2025 Rankings: Deep Class Of Defensive Linemen

Historically, college coaches have made a living recruiting defensive linemen in this state. They fit the bill of being big, athletic and able to shed blocks with the best of them.   The Class of 2025 should be no different. There are guys in this class that will make impacts at the Power 5 level but there is also a wealth of depth among these 36 players we have ranked. Thirteen of those 36 are ranked inside the Topp 100.   This list looks at the defensive lineman on the interior as well as the defensive ends that know how to make their presence felt.   Here is a full list of ranked 2025 defensive linemen.    BREAKING DOWN THE TOP FIVE   [player_tooltip player_id='809742' first='Amare' last='Adams'] South Florence   There is a reason that Adams is in the top five among the state for the 2025 Class. He's shown ability on the field (61 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks) and has been a combine warrior this offseason. The Bruins made it to the Class 4A state championship game last season and with Adams leading the charge defensively, South Florence will again be considered a preseason favorite.  He's verbally committed to Clemson, who in recent years have taken very few in-state players.   [player_tooltip player_id='595702' first='Anthony' last='Addison'] Sumter   Addison recently made a verbal commitment to South Carolina. He finished last season with 96 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and an interception. Sumter only allowed 102 yards rushing per game and just over 268 yards per game. Addison plays with a burst and his TFL and sack numbers could easily increase this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1012706' first='Josh' last='Smith'] Dutch Fork   Smith has bulked up a little and that will definitely help in his ability to rush the passer. The Coastal Carolina commitment had 63 tackles and 15 tackles for lass last season in helping the Silver Foxes to another 5A state championship. Smith will be the leader of this year's defense after playing a key role last season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1012579' first='Sterling' last='Sanders'] Blythewood   Sanders might just be a part of the most talented defensive front in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='1157756' first='Zarion' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1157753' first='Kemuel' last='Little'] join Sanders along what will be a stout defensive line. Sanders will be the key run stopper in the middle and that will allow Williams and Little to work from the Edge position to contain the perimeter and attack the QB.   [player_tooltip player_id='272709' first='Malachi' last='Jefferson'] James Island   Jefferson is part of another solid defensive front, joining [player_tooltip player_id='486418' first='Dalton' last='Woodall'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1012698' first='Hendrix' last='Beran'] up front. Jefferson has tremendous footwork, and 250 pounds is going to be hard to keep out of the backfield. He had 50 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and six sacks last season.    TEN RISING STARS   [player_tooltip player_id='346188' first='Dekontee' last='Mack'] Westwood   Mack is a two-way player and will double up at tight end, but his future should be at defensive end. He gets off blocks easily and he has a high motor at getting into opposing backfields.   [player_tooltip player_id='1157986' first='Javaris' last='Logan'] Bamberg-Ehrhardt   Logan (pictured) is a few extra biscuits shy of 300 pounds, but the motor never stops. He recently had 36 reps on the bench at the 2024 Carolinas Coaches Combines and that opened more than a few eyes. He plays fast and with an attitude that should transition well to the college game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1249754' first='Josh' last='Merriweather'] Strom Thurmond   Merriweather is a great edge rusher who finished with 61 tackles, seven sacks and six tackles for loss for the Rebels. He doesn't mind putting his hand on the ground or lining up standing up. He has a quick burst that he can blow by offensive linemen, or he can use his strength to overpower them.   [player_tooltip player_id='649189' first='Justice' last='Foster'] Rock Hill   Foster is a guy that can cause disruption even if he doesn't get the sack or tackle for loss. He's consistently in the backfield creating havoc. He's also solid against stopping the run.   [player_tooltip player_id='464883' first='Javon' last='Johnson'] Loris   The Loris defense allowed less than 14 points per game last season and Johnson was a big reason why. He finished with over 100 tackles, but his size will be interesting to see where he plays at the next level. Right now, he gives interior linemen a fit.   [player_tooltip player_id='922400' first='Jackson' last='Chavis'] Hartsville   Chavis had a slow start to his junior season due to offseason shoulder surgery but he's healthy and could be a huge factor for the Red Foxes this coming season. He's got great size and plays the defensive line with an attitude. He wants to make an impact whenever and wherever he can.     [player_tooltip player_id='809748' first='Jair' last='Simmons'] Greenville   Simmons will continue the long line of talented defensive linemen for the Red Raiders. He's big, mobile and doesn't mind working at the point of attack. His 39 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss could increase greatly this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1157942' first='Cleve' last='Tellery'] Ridge View   Tellery is the prototypical guy in the middle. He's big on stopping the run and causing one or two offensive linemen to try and block him That free's up the Blazers linebackers to make plays. He ended last season with 33 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, six sacks and a forced fumble.   [player_tooltip player_id='1013038' first='Khalil' last='Dorsey'] Andrews   Doreey is another two-way player that can make an impact at tight end as well. He's a tad bit undersized but he makes up for that with his playmaking ability. He rushes for the edge and plays great containment.   [player_tooltip player_id='1249843' first='Davion' last='Kinard-Taylor'] West Ashley   Kinard-Taylor had 35 total tackles and 19 tackles for loss with 10 quarterback hurries and six sacks. He's strong and can play on the edge or put his hand on the ground and play on the inside. He will continue to play different spots along the defensive front for the Wildcats.    FIVE DARK HORSE CANIDATES   [player_tooltip player_id='1158005' first='Mycheal' last='Wallace'] Kingstree   Wallace should be a big-time player for the Blazers this season. He posted 30 tackles and 11 tackles for loss this season. He also plays along the offensive line, so he doesn't have an issue with getting his hand on the ground and attacking.   [player_tooltip player_id='1253913' first='Titus' last='Bowman'] Keenan   Bowman is another guy that is comfortable on the edge or playing on the inside. He had 62 total tackles last season but an eye-popping 27 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in just 10 games. He can overpower linemen at times but also beat them to the spot as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1254097' first='Deandre' last='Baskett'] North Augusta   It's hard to call Basket a dark horse when he was named the Region IV-4A Defensive Player of the Year. But Baskett isn't known state-wide yet. That may change this coming season. He's coming off a year that saw him record 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks to go along with 66 total tackles.   [player_tooltip player_id='1254101' first='Will' last='Watts'] Northwood Academy   Watts plays in the SCISA ranks and there are times where he's just bigger and faster than his opponent. But he plays defensive end and doubles on the offensive line for the Chargers. On defense, he recorded 93 total tackles with 24 tackles for loss and eight sacks.   [player_tooltip player_id='1254134' first='DJ' last='Henderson'] Hillcrest   Henderson is a defensive end that plays with his hand on the ground. But man can he make plays. He uses great technique and can run around blockers or through them. And he routinely arrives at the ball-carrier in a bad mood.    ARE THERE MORE?   We covered a good many of the defensive line prospects, but this class is deep and has the potential to get better when the season arrives.

Historically, college coaches have made a living recruiting defensive linemen in this state. They fit the bill of being big, athletic and able to shed blocks with the best of them.