2023 Rankings: Defensive Trenches Picking Offenses Apart
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Two defensive tackles and two ends found their way into our initial Class of 2023, and while they’ll likely be joined soon by a few more around the state, these four players gave us every reason to include them early.…
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Continue ReadingTwo defensive tackles and two ends found their way into our initial Class of 2023, and while they’ll likely be joined soon by a few more around the state, these four players gave us every reason to include them early.
Production is why.
Two Camden Bulldogs, a massive Beaufort lineman and one more from one of the biggest schools in the state chime in here.
David Copley David Copley 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Camden | 2023 State SCSchool: Camden
Analysis: Copley was often the forgotten the man along the Bulldogs’ powerful defensive line, and the teams who did that found out how big of a mistake it was. The speed edge rusher had seven sacks to go along with 12 tackles and five for loss en route to the Lower State title.
De’Andre Jones De’Andre Jones 6'1" | 245 lbs | DL Fort Dorchester | 2023 State SCSchool: Summerville
Analysis: The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder gets to rush the passer each and every Friday against the biggest schools in the state. Summerville doesn’t play many lower-class opponents, so it makes Jones’ production against opposing left tackles mean a little more than a few stat-stuffing games.
Eamon Smalls Eamon Smalls 6'3" | 300 lbs | DL Beaufort | 2023 TX (Pictured above)
School: Beaufort
Analysis: Smalls is a two-for-one player, and by that we mean he’s the size of two players. Measuring what is now 6-foot-4 and nearly 330 pounds, the interior lineman can leverage pretty much any tackling position – whether he’s upright, on the ground or anywhere in between.
Xzavier McLeod Xzavier McLeod 6'5" | 320 lbs | DL Camden | 2023 State SCSchool: Camden
Analysis: Along with his teammate Copley, McLeod is one of those names we should get used to hearing about for the next couple seasons. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound beast of a tackle is already getting SEC love after a sophomore season that included 37 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hurries and four sacks.