2023 Class: Defensive Lineman Superlatives

There is an abundance of highly talented players in the class.  This is the largest group in the class which includes players who are super-athletic, dominant in their skillset, possess massive size and quickness, and are technique-sound.  The players listed possess a combination of the defensive lineman superlatives. <strong>Most Dominant - [player_tooltip player_id="44971" first="KJ" last="Sampson"], 6’4" 285, New Bern HS</strong>.  KJ is clearly the most dominant player on the defensive unit.  He is the target of opposing offensive units who have not been able to block him one-on-one.  KJ is subjected to double-teams and traps in attempt to block him.  He uses his quickness, size, upper body strength, great use of hands, and technique to manhandle offensive linemen and disrupt the offense.  The Florida State commit will continue to be a problem for offensive units during the upcoming season. <strong>Most Athletic - [player_tooltip player_id="44968" first="Rico" last="Walker"], 6’4" 215, Hickory HS</strong>.  Rico is a gifted, super-athletic defensive lineman whose skills are often displayed effortless on the field.  He has great technique, and it is displayed in his physical tackles with complete wrap up.  He uses his quickness and speed to quickly close in on the ball carrier for the stop.  Rico moves quickly out of his stance along with good use of hands and moves past the offensive linemen, often unblocked to stop the ball carrier in the backfield.  He is expected to continue his high level of play during the upcoming season. <strong>Top Pass Rusher - [player_tooltip player_id="144720" first="Tyler" last="Thompson"], 6’6" 200, Panther Creek HS</strong>.  Tyler displayed quickness out of his stance at the defensive end position to make contact with blockers and close quickly on the quarterback.  He displayed good technique and use of hands to control blockers and stop the ball carrier.  Tyler uses his height as leverage and long arms to disrupt the quarterback and flush out of the pocket.  His quickness is deceptive and surprises offensive linemen after he has quickly moved past them.  Tyler is expected to continue his high level of play during the upcoming season. <strong>Top Run-Stopper - [player_tooltip player_id="288642" first="Jamaal" last="Jarrett"], 6’5" 330, Grimsley HS</strong>.  Jamaal uses his massive size, great upper body strength, and quickness to manhandle offensive linemen.  He displayed good technique and footwork to shut down the opposing offensive units’ running game.  He is the most dominant player on the defensive line is difficult to block one-on-one.  Jamaal is expected to continue his dominant style of play during the upcoming season. <strong>Bright Upside - [player_tooltip player_id="136339" first="Matt" last="Preddice"], 6’4" 230, Heritage HS</strong>.  Matt displayed good technique and use of hands to control blockers and quickly stop the play.  He has improved speed while working on speed drills during the off-season.  The results of the speed work training resulted in him running a 4.5 40 at a recent camp.  Matt is a talented defensive lineman who will continue to improve his skillset and has lots of potential. &nbsp;