NCO70 Defensive/Offensive Lineman Showcase – Defensive

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I covered the NCO70 Showcase where some of the top linemen from North and South Carolina participated on Saturday. There was an abundance of top-level talent that I had the opportunity to evaluate. The NCO70 Showcase was hosted by Andre Purvis, who is one of the top Position Coaches in the South Atlantic Region. I am doing a review of the top defensive linemen who caught my attention during the camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='602480' first='Sterling' last='Edwards'] - DL, 6'0" 250 (No. 6 DL, No. 41 Overall), Hillside HS</strong>. Sterling displayed good technique and good use of hands to control blockers during the one-on-one drills. He has a quick first step that gets him past blockers before they can make contact with him on several occasions. Sterling's quickness and upper body strength makes it difficult to contain him one-on-one. The 2026 prospect is expected to be one of the players who make an impact on the defensive line during the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321266' first='Noah' last='Clark'] - DL, 6'1" 270 (No. 2 DL, No. 30 Overall), CE Jordan HS</strong>. Noah displayed good technique and a violent use of hands to control blockers during the one-on-one drills. He explodes out of his stance and uses his upper body strength to manhandle blockers. Noah is a combination of quickness and brute strength which makes it difficult to contain him one-on-one. The 2026 prospect will be one of the dominant players on the defensive line during the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='263960' first='Braxton' last='Lassiter'] - DE, 6'5" 285 (No. 5 DL, No. 50 Overall), Leesville Road HS</strong>. Braxton displayed good technique and good use of hands to control blockers during the one-on-one drills. He was quick out of his stance to make contact with blockers and gain the advantage in controlling them during the drills. Braxton will be one of the leaders on the defensive line during the upcoming season. He has received a D1 offer, and more are expected to follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='637138' first='Tyler' last='Carlson'] - LB, 6'3" 220 (No.31 LB, Watchlist), Leesville Road HS</strong>. Tyler displayed good technique and use of hands to control blockers during the one-on-one drills. He used his quickness to get the upper hand in controlling much larger players during the drills. The recruiting interest is expected to pick up for the 2024 prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615368' first='Isaiah' last='Campbell'] - DE, 6'5" 265 (No. 2 DL, No. 4 Overall), Greene Central HS</strong>. Isaiah displayed good technique and good use of hands to control blockers during the one-on-one drills. He has a quick first step that gets him past blockers, sometimes unblocked. Isaiah comes out of stance with speed and power which makes it difficult to contain him one-on-one. The 2024 prospect has received Power5 offers, and more are expected to follow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414021' first='Taeshawn' last='Alston'] - DE, 6'4" 190 (No. 3 DL, No. 32 Overall), Vance Co. HS</strong>. Taeshawn displayed good technique and use of hands to control blockers during the one-on-one drills. He is a key player on the basketball team and has dropped some weight since football season. He is expected to bulk up as he prepares for the upcoming season. Taeshawn displayed speed and quickness while participating in the drills. The 2025 prospect has received a D1 offer, and more are expected to follow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='271204' first='Gus' last='Ritchey'] - DE, 6'3" 230 (No.1 ATH, No. 11 Overall), Northwood HS</strong>. Gus displayed good technique and good use of hands to control blockers during the one-on-one drills. He has a very quick first step which gets him past blockers, sometimes unblocked. He uses his quickness and technique to his advantage, which makes it difficult for offensive linemen to block him. The 2025 prospect has several Power5 and D1 offers, more are expected to follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='308521' first='KJ' last='Liles'] - DE, 6'4" 270 (No. 11 DL, Watchlist), Hillside HS</strong>. KJ displayed good technique and good use of hands to control blockers during the one-on-one drills. He displayed a quick first step that moves him past blockers, often unblocked. KJ moves with quickness and power which makes it difficult for offensive linemen to block him. The recruiting interest is expected to pick up for the 2025 prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->