Inside The Rankings: #TN2023 D-Line Breakdown

Diving back into our 1st #PRZTN 2023 rankings, here we breakdown the talent from the D-line and where they stack up headed into a big summer camp season. This is a talented group of guys that has depth and players that are sitting way under the radar right now. Expect multiple guys listed below to breakout soon and become hot names on the recruiting trail! 1. (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="102191" first="Drake" last="Carlson"] (6'4 275) - Father Ryan #PRZTN Ranking: 1st Ranked DL; 14th Overall - Carlson is a major Power Five talent that has added offers from the likes of Duke, Illinois, Purdue, Stanford, Vanderbilt and others and by looking at his film, you see why! This guy is well put together physically and demonstrates that style of play every time he touches the field. Carlson is a versatile lineman that could play the 3-technique or slide outside to defensive end where his deceptive athleticism is used to rush the backfield. The Fighting Irish senior has powerful hands and knows how to use them. He plays with strong leverage and uses his lower base strength along with his powerful, quick hands to displace blockers. Carlson needs a little more time to fill out but the rest of the tools are there to compete for playing time in college next year. 2. (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="205281" first="Anthony" last="Boggs"] (6'5 255) - Baylor School #PRZTN Ranking: 2nd Ranked DL; 24th Overall <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-294420" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/aboggs-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> - This Chattanooga area D-lineman is just scratching the surface with his abilities on the football field but if you watch his film, you immediately see a guy with size, athletic traits and major college upside. Boggs is a big dude with long arms and a wide radius that will only continue to grow on the next level. He also shows on film explosive traits and the ability to rush the quarterback. The Red Raiders D-lineman is a versatile guy that could play a variety of roles within the trenches. Boggs fits the 3-4 defense well as a guy that can rush the backfield from the middle or the outside. The potential is quite high with guy and college coaches have taken notice. Boggs holds a couple D1 offers at the moment but as this ranking shows, his talent warrants much bigger looks and I think that will come in time. 3. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="150344" first="Nathan" last="Robinson"] (6'5 245) - Greenbrier #PRZTN Ranking: 3rd Ranked DL; 28th Overall - Sporting great size along with a physical frame and long arms, Robinson is one of the best looking defensive end prospects that we have from the in-state 2023 class. This Bobcats senior lineman shows on the film the ability to rush upfield after the quarterback but also string out the run game, either making the stop or opening it up for his linebackers to make a play on the ball. Robinson uses his strong upper body and active hands to get off blocks well and then use his speed to chase after the football. He is placed within the Top 30 overall prospects in this state for a reason. Robinson has the size, physical traits and deceptive athleticism to shine on the next level but of course he still has a ways to go before he reaches his maximum capabilities but the upside here is strong. (Committed to Tennessee this week) 4. (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="237399" first="LaJairus" last="Abernathy"] (6'2 285) - Pearl Cohn #PRZTN Ranking: 4th Ranked DL; 33rd Overall <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-285322" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/labernathy-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> - At this point through our evaluations, Abernathy is viewed as the top interior defensive lineman not only from the greater Nashville area but also the entire state. One of the biggest reasons for this Firebird D-Tackle being ranked so high is because of his combination of strength and speed that interior O-linemen have a hard time dealing with. Abernathy has a mobile lower base along with quick feet that allows him to get in the creases and work his way upfield. This is an active guy inside the trenches that offensive linemen have a hard time stopping or slowing down. The Firebirds stud defender holds a few solid D1 offers but couldn't definitely add to that list over the next few months, especially after he works with coaches during college camps this summer. 5. (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="225961" first="Jaden" last="McKinney"] (6'3 280) - Collierville #PRZTN Ranking: 5th Ranked DL; 41st Overall - The Dragons should have themselves a strong defense for the ‘22 season this Fall and it all starts up front with McKinney and his disruptive nature. A thick, big bodied guy that can move, McKinney is a physical competitor that likes to impose his will on offensive lineman and knows how to make plays on the ball in a variety of ways. The Dragons senior D-Tackle is a multi talented guy that can rush the backfield but also play stout versus the run. McKinney has a powerful and agile lower base that allows him to take on and shed blocks well but also hold strong against the point of attack. College programs have noticed these talents and I expect many others to get involved with McKinney's recruitment sooner rather than later. 6. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="102196" first="Taeshawn" last="Clark"] (6'3 260) - Kenwood #PRZTN Ranking: 6th Ranked DL; 53rd Overall - Many coaches are missing the boat right now on this Clarksville area defender as Clark is one of the better physical pass rushers that we have for the in-state 2023 class and he is far from reaching his maximum capabilities. This Knights defensive end is well built physically along with having the arm length and bend to cause damage rushing the backfield on the collegiate level. Clark is not only a physical competitor on the edge but he also shows burst and explosive traits on film that should appeal quite strongly to college coaches. He is equally stout versus the run as he does a good job of using his powerful hands to get off blocks and stop the ball carrier. This guy is vastly underrated with recruiting right now but I expect those offers to arrive soon. 7. (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="102292" first="Donovan" last="Nevils"] (6'2 255) - BGA #PRZTN Ranking: 7th Ranked DL; 66th Overall <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-305240" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/dnevils-300x169.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="169" /> - A two way lineman who embraces the physical contact in the middle, Nevils is an intriguing talent that has lost some weight over the offseason and leaned up, looking to make a big impact on the college camp scene this summer. This Wildcats mauler works well on both sides of the ball but his college upside at the moment looks best here on the D-line where he can use his powerful hands and strong lower base to cause damage in the backfield. Nevils is a solid athlete that can pass rush but also get off blocks and chase down the ball carrier. He is currently in the process of packing on more weight but doing it to add more muscle to a leaner frame and gain more explosion. This is a steady performer that has already caught the eyes of college coaches but a big summer camp tour could go a long way towards landing those wanted offers. 8. (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="102234" first="Caleb" last="Graham"] (6'2 260) - Maryville #PRZTN Ranking: 8th Ranked DL; 69th Overall - Checking in within the Top 70 players overall of our rankings, Graham is another undervalued, underrated talent that could earn several big offers this summer during camp season with college coaches getting an up close and personal look at this East Tennessee talent. Graham is one of the best leverage linemen in the state as he is well balanced and knows how to push the pocket, causing havoc. The Rebels senior D-lineman is well versed with high football IQ and understands his role on the field. He is a deceptive athlete that runs pretty well and he knows how to use his hands to shed off blocks. Graham does need to keep gaining some additional weight but sure fire talent is there to play on the D1 level (He currently holds offers from Army and Navy) 9. (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="102261" first="Ethan" last="Jones"] (6'2 280) - Lausanne #PRZTN Ranking: 9th Ranked DL; 73rd Overall <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-321429" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/ejones-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> - Jones is one of the more talented interior D-linemen we have in the state but with him coming off a torn ACL last year, his recruitment remains quiet as he heads into the summer camp season. His talent and size alone places him inside our Top 100 rankings because if this guy gets back to full health and shows out on the field this Fall, his recruitment could go to another level. Jones is a good athlete in the middle that can rush the backfield but also has the strength to stand up blocks and get after the ball carrier. The Lynx senior interior mauler sports a strong upper body along with an agile lower base that translates well to the collegiate level, so going forward it's all about his health and a college coach pulling the trigger on an offer. 10. (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="153183" first="Marceo" last="Collins, Jr"] (6'3 255) - Baylor School #PRZTN Ranking: 10th Ranked DL; 78th Overall - Much like Jones above, Collins, Jr is also coming off a season ending injury that has slowed up his offseason work and placed him off the recruiting radar but only for the moment as this guy can play and has the physical traits that college coaches look for. Tall and lean with long arms and a nice frame for added size, Collins, Jr is a multi talented guy that can play a variety of roles across the defensive line. His skill set at the moment fits best on the outside at end where he can use his athleticism to get after the quarterback or set the edge versus the run. This Red Raiders defender could easily grow into a 3-technique defensive tackle that causes a wreck from the interior inside the college game. Summer camp season and this Fall will go a long way towards Collins, Jr making it to the next level. 11. