Future Focus- Elite 2022 Defensive Linemen
The 2022 class has barely competed half of high school and there’s plenty more to go, but there are already a few players separating themselves from the pack and proving to be elite college prospects. In this installment of Future Focus,…
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Continue ReadingThe 2022 class has barely competed half of high school and there’s plenty more to go, but there are already a few players separating themselves from the pack and proving to be elite college prospects. In this installment of Future Focus, we take a look at five defenders that could be superstars at the highest college level. You’ll definitely want to check these guys out this fall.
Travis Shaw Travis Shaw 6'6" | 325 lbs | DL Grimsley | 2022 State NC , 6’6 325, DI, Grimsley
That size is not a typo, Shaw is a tank. He’s also athletic enough to play defensive end, linebacker and varsity basketball. Oh, and he has three career rushing touchdowns on three carries. Long story short, he’s our top 2022 player and it’s not particularly close. Colleges seem to agree with us as Shaw has offers from 27(!) Power Five programs, including Clemson, Alabama and LSU. The thing is, he has room for improvement and that’s scary. Look for him to add some variety to his pass rushing this year; he’s just now now tapping into his nearly limitless potential.
Curtis Neal Curtis Neal 6'2" | 310 lbs | DL Hough | 2022 State NC , 6’2 310, DI, Hough
Two interior defensive linemen? You bet. Neal is ridiculously quick off the line and is already fairly polished as a pass rusher. His spin move is one of the better ones I’ve scouted. He’s already used to taking on — and beating — double teams, even as a rising junior. He split playing time as a sophomore but should be getting the bulk of the snaps on the interior from here on out. He holds offers from 11 SEC schools as well as other Power Five teams around the country. I’m excited to see how he continues to progress as a junior.
Malaki Hamrick Malaki Hamrick 6'2" | 200 lbs | DL Shelby | 2022 State NC , 6’2 200, EDGE, Shelby
Hamrick might not have the crazy offer list some of these other players possess (It’s still impressive) but he’s a player. He’ll usually play with his hand in the dirt, but can also stand up and even drop into coverage. His best trait is his bend, which allows him to slip around slower offensive linemen but his hand usage is also impressive. He’s a future star recruit that will have his pick among dozens of suitors.
Santana Hopper Santana Hopper 6'3" | 280 lbs | DL Shelby | 2022 State NC , 6’2 285, DI, Shelby
It doesn’t hurt that two of these players line up next to each other on nearly every snap. Hopper plays down at the 3-technique and 1-technique, displaying impressive acceleration for a big man. His pass rush moves are not very complex at this stage in his career, but he’s a menace against the run, shooting gaps that 285-pounders shouldn’t be able to find. His dozen offers include teams like South Carolina, Oregon and Auburn.
Eli Hall Eli Hall 6'4" | 250 lbs | DL Crest | 2022 State NC , 6’4 250, EDGE, Crest
Crest likes to use Hall all over the defensive line, from a 3-technique to a wide-9 but he projects best as a strongside defensive end. He has long arms and is still growing into his frame, but with more playing time next season, he should become one of the state’s premier pass-rushers. He also plays some running back and tight end, a terrifying sight for opposing tacklers. Hall already owns over a dozen offers, including a few SEC programs.