Hidden Gems: #TN2022 Defensive Line
The defensive line crop of talent in this state isn’t as strong as it has been in the past but that doesn’t mean we don’t have plenty of talented guys to pursue and sign. Here are ten prospects that not…
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Continue ReadingThe defensive line crop of talent in this state isn’t as strong as it has been in the past but that doesn’t mean we don’t have plenty of talented guys to pursue and sign.
Here are ten prospects that not only have the traits and talents to play on the next level but have the abilities that many D1 college coaching staffs should be looking into much more.
D-Line 2022
1. (DT) Joshua Jones Joshua Jones 6'1" | 285 lbs | DL USJ | 2022 State TN (6’1 290) – University School of Jackson
– A true two way talent that could excel on offense or defense in college, Jones is a burly, powerful guy that doesn’t know the word quit and has the work ethic you want on your team. The Bruins rising senior is a rock solid and strong piece in the middle of the line that is hard to move off his spot nor is it easy to slow down his motor. Jones is an all out, full go guy that plays through the whistle. He has a powerful upper body that is tough for offensive linemen to handle. Jones is also quite an athlete, so he provides a lot of tools that can be used in multiple ways on the next level. College coaches are interested, so that 1st offer is on the way.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11343042/5ff023e6b3d27c0a1ccb4a09
2. (DE) Jordan Shepherd Jordan Shepherd 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Peabody | 2022 State TN (6’4 235) – Peabody HS
– Shepherd is one name on this list that has generated plenty of college buzz but he has yet to see that first offer arrive. It has been a patient process for this West Tennessee product but the offers will come. Shepherd is too talented along with the physical, college traits to not find his way into the college game. A long and athletic edge rusher, Shepherd has the abilities to possibly stand up at outside linebacker on the next level or bulk up and remain on the line at defensive end. He is a versatile defender that is willing to do whatever it takes to see his team succeed. This is not only a talented football player but Shepherd is also a quality young man that provides a lot of team value to the locker room.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12162439/5fac1ea5041ddc0864fd3805
3. (DT) Thomas Pilon Thomas Pilon 6'3" | 280 lbs | DL McCallie | 2022 State TN (6’3 275) – McCallie
– Out of all the prospects on this list, Pilon has to be the most current underrated D-lineman in the state without a college offer. Naturally strong and powerful along with an active motor, Pilon is a force up front that can beat offensive linemen in a variety of ways. He can be a pass rusher while also being a wall against the run game. The native Canadian also sports a frame that is well put together and still has room to take on more weight. To give Pilon even more credit, according the #1 in-state offensive lineman prospect in the 2021 class ( Eli Sutton Eli Sutton 6'7" | 280 lbs | OL Brentwood Academy | 2021 State TN ), Pilon was the toughest guy he went up against all season. That elusive first offer is on the way. It’s just a matter of time.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9969893/5f79024abee111081cf8011d
4. (DE) Isaiah McGaha (6’4 235) – Knox. Central HS
– McGaha is an interesting talent that sports college size and physical traits that translate well to the next level. The Knoxville native has yet to receive college offers but in time after further evaluation, those offers should come. McGaha is a physical competitor on the edge that plays well against both the pass and the run. He actually may be best suited to currently play in a 3-4 defense where he can be a force against the run while occasionally providing a pass rush. The Bobcats stud defender also has strong, active hands that helps him release from blocks and get after the ball. McGaha is a talented guy that should warrant college interest.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12646874/5fc5fafd2aa6590b7c358752
5. (DT) Josiah Jackson Josiah Jackson 6'1" | 285 lbs | DL FRA | 2022 State TN (6’1 295) – Franklin Road Academy
– A wide bodied guy with deceptive athleticism and power, Jackson is a two way talent that can be developed into a run plugging defensive tackle that consistently plays in the backfield. The Nashville native has yet to see his first offer arrive but he is working hard to earn it while bettering his craft in every way possible. Jackson sports an active and agile lower body that helps him be that disruptor that plays equally against the run and pass. He plays with good balance as he has a strong lower base. Jackson also has long arms and active hands which helps him with his pass rush. This is a talented guy that still needs work but in time, Jackson could be a front seven force in the college game.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11115844/5fa72c0615f72508d468648c
