Midlands Defensive Linemen Making Early Statements

The season has officially started and now we're seeing players under the lights in real game action instead of in practice and drill settings. It's time to better evaluate and see who has taken the offseason work and made it translated into game-time production.   The Midlands are deep in defensive line standouts and some showed that ability on Friday night. There are a few on this list that will make their season debuts this week. But all told, winning the trenches is still an important aspect of having a winning program.   As we head into Week 2, this is a list of guys you should get to know better and will make immediate impacts this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1550897' first='Hugh' last='Manning'] [player_tooltip player_id='1817777' first='Henry' last='Kaneft'] and [player_tooltip player_id='763831' first='John' last='Stokes'] (pictured above) DL, Hammond   We knew this Skyhawks defensive front would be disruptive, but we didn't expect it to totally dominate a public school in the SCHSL. Manning, who had committed to Richmond, recorded nine tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks and nine QB hurries despite missing some time due to cramping. Stokes (pictured) has been injured for much of the preseason and managed three tackles in limited action. Kaneft is undersized and sometimes the forgotten member of the line up front, but the senior contributed three tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. Augusta Christian is next up to try and slow the talented front.    [player_tooltip player_id='1817074' first='Colt' last='Manley'] DL, River Bluff   The senior was in on five tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble in a huge win over Cane Bay. Manley helped the Gators control the line of scrimmage and is proving to be a huge force on a revamped defense. He's athletic and moves well and can win battles at the point of attack or run down ball carriers going in the other direction. River Bluff wants to be physical, and Manley fits that style perfectly. Things will get a little tougher this week as River Bluff will host Gray Collegiate.   [player_tooltip player_id='409882' first='Jaden' last='Wuerth'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1422589' first='Peyton' last='Bishop'] DL, Dutch Fork   The four-time defending state champions Silver Foxes had a bye to open the season but the expectations for Wuerth, Bishop and the entire defense is sky high. Wuerth moved into the state last season and became one of the best players on the defense. Bishop was with AC Flora last season and brings a high motor with brute strength and athleticism to an already solid defense. It will be interesting to see how teams attack Wuerth and Bishop. Ridge View gets the first crack at it on Friday.   [player_tooltip player_id='1821945' first='JC' last='Chakides'] James Helfer [player_tooltip player_id='1821942' first='Sam' last='Catoe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2256088' first='Jamari' last='Carmichael'] DL, Ben Lippen   The Falcons had a week off after opening the season with a shutout on August 14. These four controlled the line of scrimmage with a combined 14 tackles, three tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries. These guys play on both sides of the ball, so depth is a factor, but other players filled in to help the cause. But these four are older and experienced and plan on making a lot of plays this season. They're quick and stronger than a season ago so that should help as we get deeper into the season. A trip to Great Falls, a SCHSL team, will be a good measuring stick for how they will fare against stiffer SCISA competition.   [player_tooltip player_id='1818234' first='Ethan' last='Jackson'] [player_tooltip player_id='2256207' first='Kaedon' last='Lumpkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1818236' first='Zymel' last='Walker'] DL, Keenan   The Raiders squeaked out a 36-34 win over Swansea and while Jackson, Lumpkins and Walker had minimal numbers that didn't decrease the value they brought to the defense. Jackson is a force in the middle and can take over games at the line of scrimmage. Jackson and Lumpkins are seniors and have improved skill-wise in the offseason. Walker is a sophomore that will only get better with more experience. All three check in north of 250 pounds and that is a huge defensive front on any level of football. This trio will try to slow a Dreher squad that scored 56 points last week.     [player_tooltip player_id='2177594' first='Marcus' last='Davis'] and Nigel McLamore DL, Dreher   The Blue Devils picked up a huge season opening win with a 56-13 win over North Central and Davis and McLamore played big roles in the trenches. Davis is a senior and contributed three tackles and helped slow the Knights running game. McLamore is just a sophomore and made a splash with six tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. These two aren't the biggest defensive linemen but if their speed and quickness can disrupt offenses like it did on Friday, it could spell success this season. They will attempt to slow a talented Keenan offense this week.    Reaves, a senior, had a solid season opener with five tackles and six quarterback hurries. He has a great frame at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds. He comes off the edge with a burst and makes it difficult for an offensive tackle to keep pace with him. He's strong enough to fight through a block but his biggest attribute is his speed and ability to force the issue in the backfield. He didn't get a sack last Friday but has another chance on Thursday against Richland Northeast.

The season has officially started and now we're seeing players under the lights in real game action instead of in practice and drill settings. It's time to better evaluate and see who has taken the offseason work and made it translated into game-time production.