2029 Rankings Winter Update: DLs Setting the Stage

Editor's note: We'll continue breaking down this class in its entirety. If <a href="https://prepredzone.com/subscribe/">you're not yet subscribed to Prep RedZone</a>, you can save 40% off an annual subscription by using the offer code Guerin40 at checkout. This deal will be available throughout the Winter Rankings Cycle.   When we unveiled the 2029 rankings back in the fall, we had a grand total of three defensive linemen make the cut.    Those three got a leg up on their peers by seeing early playing time. They'd earned their ranking and were showing incredible promise.   Now, four months later, we've more than doubled the list.   And the promise for these seven players is only growing. By the time next season is done, we fully expect their names to be resonating beyond their respective communities.    HYBRIDS   [player_tooltip player_id='1632107' first='Emavian' last='Gibson'] Dorman   Gibson was impressive enough during the early part of the season that he earned himself a bump to the varsity level and saw some quality playing time down the stretch. He finished the season with eight tackles but set the tone for what we likely see in the future. Gibson can play outside or inside as the scheme presents itself, and even when he's on the outside he can close that edge down for the support behind him.     [player_tooltip player_id='1131146' first='Malachi' last='Watson'] Irmo   When Watson saw first-hand just how talented and experienced the Yellow Jackets' defensive line was. He got on the field on offense and he saw quality time at center. We see this projecting long-term one of three ways: He stays on offense and continues to develop there; Watson transitions back to a hybrid tackle/end spot and uses what he learned on a varsity offense; or he earns playing time on both sides. None of those are bad scenarios for him.    DEFENSIVE TACKLES   [player_tooltip player_id='1595016' first='Emari' last='Jones'] Seneca   Jones's size put him on the map, especially after everyone figured out he could move much better than a human being of his size should be able to. Still, as he trimmed down during the rigors of the year, he was getting stronger, all the while he was finding that his reach and length could present even more issues for opposing blockers. Jones takes up some serious real estate and another season on the field should put him in a place to really rise.    [player_tooltip player_id='2106766' first='Hayzon' last='Lumpkin'] South Pointe    Lumpkin is one of the biggest reasons no one is expecting South Pointe's defense to be any less daunting next year despite some graduations. The 6-foot, 275-pound tackle turned into the next cog on a powerful defensive line that collapsed the pocket on quarterbacks and bottled up tailbacks throughout the season. Lumpkin finished with 27 tackles and 13 tackles for loss, and his playoff showing against Beaufort checked all the boxes.     DEFENSIVE ENDS   [player_tooltip player_id='1817932' first='Beanie' last='Brown'] Porter Gaud   Brown (pictured) may ultimately transition back to a more traditional linebacker role at some point, but the PG staff also may very well look at what he was able to do with his hand on the ground at the snap and recognize that adding his quickness up front is too good to change. After all, he finished his freshman season with 56 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble. Two of his best individual games happened in the playoffs,    [player_tooltip player_id='1818034' first='Gavin' last='Pyles'] Fountain Inn   While we typically look more at linebackers' solo tackle vs. assisted tackle figures to determine how much their actually impacting the play against possibly being involved in it, we can apply the same theory to why Pyles' instant jump to all-region honors was justified. He is already an expert at shedding offensive tackles with his quickness. The end result is how often you can see Pyles being the driving force for the Fury's defensive intentions.     [player_tooltip player_id='1839899' first='Dez' last='Davis'] North Augusta   For all of the aha moments Davis produced as a freshman, his kickoff return against Gilbert was eye-opening in another way. Against the Indians in the playoff, he fielded the a short kick, evaded one member of the coverage team and then opened up his stride en route to the end zone. It showed off more of the freakish athletic ability that normally comes across in his twitchy abilities off the snap. Davis has given us those early signs that he is the real deal.

Editor's note: We'll continue breaking down this class in its entirety. If you're not yet subscribed to Prep RedZone, you can save 40% off an annual subscription by using the offer code Guerin40 at checkout. This deal will be available throughout the Winter Rankings Cycle.