2022 Five Arkansas Defensive Linemen to Watch
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A position group that is flying under the radar in the class of 2022 is the defensive line group. We are going to examine the defensive linemen to keep an eye on as the 2022 recruiting class begins to take…
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Continue ReadingA position group that is flying under the radar in the class of 2022 is the defensive line group. We are going to examine the defensive linemen to keep an eye on as the 2022 recruiting class begins to take the spotlight. We will look at a few that folks may be familiar with as well as some defensive linemen that have been flying under the radar up until now.
Nico Davillier Nico Davillier 6'3" | 275 lbs | DL Maumelle | 2022 State AR -Maumelle
Davillier is a disruptive force that lives in the opposing offensive backfield. He does a great job of using a mix of his speed and power to beat his blocker. Davillier can essentially shut down an opponent’s rushing attack by occupying multiple offensive linemen and allowing his teammates to make plays. The versatility along the defensive line is a quality that college scouts are going to love about Davillier. Davillier has earned 14 scholarship offers and is a defensive lineman to keep an eye on as we enter the spring football period in Arkansas.
JJ Hollingsworth JJ Hollingsworth 6'4" | 240 lbs | DL Greenland | 2022 State AR -Greenland
Hollingsworth is terrific at anticipating the snap count and using his speed to terrorize the ball carrier. At 6-4 and 250 pounds, Hollingsworth uses his size well to disrupt the quarterback’s vision. He is a player that the Arkansas Razorbacks offered early, and he has placed a verbal commitment. Hollingsworth is excellent at disrupting the opposing running attack, but he is also impressive when it comes to putting pressure on the quarterback. He has the potential at the next level to terrorize SEC quarterbacks with his speed and length. Hollingsworth will likely earn some more scholarship offers as the offseason heats up and camps start to form.
Mario Benjamin Mario Benjamin 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Dollarway | 2022 State AR -Pine Bluff Dollarway
The Dollarway defensive end has a nose for the football and is always in pursuit of the ball. Benjamin uses his strength well to fight off blocks and disrupt the opponent’s rushing attack. He is a force when he uses his mix of speed and power to shutdown the running game of Dollarway’s opponents. Benjamin has the potential to explode on to college scouts’ recruiting radars this season. He is effective at rushing the passer and this season he has the potential to secure a number of sacks. Keep an eye on Benjamin the sky is the limit as far as his potential goes.
Lamar Jefferson Lamar Jefferson 6'4" | 250 lbs | DL Watson Chapel | 2022 State AR -Watson Chapel
Lamar Jefferson Lamar Jefferson 6'4" | 250 lbs | DL Watson Chapel | 2022 State AR has the size and quickness to play both the edge as well as the defensive tackle position. Jefferson is difficult for offensive linemen to block because of how versatile he is regarding his size and quickness. He can shut down the rushing attack of the opposition by himself and he gives offensive coordinators headaches with how he can effectively rush the passer. At the next level, Jefferson could play the tackle or the edge with no problems at all. Jefferson is a player for scouts and fans to keep an eye on this coming season.
Jacovey Barker Jacovey Barker 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Camden Fairview | 2022 State AR -Camden Fairview
The Camden Fairview Cardinals produces talent along both the offensive and the defensive lines. Jacovey Barker Jacovey Barker 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Camden Fairview | 2022 State AR makes himself at home in the offensive backfield. He uses his terrific quickness to get into the backfield and shut down the running game. At the next level, Barker has the talent and size to play the edge position or play the linebacker spot. The speed that Barker displays is lethal for opposing offensive linemen and will give quarterbacks problems this season. Barker is going to be a player that scouts keep an eye on this season. The young man has too much potential at several different positions not to be noticed.