Top 2024 South Georgia DL Prospects To Know

As we all know, it’s hard to find better high school football across the country than in South Georgia. It’s an area that breeds toughness and a winning mentality, and there are plenty of defenders in the 2024 class who are on the rise in South Georgia. Here are some of the top 2024 defensive line prospects in South Georgia... &nbsp; <strong>Eric Brantley, Jr – Defensive Line – Valdosta</strong> One of the most productive 2024 defensive lineman across the state last year, Brantley lived in the backfield last year and was one of the top overall defensive lineman in South Georgia last fall. An absolute wrecking ball this season, Brantley Jr made plays in the backfield all season, making 66 total tackles and 40 TFLs as a sophomore. He’s not a giant at 6-foot-2 250-pounds, but he’s lightning quick off the ball and can blow up any particular play before it gets going. He’s sheds blocks with ease and knows how to deliver a big hit when he gets to the ball carrier. You couldn’t ask for more productivity out of him last year, and against some tough, quality opponents, Brantley made his presence known as just a sophomore. He was almost unstoppable when getting after the passer, sacking the QB 11 times. Look for him to continue dominating offensive linemen for the next two years for the historic Valdosta Wildcats. &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=ddbcec2d-5410-42eb-9daf-194667e29d28&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3"><span class="first-name">Darion</span> Smith</a> – Appling County</strong> Like his older brother in the 2022 class, Smith is an excellent pass rusher in the small town of Baxley with his long frame and natural athleticism. The hard-hitting OLB/EDGE defender is explosive off the ball and can deliver a big hit when making a tackle. Smith was extremely productive last year as a sophomore, making 74 tackles, 21 TFLs, 11 sacks. He consistently made plays in the backfield and dominated in one-on-one situations on passing downs. He was too much to handle for opposing tackles in his SouthEast Georgia town and his athleticism is easy to see. He’s easy to notice, and it’s led to some respectable D1 offers. He’s one of the top returning pass rushers in Georgia and he should see his 2024 ranking climb over time. &nbsp; <span class="pn-player-link"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="137449" first="Omar" last="White"]</span></span><strong> – Lee County</strong> Looking for a big-time rising junior in South Georgia? White is your guy. The big 6-foot-3 305-pound nose guard more than held his own against some top upperclassmen last year and won more than his fair share of battles in the middle of the trenches. White is big, powerful, and has plays with tenacity. He’s bigger and stronger than most his age and he’s already becoming one of the top young defenders in the area. He has great upper-body strength and plays with good leverage off the snap. He fills the gaps in the run game and knows how to rush the passer from his defensive tackle position. He’s great in the middle of the defensive line, and if he’s not double-teamed, then more often than not, he’s going to make a play in the backfield. He moves a lot of weight in the gym, and he’s strong enough to play D1 football right now. White is going to be a nightmare to stop for opposing offensive linemen in South Georgia this fall.