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="102200" first="Demonte" last="Cook"] (6'2 240) - Lebanon #PRZTN Ranking: 11th Ranked DL; 103rd Overall - A multi year starter and major contributor for his Blue Devils defense, Cook is another undervalued talent that brings a lot of passion and versatility to the defensive line and he could be headed for his best season yet. This Middle Tennessee product is a hard man to block on the edge as he is very powerful up top and shows on film nice lower body agility that offensive linemen have a hard time slowing down. Cook has heavy hands and he knows how to use them. He does a good job at getting the O-lineman to fall back and misstep and then burst right past him towards the quarterback. Cook is also well versed against the run as he does a good job at shedding blocks and chasing down the ball carrier quickly. I expect this guy to have a big summer camp season and earn those elusive offers. 12. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="102189" first="Bradley" last="Cannon"] (6'5 235) - Elizabethton #PRZTN Ranking: 12th Ranked DL; 121st Overall <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-321431" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/bcannon-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> - Just outside our Top 120 prospects, Cannon is an interesting talent that sports great size, length and a frame that can take on additional weight. The Fighting Cyclones star edge defender is one of the best defensive linemen in the state against the run. He knows how to set the edge and force the running back back inside or release and chase him down. Cannon also shows on the film the ability to develop into a pass rusher as he has the size, length and deceptive athleticism to develop that craft further. This is a multi talented D-lineman that could play a variety of roles in the trenches and even fits the 3-4 defense very well. Cannon has yet to see an influx of offers but he has the physical traits and upside to earn those this coming summer. 13. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="157393" first="Isaac" last="Oglesby"] (6'1 240) - Riverdale #PRZTN Ranking: 13th Ranked DL; 127th Overall - If this guy was bigger, Oglesby would be more of a household name because this guy has a non-stop motor and a unique feel for knowing how to get into the backfield. This is one of the better edge pass rushers from the greater Middle Tennessee area and a physical competitor that gives fits to opposing offensive linemen. Oglesby has a quick get-off along with explosive traits that college coaches look for in an edge rusher. He could develop into an outside linebacker that plays close to the line, working up field or stringing out the run game into the sidelines on the next level. His ranking could change and rise during our next update, especially if he shows out during camp season this summer and I fully expect it to happen. 14. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="226009" first="Eriq" last="George"] (6'2 240) - MBA #PRZTN Ranking: 14th Ranked DL; 130th Overall <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-321440" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/egeorge-crop-698x459-1649871659-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> - George is already a prospect that will be rising up our next rankings as this is a talented defensive lineman that brings a lot of tools and traits to the trenches that play up well on the collegiate level. This Big Red defensive end is a strong and sturdy young man that plays with good balance and shows on the film to be one of the better run stuffers on the D-line that we have in this state. George knows how to set the edge then shed off blocks to stop the run game before it gets started. He also has the upside to develop further as a pass rusher as well but needs more work with his get-off and explosion. This guy could step onto the field almost immediately in college and provide snaps as an edge defender against the run but the potential to develop even further into an every down lineman. 15. (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="150360" first="Sam" last="Hultz"] (6'3 235) - Collierville #PRZTN Ranking: 15th Ranked DL; 133rd Overall - Holding an offer from Campbell, Hultz has already established himself as a college recruitable prospect and that's due to his explosive traits that works well from the interior and his tenacious nature chasing down the ball. Hultz plays with a high active motor that causes problems for opposing offensive lineman. He shows a solid get-off on the film and the ability to be a pass rusher from the interior of the D-line. His game also fits well on the outside on the edge as well, especially if it's based within a 3-4 defense. Hultz has a nice frame that can take on more weight which in turn would give him more power and more problems for the O-line. A big summer camp season and senior year could see this guy's recruitment take off and a rise within our next prospect rankings as well. 16. (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="102281" first="Jayden" last="Marable"] (6'2 270) - Smyrna #PRZTN Ranking: 16th Ranked DL; 135th Overall - Marable is a big, physical guy that moves very well from the interior of the defensive line and he is a guy that doesn't see his potential just yet but the moment the light comes on, watch out for this Bulldogs mauler in the middle. Marable is a good athlete that shows explosive traits and the ability to cause damage within the opponents backfield. He has a powerful upper body along with strong hands that flashes well on film. This Middle Tennessee product shows a nice combo of strength and speed that works well against the run but also as a rusher from the inside. Marable holds an offer from EKU and I expect many others to join the fold soon but strong work during camp season could blow his recruitment wide open. 17. