TOP SLEEPERS: Underrated Atlanta-Area Pass Rushers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some of the top returning pass rushers in the Atlanta for the 2023 season?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone takes a look...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325525' first='Kamren' last='Reese'] - Stockbridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arguably the top returning pass-rusher in the 4A classification, Reese has had a very productive career so far at Stockbridge, but the offer list list isn't where it needs to be for someone of his caliber. The 6-foot-2 210-pounder out of Stockbridge shows explosiveness off the line and knows how to jar the ball loose from the quarterback. He's technically sound, shows good bend around the edge, and can rush with power as well. He's a dependable option when the Stockbridge defense needs to bring some pressure, and he did a great job finding the quarterback last year as a junior. The playmaking EDGE defender made 70 total tackles last season and an eye-opening 15 sacks. His best game came against state-champion Benedictine where he made 10 tackles and an impressive four sacks. He can be a game-changer at times, and it's a shame that he doesn't hold more D1 offers. Maybe that will change sooner than later.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ga/atlanta/carver-panthers/athletes/jamontez-hines/football/stats/?careerid=a6vk1fmkjqn77">Jamontez Hines</a> - Carver</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Easily one of the more underrated pass-rushers not only in Georgia, but across the state, the Carver High School defender was outstanding last year when given a chance to get after the quarterback. He has a long frame at 6-foot-2 200-pounds and showed lightning quickness off the ball. If opposing tackles weren't ready, Hines had the ability to fly past them with ease. His violent hands allowed him to shed tackles, and his momentum allowed him to fly into the quarterback and deliver a big hit. He was a consistent pass-rusher all season long, finding the quarterback in the backfield an impressive 14 times. When he didn't get the quarterback to the ground, he forced constant pressure and made things difficult for opposing quarterbacks all season. If he can continue adding more muscle while maintaining his quickness off the edge, Hines has a chance to see some real D1 interest and possible offers come his way down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ga/luella/luella-lions/athletes/tyler-moore/football/stats/?careerid=v2qeou78rpqk4">[player_tooltip player_id='335436' first='Tyler' last='Moore']</a> - Luella</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen in the Atlanta area, the Locust Grove defensive tackle was a force to deal with all season long for opposing interior offensive lineman. A thick, powerful lineman who moves quickly for his size, he's a natural block-shedding defensive lineman who gets into the backfield with ease. He plays with great leverage and knows how to clog running lanes, but his ability to rush the passer from the inside makes him one of thee top returning defensive tackles south of Atlanta. As a junior last season, Moore was a true game-wrecker, making 79 tackles and 15 sacks. He had to be double-teamed if he wanted to be blocked, and when he wasn't, he was always there to make a big play. Look for him to havee a dominant season once again in his final season in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Justen Hill - Jonesboro</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't let the smaller stature fool you with this playmaking defensive end in Jonesboro, a town just south of Atlanta. He may not be the biggest or fastest defensive end, but make no mistake, he knows how to attack the quarterback. The 6-foot-0 210-pounder plays bigger than his size and knows how to fire off the ball and make his presence known in the backfield. He shows quick, active hands that allow him to get off blocks in a hurry, and his impressive motor gives him the ability to hunt the quarterback down outside of thee pocket. A true under the radar pass rusher, the Jonesboro junior made 44 total tackles and sacked the quarterback nine times. Look for those numbers to increase in a big way as a senior next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->