2025 Spotlight: DL Stars
Just like any other state, there are plenty of players throughout various programs that see playing time a lot earlier than expected. A large portion of time, it is due to the desire of coaches to expose certain players to…
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Continue ReadingJust like any other state, there are plenty of players throughout various programs that see playing time a lot earlier than expected. A large portion of time, it is due to the desire of coaches to expose certain players to a higher level of play, the fact that there may have been an injury, and even because a player may be further developed and ready compared to everyone else. Below, we have listed our favorite 2025 prospects that have already proven to have the makings of becoming young stars on the DL, especially after they were thrust into the spotlight last season as freshman.
JQ Carr- Eastern Wayne
Last season, Carr managed to stand out among plenty of freshman players throughout the state of NC. Not only did he help lead the state in sacks for his class, but he managed to cause plenty of QB hurries, and pressures, further putting the opposing offense in a tough place to make plays. As a DE, he displayed flashes of playing nimble, and the ability to use his hands and burst to help him shake offensive linemen, and to make tackles in the backfield, or in pursuit. In addition to this, Carr also showed that he not only was able to rack up 12 sacks as a freshman, but that he was able to do so in 11 games. As he continues to develop in quickness, and in his frame, look for him to stand out for his team next season, and to continue to gain attention from colleges.
Jonathan Hinnant-Hunt
Just like Carr, Hinnant also had a great season as a 2025 player receiving plenty of time on the DL as a DE. Last season, not only did he rack up 12 sacks, but he also caused opposing offenses to lose a total of 77 yards, or more. His elusiveness off of the ball, and quickness with his hands, arms, and feet constantly put him in place to make plays at all parts of the field. Next season, as he continues to learn and practice his technique, we expect him to continue to grow, and develop as a player, and to receive more attention from colleges.
Hector Bautista Hector Bautista 5'9" | 210 lbs | DL Seventy-First | 2025 State NC – Seventy-First
Bautista, another talented DL within NC’s 2025 class, also had a stellar season as a freshman. By the end of the year, he not only played in 12 games for his team, which was a large result of his contributions on the defensive side of the ball all season long, but he managed to achieve 10.5 sacks by the end of the season. With these sacks, he also contributed with plenty of hurries, and pressures, which ultimately resulted in bad passes, underthrown balls, or poor decisions by the opposing QB. Bautista’s contributions also created plenty of tackles along the goal line, which only further solidified his impact on his team.
Matthew Hill- Atkins
While Hill may not have had as many sacks as the other players on this list during his playing time last season, he still got off of the ball effectively as a LB/ DL, and pressured opposing QB’s throughout the 7 games in which he saw playing time. As a result of this, he created plenty of QB hurries and yards lost, as well as tackles in the backfield, and in pursuit. With this, Hill also totaled around 6 sacks by the end of the year, and this is largely due to his athleticism, and the way he gets off of the ball, and reacts naturally to the play at hand.