2027 Defensive Line Watchlist Gems
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Onto the defensive side of the ball where the watchlist consists of defensive linemen built like they are part of the senior class. With a mix of edge rushers and interior defensive linemen, there is good reason to believe these…
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Continue ReadingOnto the defensive side of the ball where the watchlist consists of defensive linemen built like they are part of the senior class. With a mix of edge rushers and interior defensive linemen, there is good reason to believe these five players will be gaining national attention in the up coming seasons.
A stand up edge rusher, Jayden Ciullo Jayden Ciullo 5’11” | 180 lbs | DL Morris Knolls | 2027 NJ is a dominant presence on the end of the line that demands attention. What stands out the most for Jayden is his positive impact on the defensive run game. He has the speed to pursue a runner all the way to the sideline and ca also hug tight to the line and force the runner back inside. I am excited to see how Jayden develops over these next few seasons.
Arguably the top defensive lineman in NJ’s 2027 class, Carter Blattner Carter Blattner 6’5″ | 240 lbs | DL Highlands | 2027 State NJ is a player we should see rise in the rankings very quickly. Towering over his opponents as a freshman, Carter was able to hold his own going up against the upperclassmen. As a pass rusher, Carter was near impossible to stop as he bulldozered over blockers and used his strength to drive them into the backfield. As a run stopper, opponents have little success running it his direction. Carter takes up a ton of real estate and is waiting there ready to swallow the runner up.
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A defender with scary dimensions and size for a freshman, Jabril McCargo Jabril McCargo 6’3″ | 170 lbs | DL Woodbury | 2027 NJ is primed to make a name for himself this upcoming season. With 2 sacks in his first season at the varsity level, Jabril showed that he is able to compete with the best upperclassmen already. Keep a close eye on Jabril in 2024 as I anticipate him becoming a highly sought after prospect within the state.
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Another larger than life freshman, Akeem Mills Akeem Mills 6’0″ | 210 lbs | DL St. Augustine Prep | 2027 State NJ is a defensive lineman with an extremely high ceiling from the 2027 class. With upperclassmen size as a first year player, Akeem is sure to grow into a dominant presence on the field as he gains more and more experience. Watch out for Akeem as he brings the rush, he is quick to flush the QB out of the pocket and chase them down from behind. The sky is the limit for Akeem.
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A relentless pass rusher from the defensive tackle position, Zarek Perez Zarek Perez 5’10” | 220 lbs | DL Westfield | 2027 State NJ is ready to put himself on the map in 2024. Quick from the start, Zarek explodes from a low stance and gains leverage on the blocker to drive them backwards. Zarek has a knack for shaking blockers away from his body and continuing his pursuit of the quarterback. I expect Zarek to force a few incomplete passes and compiles a couple sacks next fall.