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="169167" first="Dallin" last="Steele"] (6'5 255) - Station Camp #PRZTN Ranking: 17th Ranked DL; 137th Overall <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-321443" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/dsteele-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> - This is another D-lineman listed here in this article that will take a strong rise during our next updated prospect rankings as Steele sports a lot of traits that coaches like and translate well into the college game. They are already taking notice as Steele holds an offer from EKU and interest from many others. This guy has great size with long arms and a frame that can put on more weight which could turn him into a defensive force on the next level. Steele has a great motor and has put in a lot of work this offseason to improve his get-off and speed as well as add more strength to his wide radius frame. Over the next few months, Steele is a guy that could take off with his recruitment and turn himself into a Top 100 overall prospect from the in-state ‘23 class. 18. (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="150351" first="Jabari" last="Simmons"] (6'3 255) - Brentwood Academy #PRZTN Ranking: 18th Ranked DL; 140th Overall - One of the better interior pass rushers from this in-state 2023 class is Simmons and he is far from a finished product but shows upside and potential that can be developed further on the next level. Sporting an active motor with strong hands, Simmons is a good athlete from the middle that can equally handle the run game as well as rushing the backfield. The Eagles senior D-Tackle plays hard and actively stays after the ball no matter where it is on the field. He has a mobile lower body along with nice feet but also has a body style that can be developed further, turning him into a force on the collegiate level. This guy is multi talented and a lineman that brings several traits to the D-line that college coaches like, so it's a matter of time before the offers start to arrive.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2023-rankings/">#TN2023 Top 150 Prospect Rankings</a>   Just Outside The Top 150 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="150336" first="Colton" last="Perry"] (6'2 280) - Munford - Just outside the Top 150, Perry is a top notch interior D-lineman that knows how to get off the snap and rush the backfield with intensity. The Cougars defender could see a spike with his recruitment after coaches see his skill set in person this summer. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="302363" first="Riley" last="Long"] (6'3 235) - Alcoa - Long is another versatile D-lineman that fits the 3-4 defense well and provides a lot of strong traits that can be further developed. Better against the run right now, Long has upside as an eventual pass rusher on the college level. (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="257169" first="Malik" last="Aljack"] (6'2 255) - Signal Mountain - A broad shouldered guy with big hands and a powerful lower base, Aljack is a multi talented guy who has upside as a pass rusher from the middle. He is also quite strong against the run as well. (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="150352" first="Keanun" last="Cummings"] (6'3 280) - Marion Co. - Cummings is a big dude that shows on film explosive traits and the ability to plug up the run. He is a developing rusher that could even slide over to offense and develop into an athletic, pulling guard. (DT) [player_tooltip player_id="185580" first="Reid" last="Powers"] (6'3 275) - Friendship Christian - An anchor in the middle with mobility and heavy hands, Powers is an intriguing talent that could make it to the next level on either side of the ball. This guy is a consistent performer that plays with a high motor & ultimate toughness (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="196989" first="Journe" last="Norwood"] (6'4 280) - Tyner Academy - Norwood is an under the radar guy that doesn't know how good he can be. This is a big dude with power that moves really well and brings a lot of intriguing tools to the trenches. Norwood could be a breakout guy this Fall season. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="268146" first="Don" last="Jones"] (6'3 245) - Bradley Central - Strong, physical guy with a solid get-off and the ability to stuff the run, Jones is one of the better East Tennessee products at causing damage in the backfield. I could easily see this guy rise in the next rankings after a big summer camp season. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="242086" first="Tanner" last="Schuck"] (6'3 240) - Ravenwood - Schuck is another D-line talent that will see his #PRZTN ranking rise during our next updates. This Raptors defender has a nice combo of strength and speed off the edge that offensive linemen have a hard time dealing with.