6. (DE) Matthew Bell (6’4 225) – Hillsboro HS
– If you are looking for someone with high upside and potential but has yet to reach his maximum capabilities, Bell is your guy. The Burros defensive standout has the height, length and quick get off that you look for in an edge rushing defensive end but he still needs more development, especially with his body. Bell needs to pack on more size, so he can withstand the physicality on the next level but he has the frame to take on the added weight. Playing against the run is also something Bell must continue working on although he isn’t bad in that area either. College programs have been sniffing around Bell for a while but those offers haven’t come yet. In time they will as Bell has too much upside to look past.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13040620/Matthew-Bell/highlights
7. (DE/OLB) Abdul Malik-Sholanke (6’3 245) – King’s Academy
– A budding star on the edge is what Sholanke is but he has yet to see those offers come through. That will change in time after more coaches evaluate this East Tennessee product and see the potential he has for the next level. Sholanke is a natural athlete with an outstanding body that is ready to compete in the college game right now. The only question about his abilities is whether he is a true defensive end or athletic enough to stand up playing outside linebacker. Sholanke has the size and traits to play either one but his upside fits the best at defensive end here he can use his physicality to set the edge versus the run while also getting up field, sacking the quarterback.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11208339/5fc73d692aa6590b7c36314f
8. (DT) Zion Morris Zion Morris 6'0" | 290 lbs | DL BGA | 2022 TN (6’1 290) – Battle Ground Academy
– A powerful rock in the middle, Morris is a strong, burly young man that can do a variety of things at his defensive tackle position, including being a serious disruptor. The Wildcats stud lineman is an excellent athlete at his size with quick feet, an agile lower body and a non-stop motor. Morris is well put together, meaning he doesn’t have much bad weight currently on his frame. He is more suited right now to get after the passer, playing in the backfield compared to stopping the run, though he is good in that area as well. Morris has yet to receive his 1st offer but his talents will eventually earn them.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11267668/5fb171ec1761f50a78b9aaf0
9. (DE) Will Hamlin Will Hamlin 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Daniel Boone | 2022 State TN (6’3 235) – Daniel Boone HS
– Many people outside the East Tennessee area may not know about Hamlin at this point but they should as he is a talent and someone that will be playing college football very soon. First and foremost, Hamlin simply looks the part as he sports a great frame, body along with arm length and an active motor. He can be a forceful guy on the edge meaning he plays with all out intensity and does not stop till the whistle is blown. Hamlin shows an agile lower body along with nice balance that is hard for the offensive linemen to handle. He is also football smart, so he knows how to play the game to his advantage. Watch out for Hamlin to break through with offers over the coming months.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11413640/5fa0f2bb3448a80b4038dbaf
10. (DT) Colbe Haddox Colbe Haddox 6'4" | 285 lbs | DL Boyd Buchanan | 2022 State TN (6’3 270) – Boyd Buchanan
– Athletic along with untapped potential and upside. That’s how you would describe Haddox, his game and where he is currently with his development. The Chattanooga area native has some twitch and explosiveness about him that if continued to be developed in the right way, it might land him on the Division 1 college ranks. Haddox needs to continue adding more weight to his body while also toning up his frame but he has the makeup and look of a college defensive tackle. The offers have yet to come his way and many coaches want to see Haddox perform in person at camp and if he is able to do so, the offers will come but regardless, this is a college prospect.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12632957/Colbe-Haddox/highlights
Five Others to Know: (DT) Myles Saulsberry Myles Saulsberry 6'2" | 285 lbs | DL Lausanne | 2022 State TN – Lausanne, (DE) Austyn Keen – Beech, Colin Stewart Colin Stewart 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL CPA | 2022 State TN – CPA, (DT) Roman Bundza – Ravenwood, (DE) Shane Siffrard Shane Siffrard 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Franklin | 2022 State TN – Franklin