Under the Radar 2023 DL Prospects To Know
In a loaded 2023 class in Georgia, it’s easy to find promising defensive line talent anywhere you look. There are still plenty of impressive under the radar defensive lineman who are starting to make a name for themselves so far…
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Continue ReadingIn a loaded 2023 class in Georgia, it’s easy to find promising defensive line talent anywhere you look. There are still plenty of impressive under the radar defensive lineman who are starting to make a name for themselves so far this season.
Who are they?
Prep Redzone takes a look…
Justin Walker – Westside
An explosive edge rusher who can get after the passer, Walker is one of the more underrated EDGE defenders in Macon right now and has the film and statistics to back it up. At 6-foot-2 190-pounds, Walker is long, athletic, and has good burst off the football. He uses his hands well to get off blocks and knows how to use his motor to get after the ball carrier. He still needs to develop and work on different pass-rushing techniques, but as he grows, gets stronger, and perfects his craft, he has the potential to end the season as one of the best defenders in the area. He’s made 30 tackles on the year and has seven sacks, with four of them coming in the season-opener against Central. He’s an athletic EDGE defender to keep an eyes on this fall.
Aquantis Clemmons – Carver
A dominant defensive tackle prospect who plays with leverage and power, Clemmons has been able to physically bully opposing lineman so far this year as a senior. He dominated South Cobb in the season opener with 10 total tackles, 6 TFLs, and two sacks. He can clog the run lanes, reacts quickly around the ball carrier, and knows how to break down the pocket against the pass. He’s tough, has great motor, and has been unstoppable through his first three games. In week two, he made 11 tackles and another sack. In his last game, a win over Stephenson, Clemmons made six tackles and three more sacks, giving him six on the season. He’s a D1-caliber prospect, and just needs an opportunity. He’s turning into one of the best defensive line prospects in Atlanta and has a chance to light up the stat sheet this year.
Joshua Barker – Kell
A powerful interior defensive lineman from Cobb County, Barker has been unstoppable this year and has been one of the more productive defensive linemen across Georgia this fall in thee 2023 class. He’s quick on the interior and can wreck a play before it gets going. He’s consistent against the run, but Barker, one of the more underrated defenders in the area, also knows how to get after the quarterback. Through his first four games of the season, Barker has made 36 tackles (5th in 5A) 11 TFLs, (1st in 5A) and six sacks (1st in 5A). He’s been tough to stop all season and has made it look easy at times. He’s explosive off the ball, runs well for his size, and bring some physicality to the defensive line as well. He’s one of the best defenders across the state in 5A and showing why he has the potential to play at the next level.
Chris Herock – North Forsyth
Another strong interior lineman, the Cumming native is currently committed to Army and showed why he’s a D1 lineman earlier this season against West Forsyth, making 4 sacks in a big rivalry victory. Strong as an ox, Herock is a force to handle for any opposing linemen in the area and loves to get after the quarterback. At 6-foot-1 285-pounds, Herock moves well for his size and uses his leverage well go get off blocks and make plays in the backfield. He made one sack in week two against Forsyth Central, but he really dominated in week three. He now has 5 sacks on the season which is towards the top in the state of Georgia. He’s always been a little under the radar, but he’s tough to block each Friday night. Army is getting a tough, physical lineman in Herock, who can bench press over 430 pounds and squat over 560 pounds. He’s also an impressive pass rusher and will be getting after the quarterback for the rest of his senior season.