pass rushing moves quickly and closes the gap on the quarterback well. He’ll put on a few more pounds and when he does, he’ll be a prototypical defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="132327" first="Josh" last="Iseah"], 6’2 220- Independence (No. 3 Edge, No. 20 overall)</strong> Iseah was one of the most productive pass rushers in Charlotte this season, regardless of class and like Green’s, his season was somewhat unexpected. Iseah always had the talent, but he put it all together in a great way as a sophomore, ranking among the state leaders in tackles for loss and putting up multiple 3-sack games. He also forced two fumbles, caught four passes and threw for a touchdown pass in just seven games. He plays the run better than most and has a lot of room to grow in size and technique. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144720" first="Tyler" last="Thompson"], 6’6 220- Panther Creek (No. 4 Edge, No. 26 overall)</strong> Thompson probably has the highest ceiling of any prospect in the state ranked outside of our top 20 but we’re not even sure he’ll choose to play on the gridiron in college. As a basketball player, Thompson helped Panther Creek to a 13-2 record but I’m excited about his potential as a football player, where his long arms and quickness off the edge make him a standout defensive end. If he decides to stick with football he will be highly sought after as an edge rusher. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104092" first="Eliyt" last="Nairne"], 6’3 235- Olympic (No. 8 DL, No. 35 overall)</strong> Nairne is a bit of a tweener that could stay inside or flex outside to defensive end depending on how his body develops over the next few years. Nairne played mostly at defensive tackle for Olympic where he contributed as a run stuffer, pass rusher and special teams player. He put up an All-Conference season, thanks to some great anticipation and athleticism, always seeming to be in the right place and having the ability to finish plays when he has the opportunity. His development will be interesting to watch over the next few seasons. <strong>Others on the Rise</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="45001" first="Jameson" last="Pegues"]- Southeast Guilford (No. 4 DT, No. 53 overall)</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136339" first="Matthew" last="Preddice"]- Heritage (No. 6 Edge, No. 59 overall)</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144723" first="Jack" last="Schultz"]- Cabarrus Warriors (No. 9 Edge, No. 76 overall)</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144722" first="Isaiah" last="Shirley"]- Watauga (No. 10 Edge, No. 93 overall)</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144703" first="Anthony" last="Sutton"]- Ardrey Kell (No. 11 Edge, No. 99 overall)</strong>