PRZ NC Combine Top Defensive Lineman

<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p><strong>Prep Redzone Combine Series – North Carolina</strong><br><strong>Defensive Lineman Standouts | Evaluated by [Joshua Graham @jgrecruiting]</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>At the latest stop of the Prep Redzone Combine Series in North Carolina, I had the opportunity to evaluate the defensive players—and the Defensive Lineman, in particular, caught my attention. Among a competitive group, five athletes clearly separated themselves with standout performances. Two rising seniors and freshman with one rising junior, all of whom showed high-level traits, effort, and upside. Below are my top DL performers from the event:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1663952' first='Davis' last='Prichard'] c/o 2026 Middle Creek High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1663952"],"_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-6819329fc10ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1663952' first='Davis' last='Prichard'] | Class of 2026 | Middle Creek | EDGE</strong><br>[player_tooltip player_id='1663952' first='Davis' last='Prichard'] was named <strong>Defensive Line MVP</strong> at the Prep Redzone Combine, and it's easy to see why. At 6'3", 230 pounds, Prichard brings a rare blend of size, speed, and versatility. He clocked an impressive <strong>4.4 in the shuttle</strong>, showcasing elite lateral quickness for his position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>Whether he's in a two-point stance or with his hand in the dirt, Davis is a disruptive force off the edge. His athleticism allows him to <strong>stick with tight ends and running backs in coverage</strong>, making him a true three-down defender. During 1-on-1 drills, he <strong>dominated consistently</strong>, showing off a high motor, great technique, and a <strong>lethal counter move</strong> that he times to perfection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Prichard is a name to watch in the 2026 class—a complete EDGE defender with the tools to make an impact at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Hopkins c/o 2028 Parkwood High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["366529"],"_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-6819329fc11a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>James Hopkins | Class of 2028 | Parkwood | Defensive Lineman</strong><br>Coming in as the <strong>#3-ranked DL in the Class of 2028</strong>, James Hopkins lived up to the hype—and then some. Standing at <strong>6'2", 260 pounds</strong>, Hopkins is already showing advanced technique with a deep bag of <strong>moves and countermoves</strong>, clearly a result of the hard work he's been putting in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>What sets him apart isn't just his physical tools—it's his <strong>relentless work ethic</strong>. Hopkins competed at a <strong>consistently high level</strong>, bringing intensity to every rep and demonstrating the mindset of a future leader in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With his foundation of technique, size, and drive, James Hopkins is already positioning himself as a top defensive line prospect in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1666240' first='Jacob' last='Bowen'] c/o 2028 Athens Drive High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1666240"],"_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-6819329fc122d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Jacob Bown | Class of 2028 | Athens Drive | EDGE / DL</strong><br>Jacob Bown is a <strong>dynamic, high-ceiling prospect</strong> who's already making waves as a freshman. At <strong>6'2", 245 pounds</strong>, Bown combines size with elite athleticism—he posted a <strong>4.5 shuttle</strong>, <strong>9-foot broad jump</strong>, and a <strong>4.94 forty-yard dash</strong>, numbers that rival upperclassmen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>What makes Bown stand out is his <strong>versatility on the defensive line</strong>. He can attack off the edge or slide inside and disrupt from the interior. His <strong>hand and footwork are advanced for his age</strong>, showing a rare blend of technique and natural ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jacob is the type of <strong>multi-position defender</strong> every coach wants—explosive, smart, and just getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667377' first='Zayden' last='Carter'] c/o 2027 Dudley High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1667377"],"_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-6819329fc12b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667377' first='Zayden' last='Carter'] | Class of 2027 | Dudley | Defensive Lineman</strong><br>[player_tooltip player_id='1667377' first='Zayden' last='Carter'] is a <strong>powerful interior presence</strong> who's poised to be a difference-maker for the Dudley defense. At <strong>6'1" and nearly 300 pounds</strong>, Carter brings both size and explosiveness to the defensive front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He's got a <strong>quick get-off</strong> and active hands, allowing him to disrupt plays before they develop. Carter is equally effective using a <strong>bull rush to collapse the pocket</strong> or working in a <strong>well-timed counter move</strong> to shake blockers. His raw power combined with technical flashes makes him one of the most intriguing interior linemen in the <strong>Class of 2027</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667643' first='Marcelo' last='Chitty'] Millbrook High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1667643"],"_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-6819329fc1333"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667643' first='Marcelo' last='Chitty'] | Class of 2026 | Millbrook | DL/OL</strong><br>[player_tooltip player_id='1667643' first='Marcelo' last='Chitty'] is a <strong>two-way trench warrior</strong> for Millbrook, contributing on both sides of the ball. While he plays OL and DL for the Wildcats, Chitty focused on the <strong>defensive line</strong> during the recent combine—and he <strong>stood out in a big way</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>At <strong>6'2", 270 pounds</strong>, Chitty has the <strong>ideal frame and strength</strong> for an interior defensive lineman. What gives him an edge is his <strong>deep understanding of offensive line play</strong>, which he used to his advantage during 1-on-1s. His <strong>strong hands, smart counters, and relentless motor</strong> made him a tough matchup throughout the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chitty has the tools, IQ, and physicality to play <strong>defensive line at the next level</strong>—and he's proving it with every rep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->