Prep Redzone Showcase: Top Defensive Linemen

As we continue to look at the top performers from Saturday’s showcase, we move to our defensive line, a small but talented group. For this, we looked at the testing numbers, their technique in drills and one-on-ones with the offensive linemen at the end. With all three of these in mind, here’s our list of top performers. <strong><img class=" wp-image-319063 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/101-Ephraim-Deese-1-300x268.jpg" alt="" width="147" height="131" />Ephraim Deese, 6’4 210, Forest Hills (NC)</strong> Deese was one of the more physically impressive linemen of the day, measuring in at 6’3 1/2 and 210 pounds. He put up great times for his size in the 40 and short shuttle and had the best broad jump of the group. Despite his height, he showed good bend around the edge and a good array of pass-rushing moves. He impresses me on film with his ability to play both the pass and the run and he’s a guy that should definitely get a look at the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="319670" first="Ricky" last="Swindell"], 6’1 300, Scotland County(NC)<img class="alignright wp-image-319062" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/102-Ricky-Swindell-1-300x286.jpg" alt="" width="143" height="136" /></strong> Swindell is a big dude, but has a lot of muscle mass and is strong on film. He routinely moves guys off the line but tested well in the speed and agility drills as well. He really seems to have fun when he plays, which excites me as a scout. He’s a really solid interior defender that can play the 0-technique or slide out a bit to play the 3. I love his ability against the run and he showed enough during 1-on-1s to make me think he could flash as a pass rusher as well. I came away impressed. <strong><img class=" wp-image-319103 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/56-Frankie-DIaz-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="155" height="155" />Frankie Diaz, 6’ 250, Maryville (TN)</strong> Diaz isn’t going to wow anybody with his size or speed, but his motor is among the best I’ve ever seen. That is the case on film, it was the case when I saw him at the Tennessee showcase last summer and it remained the case this past Saturday. When everyone else looks gassed, Diaz is just hitting his stride. Whether he’s going on back-to-back reps in 1-on-1s, running from drill to drill or asking to go again, he’s constantly going 100 percent. As an evaluator, that’s something I love and I’d happily have him on my team. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="265789" first="Jason" last="Mcneilly"], 6’ 225, Shelby (NC)<img class="alignright wp-image-319066" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/97-Jason-McNeilly-1-300x298.jpg" alt="" width="132" height="131" /></strong> McNeilly plays on one of the most talented defenses in the state, yet he still stands out. He’s a patient pass rusher that mixes up his moves well and doesn’t miss when he gets tot he quarterback. He’s still young, but I really liked his shuttle times and broad jump. He improved on his second attempt of every drill, implying he could see those numbers improve with more practice at those particular drills. He should add a bit more weight and if he does, I really like him as an edge prospect. <strong><img class=" wp-image-319081 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/82-Nicolas-Zaytsev-300x286.jpg" alt="" width="135" height="129" />Nicolas Zaytsev, 6’2 225, Glen Allen (VA)</strong> Zaytsev was one of the more impressive underclassmen at the camp. While he has the body of an edge rusher, he plays tackle and is incredibly productive there. His first step is impressive and he uses it to beat interior linemen with his speed. Just a rising sophomore, he put up the best shuttle and third-best L-drill of the group, solidifying his position in the top performers. I’ll be interested to see how he develops over the next few years as he continues to grow. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="139304" first="Chris" last="Dixon"] Jr., 6’2 260, South Pointe (SC)<img class="alignright wp-image-319083" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/80-Chris-Dixon-Jr-300x275.jpg" alt="" width="138" height="127" /></strong> Dixon comes from a family of football players in Football City USA and looks like the next great South Pointe defensive lineman. Dixon showed great improvement from his first attempt to his second in every drill, culminating with a second L-Drill attempt that was closer in time tot he receivers and running backs than the defensive linemen. He has great get off and uses his hands well. He’s polished for a 2024 and as he continues to become more athletic, he’s going to see his recruitment take off.