Kingston Chandler Kingston Chandler 6'2" | 275 lbs | DL Ragsdale | 2028 State NC is one of the top defensive linemen in the state for the Class of 2028. At 6-foot-2, 280 pounds, Chandler combines impressive size with outstanding athleticism, allowing him to run well and shed blockers with ease. His burst off the line and closing speed consistently show up on film, especially when he gets after the quarterback. After averaging nine tackles per game and recording six sacks last season, Chandler has established himself as one of the premier young defensive prospects in North Carolina.

I’m willing to bet there aren’t but a handful of 275-pounders who can stand up and play off the edge, but that’s a part of Chandler’s game, thanks to his explosive power and quick first step. Of course, he’s at his best on the interior, where he can stuff the run and play a role by eating up double teams, or explode off the ball and cave the pocket as a pass rusher.

It’s rare to see a guy Chandler’s size line up outside the tackle, but he’ll rush the passer from anywhere. He’s taken snaps at nose tackle, edge rusher, and even as a standup outside linebacker, where he still has the quickness and length to disrupt the quarterback. He’s significantly larger than when he first hit our radar and few players across the state had as productive a sophomore season as Chandler.

We love guys who have the combination of early production and a body that looks like it will continue to grow and Chandler has both. While playing as an undersized interior lineman, he bullied offensive linemen as a pass-rusher, and his length and athletic profile suggest he could kick out to edge later in his career. If not, he has the upside as a run-defender to stay on the inside, where teams are always looking for disruptors.

Chandler may eventually swing out to the edge, but right now, he’s a long, athletic interior pass-rusher with decent upside against the run. He’s able to maneuver himself to get into position to make plays and he made a bunch of them as a freshman. He was highly productive before he’s reached his physical potential, so he’s a guy we’re watching as a potential rankings riser.

When looking at Kingston’s film, there are several traits that I like. First off, Kingston has a good get-off at the snap, and chains that together with getting his hands on offensive linemen quickly at the line of scrimmage. Kingston then does a good job of disengaging after reading run/pass and can get to the ball carrier with good short-space speed. Kingston also showed the ability to line up at defensive end and generate pressure off the edge and get to the quarterback. Finally, Kingston showed a high-level ability to retrace his steps when getting a screen in behind him and rallied back to make the tackle. He will definitely be one to watch in his sophomore year.