Under The Radar Charlotte Defensive Linemen To Watch

In this article, we take a look at defensive linemen stepping into the spotlight at programs across the city of Charlotte. Charlotte has become the premier area in the state of North Carolina when it comes to producing a large volume of college players, and these players hope to jump on the radar of college coaches this upcoming season. Maddox Williams - Butler - Class of 2024 Standing at 6’1 and 228 pounds, I noticed Maddox while covering Camp LIT at the University of Charlotte on June 18th camp. He has an excellent burst off of the ball and shows good fluidity in agility drills for a defensive lineman. I think he has a chance to gain the attention of coaches after putting together a first 3 game highlight package and making plays behind the line of scrimmage on a consistent basis. His strength appears to be using that get off to shoot gaps as a pass-rushing defensive tackle to disrupt blocking schemes and force 1 on 1 matchups on the edge for the Bulldog defensive linemen. Danny Stevens - Charlotte Christian - Class of 2023 Stevens is a strong player already at 6’4 and 260 pounds. Stevens plays both sides of the line at a good clip, but we’ll evaluate him as a defensive lineman here. Stevens is a 3-down defensive lineman - he played end and tackle for the Knights last year. His strength is a very good initial punch to shed blocks quickly and make tackles in the interior run game especially. I like him as a strongside DE on early downs that can slide inside at Defensive Tackle in passing situations and give a good interior push - he showed this on film, resulting in multiple sacks. Danny is an aggressive player as well - he showed some punishing blocks on the offensive side of the ball in the run game. I imagine some schools will show heavy interest given he has a nice frame to continue to add weight on the next level. Junior Mpiana - South Meck - Class of 2023 At 6’3 and 215 pounds, Junior is the classic rush DE/OLB combo that a lot of colleges are really wanting right now on the next level. Watching Junior on film, you get really excited about his potential. He flashes a good pass rush from a 3-point stance and the ability to bend and turn the corner against slower offensive tackles. He created the triple threat a couple of times - sack/fumble/turnover and that’s a big deal. He also shows the ability to rush from a 2 point stance, as well as zone drop and make tackles in space against wide receivers. A college will get a steal with this young man as I think he is really flying under the radar right now. Myles Chambers - Mallard Creek - Class of 2023 Chambers recently picked up his first official offer from Ferrum College, so they see what has flashed on film and highlights I have noticed. Myles has an explosive first two steps on the defensive line, and is able to shoot gaps and disrupt blocking schemes from offensive linemen. He also shows good agility for a young man at his size and playing the interior of the defensive line. He is a little undersized to go as a DL at the higher divisions, but Division 2/3 schools will show interest - especially once he is able to put together a highlight early in his senior season. Charles House - North Meck - Class of 2025 Charles had an excellent freshman season for the Vikings with 5 sacks and several tackles for loss. His production has resulted in an offer from Liberty, and we will certainly see colleges continue to show heavy interest in this young man going forward. He has a strong size that he will continue to grow into as he matures and continues to refine his technique. He is very quick off of the football and uses his hands well to shed blocks and make tackles for loss in the run game. He is incredibly athletic as well, and shows on film the ability to defeat double teams already and make game-changing plays. Excited for his future!