Best Available Defensive Linemen Post Early Signing Day
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With 10 defensive linemen signing in yesterday’s early signing day, Mississippi’s 2023 defensive line class still has plenty of talent left available. This is one of the deepest years top to bottom the state has been with both edge rushers…
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Continue ReadingWith 10 defensive linemen signing in yesterday’s early signing day, Mississippi’s 2023 defensive line class still has plenty of talent left available. This is one of the deepest years top to bottom the state has been with both edge rushers and interior tackles, and this state has been known to put out some high quality linemen over the last few decades. Today, we will be highlighting some of the best defensive linemen that should be putting pen to paper in February for the second signing day.
Offers: UT Martin, Northwest CC, East Mississippi CC
An explosive edge rusher, Callaway’s Chris Brown Chris Brown 6’2″ | 245 lbs | DL Callaway | 2023 State MS is still waiting to find a home. Brown has a tremendous skill set that currently looks to be a bit undervalued by the general public. Quick twitched and fast off the ball, Brown has the athleticism that college coaches are looking for in their modern day defensive linemen. Brown also has good length and a variety of pass rushing moves to get after the quarterback. Against the run, he uses good hand placement and can generate separation using his length. A major talent that will be a steal at the next level.
Highlights
Offers: Austin Peay, Grambling State, Alcorn State, Coahoma CC, Copiah Lincoln CC, Southwest CC, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, Hinds CC, Holmes CC, Jones County CC, Mississippi Delta CC
Totaling 11 sacks and 20 tackles for loss this past season, JaLandyn Humphrey JaLandyn Humphrey 6’3″ | 230 lbs | DL Holmes County | 2023 State MS was one of 5A’s best defensive ends. The 6’3″ 235 end has a lot to love as a prospect. Humphrey is an explosive player that can get off the ball quickly and use his natural strength to take over games. Unlike most high school defense linemen, Humphrey knows how to use his hands extremely well, mixing up his pass rush moves as the game goes on. This is a guy that plays with a motor that runs hot and tries to dominate every snap he plays.
Offers: Austin Peay, Murray State, Nicholls State, Coahoma CC, Northwest CC, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, Holmes CC, Southwest CC, East Central CC
An athletic interior lineman, Petal’s Kelten Mickell Kelten Mickell 6’2″ | 275 lbs | DL Petal | 2023 State MS has a ton of traits that college coaches love to see. As an inside player, Mickell does a great job at being fast off the ball and taking on double teams. He has some natural athleticism to him that is often times hard to come by for his position, as evidenced by his 2 interceptions with returns this season. On passing downs, Mickell does a great job at using his bull rush to get to the quarterback and getting his hands up in passing lanes to swat down balls. As a run defender, Mickell uses his strength to bull offensive linemen into the backfield to make big time tackles for loss.
Offers: Lane College, Northwest CC, Hinds CC, Mississippi Delta CC, Coahoma CC, Pearl River CC, Northeast CC
Forcing 7 fumbles along with 30 tackles for loss and 9 sacks, Dontavis Lanier Dontavis Lanier 6’0″ | 240 lbs | DL Newton | 2023 State MS was a force during his senior season. The interior defensive lineman was dominant against the run, using his big frame and explosion off the ball to create huge tackles for loss. Lanier is a naturally strong player who can push around offensive guards and centers at will. With his ability to bend and move in short areas, Lanier easily makes plays on skill players in the backfield. As a pass rusher, Lanier uses his strong bull rush move to generate pressure on the quarterback.
Offers: Birmingham Southern, Coahoma CC, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, Holmes CC, Itawamba CC
A state champion totaling 10 sacks and 39 tackles for loss this season, Starkville’s Tony Lucious Tony Lucious 6’0″ | 250 lbs | DL Starkville | 2023 State MS was one of the biggest surprises of the 2022 season. Lucious is a violent and explosive player that played both defensive end and tackle out of different fronts. Although he is not the tallest, this is a guy that can absolutely go. Lucious is extremely agile and moves like a skill position player at 250 pounds. He has room to continue to fill out and add weight as well. As a pass rusher, Lucious plays with heavy hands and can bend off the edge with ease. Really talented and skilled player that deserves more recognition.
Offers: Holmes CC, East Mississippi CC, Copiah Lincoln CC
With over 63 solo tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles, DeAundre Washington DeAundre Washington 6’2″ | 270 lbs | DL Brandon | 2023 State MS was one of 6A’s most dominant defensive linemen. A true nose tackle, Washington has a ridiculous amount of athleticism for a position that is usually lacking in it. Washington has a great get off and some absurd natural strength to him. It seemed like he would routinely bully 6A’s offensive linemen each game. As a pass rusher, he bends well and uses his bull rush move to his advantage. As a run stopper, he plays with heavy hands and can quickly get into the backfield to create big losses.
Other Names To Know
Amarion Ware Amarion Ware 6'4" | 290 lbs | DL Harrison Central | 2023 State MS | Harrison Central
Jaylon Price Jaylon Price 6'3" | 205 lbs | DL Ruleville Central | 2023 State MS | Ruleville
Malik Miller Malik Miller 6'4" | 305 lbs | DL Clarksdale | 2023 State MS | Clarksdale
Tyrese Erby Tyrese Erby 6'1" | 250 lbs | DL Columbus | 2023 State MS | Columbus
Royveon Qualls Royveon Qualls 6'0" | 270 lbs | DL Warren Central | 2023 State MS | Warren Central
Calvin Miller Calvin Miller 6'4" | 250 lbs | DL Choctaw County | 2023 State MS | Choctaw County
Zechariah Parodi Zechariah Parodi 6'1" | 250 lbs | DL Scott Central | 2023 State MS | Scott Central