2027 Stock Watch: Defensive Line
As we enter the 2024 high school football offseason, we have been releasing our rankings updates in the state of Kentucky. This past month has been dedicated to the class of 2027, which is a class that is loaded with…
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Continue ReadingAs we enter the 2024 high school football offseason, we have been releasing our rankings updates in the state of Kentucky. This past month has been dedicated to the class of 2027, which is a class that is loaded with talent. Over the past couple weeks, I have focused on the top five players at each position so now I wanted to focus on some key players at each position that landed outside the top five that I believe people should be paying close attention to. With that being said, I will be doing a “Stock Watch” series highlighting each position in the 2027 class. After already covering the offensive side of the ball, I will turn my attention to the defensive side of the ball, starting with some 2027 defensive linemen to keep an eye on.
Jaquise Smith Jaquise Smith 6’3″ | 305 lbs | DL South Warren | 2027 State KY is a defensive lineman that put together some impressive film as a freshman. He is a big, physical defensive tackle that is very impressive against the run. Smith explodes out of his stance and uses his strength to fight through blocks with ease. He has also shown the speed to get to the ball carrier in a hurry to make tackles in the open field. Smith doesn’t currently hold any offers but should be a player to keep an eye on over the next few seasons.
Highlights
Zander Edington Zander Edington 5’10” | 235 lbs | DL Franklin County | 2027 State KY is another defensive tackle that stood out as a freshman. He was very impressive against the run, showing the ability to fight through blocks and get to the ball carrier quickly to make tackles in the open field. Zander finished this past season with 37 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss in 14 games. He also showed the ability to rush the passer, finishing the season with one sack. Zander doesn’t currently hold any offers but should be a player to keep an eye on as he continues to develop.
Although he mainly played in a reserve/JV role this past season, he put together some impressive film. Benke lines up at defensive tackle where he is a dangerous pass rusher off the edge, using his speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles on his way to the quarterback. He has also shown the ability to stop the run, using his strength to shed blocks quickly and speed to get to the ball carrier quickly to make the tackle. Cooper doesn’t currently hold any offers but should be a player to keep an eye on as his role in the Highlands defense grows.
Highlights
The final defensive lineman on my 2027 “Stock Watch” list is Gavyn Combs Gavyn Combs 6’5″ | 245 lbs | DL Betsy Layne | 2027 KY from Betsy Layne. He lines up as a defensive tackle/end where he had a solid freshman year. Combs is at his best against the run, showing the ability to get to the ball carrier in a hurry to make the tackle in the open field. He also has shown the ability to use his strength/high motor to fight through blocks on his way to the ball carrier. Gavyn finished this past season with 23 tackles in 12 games. Combs doesn’t currently hold any offers but should be a player to keep an eye on over the next three seasons.