2028 Edge/DL New Additions: Midseason Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We just updated our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2028-rankings/">2028 rankings</a>, and we've already had plenty of coverage on the offensive side of the ball. Now, we're turning our attention to the defensive side of the ball to look at the defensive linemen, both interior and on the edge, who were added to our rankings. Here are our 2028 edge and DL new additions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2028 Edge/DL New Additions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1956004"],"_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-6904f55fad92e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Watson is undersized right now, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been productive. In fact, he's among the state leaders in sacks for the class of 2028. I wouldn't be surprised to see him eventually move off the ball, not because he's undersized, but because his closing speed is so impressive that he may eventually find a home as a run-stuffing, blitzing linebacker. For now, he's terrifying off the edge and can close gaps in a hurry.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1969828"],"_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-6904f55fad9db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hunter has been one of the most productive defensive linemen in the state, with five sacks and 75 tackles. He's played a lot of end in odd fronts, but has the power to slip inside on passing downs and the speed to stay out wide in four-man fronts. He's a relentless, high-motor pass-rusher, meaning he's never fully out of a play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1942149"],"_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-6904f55fada43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A Northern Durham transfer, Johnson is still adjusting to a veteran Southern Durham defense, but his upside is incredible. His length is impressive, as is his first step. We expect to see him start to flash as a pass-rusher with more consistent playing time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1854294"],"_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-6904f55fadaa0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mohamed has thrived as a run-defending edge sealer this season. Listed as a linebacker on the roster, we could see him playing off the ball, but he uses his hands to hold offensive linemen away and control gaps. That gives him a unique skill set at edge, one that college coaches will love.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1952275"],"_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-6904f55fadafb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burnette's emergence as a strong edge rusher has been a welcome sight for Page. He's also made an impact in more than one way for the Pirates, actually picking off not one, but two passes. We haven't seen a ton of his film, so we're looking forward to diving in during the offseason, because from what we've seen, he's a sophomore to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1969827"],"_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-6904f55fadb55"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Likely a future edge rusher, Atunku has thrived all along the defensive line this season. He's a high-motor defender who loves to hit and isn't afraid to mix it up in the running game. That being said, he length works as a pass-rusher. He's been a huge part of Cary's historic season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1969829"],"_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-6904f55fadbd6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Though he's likely going to be better known as a pass-rusher, Hardy is thriving as a smart run defender as a sophomore. He's gotten after the passer as well, getting a few sacks this season. He has longer arms than his height would suggest, which allows him to both get around the edge and keep offensive linemen off his body.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->