#TN2022 Rankings: Defensive Line Breakdown

As we dive back into the #PRZTN Senior Top 200, we look deeper at the defensive linemen and where they are placed within the rankings. This isn't the deepest or most talented defensive line classes that we have had in the past but there are plenty of good football players here who can contribute in major ways inside the college game. ‘22 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="101972" first="Walter" last="Nolen"] (6'4 300) - Powell (DL Rank: 1 State Rank: 1) - Nolen is not only the top prospect in the state of Tennessee but right now by most publications, the new Panthers D-Tackle is considered the number one player in the country. Nolen has been a marked man for a long time now by Power Five programs but he has yet to make a commitment. Look for the new East Tennessee resident to make a decision in the coming weeks, if not sooner. ‘22 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="102006" first="Camron" last="Douglas"] (6'3 300) - Haywood (DL Rank: 2 State Rank: 38) - Coming out of West Tennessee, Douglas is a powerful people mover with deceptive athleticism and active hands. He has natural power that immediately knocks people out of his way then he uses his nimble lower body to find the ball. Douglas is being recruited as a two-way lineman as he could play O-line on the next level. He does hold a few D1 offers currently but a big senior season could propel Douglas into P5 status. ‘22 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="101992" first="Eric" last="Gaston"] (6'5 245) - Cane Ridge (DL Rank: 3 State Rank: 42) - Gaston is one of the more intriguing defensive linemen in this class as he has the size and the upside to excel on the next level but only if and when he plays up to his potential. The Ravens D-lineman is a big guy with long arms and a frame for more weight. Gaston could stay outside if he can develop more speed but his best trajectory as a college player might sit best inside at defensive tackle. The Tigers will do everything they can to turn him into a force for their D-line. * Committed to Memphis * ‘22 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="101995" first="Gio" last="Davis"] (6'4 285) - South Pittsburg (DL Rank: 4 State Rank: 47) - If the Pirates of South Pittsburg plan to compete in the Class 1A state title game this year, Davis will be a big reason why. The Chattanooga area two way lineman is a big, physical competitor that will go both ways this year but translates to the next level on the defensive line. Davis still has work to do before he reaches his maximum capabilities but the talent and upside is there to compete on the Power Five, D1 level. ‘22 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="102030" first="Kendyle" last="Ball"] (6'3 220) - Davidson Academy (DL Rank: 5 State Rank: 62) - Ball is considered one of the better pass rushers in this class and returns for his senior season as the state's leading returner in sacks. He has packed on more weight and size this offseason to better help himself against the run this season and going forward. Ball is a high character guy and hard worker that knows how to find the ball and more importantly, the quarterback. ‘22 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="102019" first="Jeremiah" last="Bailey"] (6'3 240) - Smyrna (DL Rank: 6 State Rank: 67) - The Colonels of Eastern Ky picked up a big time commitment from Bailey earlier this summer as he is a feisty, physical guy that is still learning the defensive end position. Playing on his Bulldogs defense, Bailey has manned a variety of roles but is fully growing into his body now where he translates best on the defensive line. This could be an All-ASUN selection on the edge before his career is over in a Colonels uniform. * Committed to Eastern Ky * ‘22 (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="102047" first="Jalen" last="Brockman"] (6'3 265) - Davidson Academy (DL Rank: 7 State Rank: 70) - Strong, athletic and versatile are the main traits that come to mind when talking about Brockman and his football abilities. This two-way lineman has the upside and potential to honestly excel on either side of the line in the college game. Brockman needs to continue adding weight but he has a great frame to do so. Look for a big breakout senior season for this Nashville area talented lineman. ‘22 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="102040" first="Ethan" last="McLaurin"] (6'2 230) - Oakland (DL Rank: 8 State Rank: 75) - The Patriots defense in 2021 could be pretty stout and a big reason for that will be the competitive edge and play from McLaurin. The 6'2 edge rusher is a physical competitor with great bend and the natural ability to rush the backfield. McLaurin has received a few offers on the recruiting trail but has yet to really break out. This coming season could do wonders for the Pats senior defensive end and his college recruitment. ‘22 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="102021" first="Thomas" last="Pilon"] (6'3 270) - McCallie (DL Rank: 9 State Rank: 78) - Pilon holds one offer currently from Wofford but is a guy that warrants more looks as he is one of the toughest guys to block and control in this class from the defensive line. This Canadian native is naturally strong and powerful but also has good athleticism and a non stop motor that is tough for O-linemen to handle. If Pilon can put together a strong senior film, watch out for his recruitment to blow up. ‘22 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="102064" first="Jyron" last="McClellan"] (6'4 240) - Upperman (DL Rank: 10 State Rank: 89) - McClellan is an under the radar talent that has picked up a couple of FCS offers thus far but shows flashes of potential to play higher on the D1 level. He has the height, length and developing athleticism to prosper in the college game but the level depends on his continued maturation with his game. This coming senior season could be huge towards seeing his recruitment go to a whole new level and seeing more coaches knocking on his door. ‘22 (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="102092" first="Colin" last="Stewart"] (6'2 240) - CPA (DL Rank: 11 State Rank: 91) - This guy is a true under the radar talent that if he had more size, Stewart would be considered a definite D1, possible Power Five prospect. If you are looking for a big time motor and max effort, Stewart is your guy. He is a versatile lineman that can play inside, out but definitely has the pass rushing abilities to cause damage anywhere on the line. Stewart is also a defending state champ and high academic, character young man, so he brings a lot of value to the table. ‘22 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="102080" first="Colbe" last="Haddox"] (6'4 280) - Boyd Buchanan (DL Rank: 12 State Rank: 92) - These past few weeks have been really good for Haddox as he has picked up a couple of FCS offers and pushed his recruiting stock up higher. Some schools could be looking at Haddox as an offensive lineman, which is a viable option but the Bucs two way senior could definitely excel on the next level at defensive tackle. If he continues to show progression this season, more schools could look to get involved. Other Ranked Defensive Linemen - (DE) Abdul Malik Sholanke (6'3 245) - King's Acad. (DL Rank: 13 State Rank: 108) - (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="151049" first="Malachi" last="Harrison"] (6'1 280) - CAK (DL Rank: 14 State Rank: 111) - (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="152977" first="Clay" last="Barrett"] (6'4 235) - Cookeville (DL Rank: 15 State Rank: 119) - (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="102035" first="Jordan" last="Shepherd"] (6'4 230) - Peabody (DL Rank: 16 State Rank: 121) - (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="151048" first="Seth" last="Vaughn"] (6'1 290) - Fulton (DL Rank: 17 State Rank: 124) - (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="102121" first="Josiah" last="Jackson"] (6'1 280) - FRA (DL Rank: 18 State Rank: 127) - (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="102067" first="Myles" last="Saulsberry"] (6'2 280) - Lausanne (DL Rank: 19 State Rank: 128) - (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="102057" first="Joshua" last="Jones"] (6'1 285) - USJ (DL Rank: 20 State Rank: 151)