Stock Risers: 2022 Atlanta-Area DLs
The Atlanta area is one of the premier hotbeds of football talent across the country, producing some of the nation’s top talent on an annual basis. The counties in the Atlanta and metro area consists of Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett…
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Continue ReadingThe Atlanta area is one of the premier hotbeds of football talent across the country, producing some of the nation’s top talent on an annual basis. The counties in the Atlanta and metro area consists of Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties. Those area are home to some of the state’s top programs and some of the best talent not only in Georgia, but in the entire nation. Clayton County, Dekalb County, and Forsyth County are also known for producing elite talent.
Here are a few 2022 DLs in the Atlanta area who are seeing their stock rise this spring.
Kanye Varner – Jonesboro
In Clayton County is where you’ll find arguably the hottest defensive line prospect in the Atlanta area. The 6-foot-3 270-pounder is a versatile defender who has the size and strength to play all over the defensive line. He’s a guy who can blow up any particular play if the opposing offensive lineman isn’t playing their “A” game. Varner brings it every play and will occasionally blow up a play before it even gets going. He uses his hands well to get off blocks but is also quick off the ball from the edge. Over the last few weeks, Varner has earned offers from Syracuse, Army, UCF, Tulane, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, and many more. He may lack ideal size, but Varner is a playmaker who has his best football ahead of him. Look for him to have a very strong senior season as he continues to develop and add more muscle this off-season.
Xavier Agostino – Pace Academy
In the beautiful Buckhead area is where you’ll find the next great defender from Pace Academy in the versatile, Xavier Agostino. The 6-foot-3 250-pounder will likely play on the edge at the next level, but he’s a terror to deal with on the inside in his region. Agostino made some “wow” plays as a junior last year, and like Varner, can really blow up a play due to his quickness and explosiveness off the ball. He doesn’t play against the best competition, so Agostino has the ability to take over games as a dominant defensive tackle. If he’s not blocked properly, he’s going to fly into the backfield and wreck the ball-carrier. The rising senior has had a big month on the recruiting trail, earning offers from Air Force, Coastal Carolina, and Liberty. He also holds offers from Kent State, Wake Forest, and Virginia Tech.
Felix Hixon Felix Hixon 6'3" | 280 lbs | DL Jackson | 2022 State GA – Jackson
Between Atlanta and Macon is where you’ll find another up-and-coming interior defensive lineman. At 6-foot-3 285-pounds, Hixon does hold a handful of major offers, but he’s still under the radar as far as Prep Red-zone is considered. Hixon plays like a bulldozer in the middle of the field with an outstanding bull-rush that allows him to overpower smaller opposing linemen. Hixon has a great first step off the ball and can get into the backfield with ease. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he knows how to deliver a hit. He bends well for someone close to 300-pounds and plays with good leverage when going against someone his size. He can beat his opponent in a number of ways and still has plenty of room to improve his game as he continues to develop his mechanics and overall technique. His best football is ahead of him, and it’s turned into offers from Florida, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Virginia, among others.