STOCK RISERS: 2023 DL Prospects Climb Latest Rankings

Spring practices have concluded across the state of Georgia and many prospects are starting to see their stock rise. College coaches made the rounds, and they’re now holding camps to evaluate future prospects. This is the time of the year when “under the radar” prospects start to emerge, and we’re seeing multiple defensive linemen in the 2024 class seeing their stock rise recently… &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="320343" first="Stephiylan" last="Green"] – 2023 DL – Rome</strong> One of the fastest-rising DE prospects in the state, Green was once considered an “under the radar” prospect, but he can no longer hold that title as he’s seen some major offers come his way in February. Now, the big 6-foot-4 270-pound defensive end is ranked as the No. 6 DL prospect and the No. 20 prospect in the state in the newest rankings. The North Georgia standout is explosive off the ball and extremely quick for someone his size on the interior. He has enough size and raw athleticism to play multiple positions along the defensive line, and his quickness off the ball makes him a threat to blow up a play wherever he’s lined up. He’s naturally strong, he shows quick, violent hands, and he knows how to set the edge against the run. He knows how to bullrush opposing linemen which allows him to collapse the pocket against the pass. He plays for an excellent defensive staff at Rome, and his best football is still to come. Green recently released his "Top 6" that includes Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, Tennessee, Ohio State, and Ole Miss. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="320356" first="Tyler" last="Walton"] – North Gwinnett</strong> Still one of the most underrated defenders across the state, Walton is a big-time playmaker off the edge at 6-foot-4 230-pounds who was tough to stop all season for opposing defenses. Against 7A competition in Gwinnett County, Walton was a QBs worst nightmare last season as a junior, totaling 48 tackles, 8 sacks, 17 TFLs, 3 Forced fumbles, 4 recovered, and 5 PBUs for the North Gwinnett Bulldogs. There’s plenty of D1 talent on their roster and Walton is one of them. The Wake Forest commitment showed quickness off the ball, strong hands, and great pursuit of the QB. He’s long, athletic, and has an opportunity to get after the QB early at Wake Forest. He’s also a reliable run defender to sets the edge correctly and does a good job of not letting the ball carrier bounce the run to the outside. There’s a lot to like about his game and he is one of the best returning defenders in Gwinnett County for the 2022 season. Walton is now ranked as the No. 10 DL prospect and the No. 37 overall prospect in the country. <h2></h2> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="220718" first="Adonijah" last="Green"] - EDGE - Cedar Grove </strong> The Saints had one of the best defensive lines across the peach state last year and Green is one of the best they had. He’s not the biggest defensive end at just 6-foot-5 215-pounds, but he’s long, athletic, and made a big impact this season, helping lead Cedar Grove to another state championship. His speed alone makes him a terror off the edge and he was able to get to the QB consistently all season. As he continues to add more strength and muscle, while keeping his speed and athleticism, Green will continue to rise in the state rankings for the for the 2023 class. The Louisville commit also bring some versatility to the table as he can line up as an outside linebacker or move down on the line down the road. He’s one of the top pass rushers off the edge in the area, and he’s ranked as the No. 11 DE and the No. 38 overall prospect in the 2023 class. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="165707" first="AJ" last="Hoffler"] – EDGE - Woodward Academy</strong> One of the hottest DE prospects not only in Atlanta, but across the state this past spring, the Atlanta native is now ranked as the No. 8 DL prospect in Georgia and the 25 overall prospect in Georgia in the newest 2023 rankings.  The 6-foot-5 245-pounder from Woodward Academy got to the QB with ease last fall and it’s led to offers from Ohio State, Clemson, North Carolina, among others. He’s a terrific pass-rusher and got to the QB for 9 sacks last year. He also made 47 tackles and forced three fumbles. When he meets the ball-carrier, he knows how to deliver a big hit. He’s great in pursuit and finds a way to rip the ball out when he gets there. He’s a guy who demands double teams, and if he doesn’t, he’s going to make a big play. His quickness off the ball, size, physical presence, and overall potential make him one of the top overall 2023 defenders in the Atlanta area.