New Additions to the 2024 DL Class
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The 2024 DL class is starting to come together in Mississippi with a lot of premium talent on the edge and inside. Although there is plenty of talent out there that we have yet to discover, several new members made our most recent rankings update this past May. Check out the guys we are high on and what we have thought of their sophomore campaigns below.
Braiden Clayborn Braiden Clayborn 6'3" | 200 lbs | DL Provine | 2024 State MS | Provine
A long and lanky end out of Provine, Braiden Clayborn Braiden Clayborn 6'3" | 200 lbs | DL Provine | 2024 State MS stands at 6’3″ 200. Clayborn has a similar body type and overall athleticism as former Provine star ends Donterry and DeMontae Russell, now both playing for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Clayborn has a great first step off the ball and knows how to use his length to his advantage. The rising junior will get hands on to incoming offensive lineman and use a well developed stack and shed technique to get by and make a play on the ball carrier. While Clayborn is a dominant run defender, he is still acquiring a diverse move set as a pass rusher. Clayborn primarily relies on his speed off the edge, but flashed a developing bull rush move towards the end of the season. With his tools already shining, watch for Clayborn to have a huge junior campaign and earn some college offers on the way this year.
Aden Dedeaux Aden Dedeaux 6'3" | 210 lbs | DL Poplarville | 2024 State MS | Presbyterian Christian
A standout athlete on the Presbyterian Christian defense, it’s hard to not love Aden Dedeaux Aden Dedeaux 6'3" | 210 lbs | DL Poplarville | 2024 State MS at a variety of positions at the next level. Dedeaux stands at 6’3″ 220 and plays a defensive end / outside linebacker hybrid role for his team. He is easily the best athlete on the field in almost every game he plays. Dedeaux is explosive off the ball and shows the ability to bend with fluidity at a young age. This is a violent player that plays the game with a ton of intensity. Dedeaux has the athleticism to play off the edge at a high level, but can also drop into coverage and play the curl flat really well too. Maybe it is just the similarity of wearing number #11 on the field, but it is hard to not see some flashes of similarity to former Florida State stand out Jermaine Johnson in Dedeaux’s game. Big things on the horizon for the rising junior. Currently lists an offer from Austin Peay.
Jacob Bradford Jacob Bradford 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Saint Stanislaus | 2024 State MS | Saint Stanislaus
A two way starter on both the offensive and defensive line, Saint Stanislaus’ Jacob Bradford Jacob Bradford 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Saint Stanislaus | 2024 State MS is one of the most athletic big men in the class. Standing at 6’3″ 240, Bradford has great size for his age to continue growing into a big time interior player for the next level. Bradford plays his best ball inside and has the speed and strength to wreck havoc. As a pass rusher, Bradford plays with heavy hands and uses his power to overwhelm offensive tackles and guards. He has a strong bull rush move, but also shows off a nice swim move and shed and stack. As a run defender, Bradford does a great job at setting the edge and plays with a motor that runs hot. Currently holding one offer from Mississippi Gulf Coast, Bradford is bound to add some big time interest this season.
Kai McClendon Kai McClendon 6'2" | 330 lbs | DL Gulfport | 2024 State MS | Gulfport
A violent defensive tackle out of Gulfport, Kai McClendon Kai McClendon 6'2" | 330 lbs | DL Gulfport | 2024 State MS turned some heads last season as a sophomore. The rising junior stands at 6’2″ 330, but moves with great quickness and explosiveness. Interior players are usually just regarded as strong run defenders, but McClendon flashes a ton of value on passing downs. His quick get off and powerful bull rush move creates a ton of disruption in the pocket for opposing quarterbacks. McClendon has a variety of pass rush moves as well and uses his hands like a veteran technician. Against the run, McClendon does a great job at getting off of blocks and relentlessly pursuing the ball carrier. While he currently lists no offers, expect that to change with a big junior season in bound.
Jamonta Waller Jamonta Waller 6'2" | 230 lbs | DL Picayune | 2024 State MS | Picayune
Totaling over 111 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 6 sacks during his state championship campaign, Picayune’s Jamonta Waller Jamonta Waller 6'2" | 230 lbs | DL Picayune | 2024 State MS was one of the most productive defensive ends in the 2024 class last season. Standing at 6’2″ 215, Waller is a hyper-athletic edge player with the skill set college coaches love to see. He has great burst off the ball and shows the ability to bend off the edge with little stiffness or choppiness to his step. Wherever the ball is, Waller ends up near. This guy is an absolute problem to block and control. He can take over games with his skill set. Waller has great length and uses it to dominate and separate from opposing offensive tackles. His athleticism gets him into the backfield before the quarterback can even finish his drop back. Waller is bound to be a double digit sack player this upcoming season. He currently lists an offer from FAMU.
Jacob Price Jacob Price 6'4" | 290 lbs | DL Magee | 2024 State MS | Magee
A 6’4″ 310 pound end out of Magee, Jacob Price Jacob Price 6'4" | 290 lbs | DL Magee | 2024 State MS has a massive frame to work with as a prospect for the next level. The rising junior flashed a ton of upside last season as he dominated against the run. Price uses his length well and understands how to out leverage incoming blockers. He shows a good first step and powerful upper body to push and drive back linemen into the backfield. Price tackles well in the open field and plays with a strong motor. As a pass rusher, Price is a strong pocket pusher that makes opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable and generates a lot of pressure. Looking for a big junior season from the rising star defensive end. Price currently holds one offer from Mississippi Prep.
Talan Carter Talan Carter 6'0" | 275 lbs | DL Ocean Springs | 2024 State MS | Ocean Springs
A turnover generating machine, Talan Carter Talan Carter 6'0" | 275 lbs | DL Ocean Springs | 2024 State MS stands at 6’0″ 275 for Ocean Springs. Carter is ALWAYS around the football making big time plays for one of the state’s best defenses. His mobility in the open field and high football IQ help him quickly identify plays and get to the ball carrier. Carter is a strong defensive tackle that does a great job at defeating and splitting double teams in the run game. He does a great job at getting off blocks using his strength and his refined stack and shed technique. Carter does a great job at getting off the ball using his explosive first step and plays with good pad level. Expecting big things from the rising junior this upcoming season.