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The Trenches- Slept On Defensive Linemen Across the State!

The Trenches- Slept On Defensive Linemen Across the State!
Cooper Morreale
Cooper Morreale June 27, 2024 @ 01:39 PM
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In this article:

Eldridge Shelton
Eldridge Shelton 6'3" | 210 lbs | EDGE | 2025
AL
Ricardo Parker
Ricardo Parker 6'3" | DL | 2027
AL
Robert Taylor III
Robert Taylor III 6'2" | 215 lbs | DL | 2027
AL
Caiden Combs
Caiden Combs 6'4" | 265 lbs | DL | 2025
AL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are checking out some more talented prospects in the trenches today! These guys have tons of potential and are set up for huge years this fall!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["242913"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667db1e001b0f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='242913' first='Caiden' last='Combs'] is a super-gifted prospect out of Gardendale who's become an extremely talented dual sport athlete in both football and baseball. Over the last few seasons, Combs has made impacts on both sides of the ball but truly shines at defensive end. It's impressive watching Combs rush the passer- he's got a great set of pass-rush moves, lots of athleticism and flexibility, and can win matchups against some seriously talented offensive linemen. In addition to his work against the pass, Combs also is a very good run defender as well. Frequently on tape Combs shows great pursuit and effort to make tackles on the ballcarrier, it doesn't matter where he is pre-snap, he'll find his way around the ball. All of this shows up on tape as Combs had himself a huge year for Gardendale's defensive front- ending the season with 110 total tackles (23.5 tackles for loss), 15 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles (2 recovered). Keep an eye on him this next year and beyond- Combs is currently an Auburn baseball commit and is a heck of a lot of fun to watch in both sports!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314758"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667db1e001b66"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1314758' first='Ricardo' last='Parker'] is a talented defensive lineman out of Chilton County that's fresh off a breakout freshman season where he terrorized opposing offenses all year long. Although he's a freshman, Parker plays like a multi-year starter already. He has a great set of tools that allow him to be equally impactful against both the run and pass. It's impressive watching him on tape- he does a great job using his size to win matchups, frequently finds himself generating pressure or making plays behind the line of scrimmage, and is a key factor in Chilton County's run defense as well. Parker was super productive all season for Chilton County's front- he ended the year with 52 total tackles (19 tackles for loss), 13 sacks, and 14 hurries. Parker already has a ton of talents and potential as an underclassman, it'll be exciting to watch him continue his development over the next few seasons. Keep an eye on him!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["828367"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667db1e001ba9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='828367' first='Robert' last='Taylor III'] is another 2027 defensive lineman that's already become an impact player for his team- last year on an already loaded Parker defense, Taylor was able to immediately come in and produce in some big ways. Taylor is a dominant force off the edge- he has a terrific first step that allows him to quickly put pressure on offenses, some great speed and strength, and has the motor to make plays throughout all four quarters of a game. No matter what opposing offenses run, Taylor will find a way to make their lives a lot harder with how well he's able to beat opposing linemen. It's clear to see that Taylor was super productive in the trenches last fall, in his first year starting he totaled up 42 total tackles and 11 sacks on the season. Taylor has already been getting highly recruited after playing just one year, he's picked up offers from Vanderbilt, Marshall, Tulane, and many other programs! Keep an eye on him not just next season, but the next several- he's got loads of potential and we could see him quickly become a national recruit!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314811"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667db1e001c0d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1314811' first='Eldridge' last='Shelton'] is a dominant defensive lineman that has made some massive contributions to Wenonah's defense over the last few years. Shelton is an extremely reliable pass rusher that has seen his recruitment open up dramatically since his breakout season last fall. Last fall, Eldridge had one of his best years yet- he ended the season with 49 total tackles (20 tackles for loss), 16 sacks, and 2 forced/recovered fumbles. It's super fun watching Shelton rush the passer- he has a lightning-quick first step, tremendous strength, and the ability to flatten offensive linemen on his way to the quarterback. In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Shelton also can play against the run really well. He does a great job setting the edge and is a very reliable tackler that doesn't allow for big runs on his side of the field. Teams at the next level have taken notice of Shelton's talents- he's picked up a bunch of offers since last fall from schools like UAB, Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and more! Keep an eye on him going into this fall, Shelton is set up for a massive senior season that'll set him up terrifically for when he transitions into the next level!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

We are checking out some more talented prospects in the trenches today! These guys have tons of potential and are set up for huge years this fall!

Caiden Combs

Caiden Combs

AL
DL
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 265
POS DL
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Caiden
Combs DL
Class
2025
Height
6'4"
Weight
265
HS
Gardendale
|
AL
The Trenches- Slept On Defensive Linemen Across the State!
Caiden Combs is a super-gifted prospect out of Gardendale who’s become an extremely talented dual sport athlete in...
Written by Cooper Morreale
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Caiden Combs

Twitter
State: Alabama
School: Gardendale
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Ricardo Parker

Ricardo Parker

AL
DL
HEIGHT 6'3"
POS DL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Ricardo
Parker DL
Class
2027
Height
6'3"
HS
Chilton County
|
AL
The Trenches- Slept On Defensive Linemen Across the State!
Ricardo Parker is a talented defensive lineman out of Chilton County that’s fresh off a breakout freshman season...
Written by Cooper Morreale
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Ricardo Parker

State: Alabama
School: Chilton County
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Robert Taylor III

Robert Taylor III

AL
DL
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 215
POS DL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Robert
Taylor III DL
Class
2027
Height
6'2"
Weight
215
HS
A.H. Parker
|
AL
The Trenches- Slept On Defensive Linemen Across the State!
Robert Taylor III is another 2027 defensive lineman that’s already become an impact player for his team- last...
Written by Cooper Morreale
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Robert Taylor III

State: Alabama
School: A.H. Parker
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Eldridge Shelton

Eldridge Shelton

AL
EDGE
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 210
POS EDGE
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Eldridge
Shelton EDGE
Class
2025
Height
6'3"
Weight
210
HS
Wenonah
|
AL
The Trenches- Slept On Defensive Linemen Across the State!
Eldridge Shelton is a dominant defensive lineman that has made some massive contributions to Wenonah’s defense over the...
Written by Cooper Morreale
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Eldridge Shelton

State: Alabama
School: Wenonah
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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