RANKINGS UPDATE: Top Defensive Line Prospects In 2023 Class
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The new 2023 Prep Redzone Rankings are out, and it’s filled with top-tier DL prospects. It’s one of the deepest position groups in the state and full of elite D1 talent. Who are the top-ranked DL prospects in Georgia? Prep…
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Continue ReadingThe new 2023 Prep Redzone Rankings are out, and it’s filled with top-tier DL prospects. It’s one of the deepest position groups in the state and full of elite D1 talent.
Who are the top-ranked DL prospects in Georgia? Prep Redzone takes a look…
Vic Burley – Warner Robins
The 5-star from Warner Robins is one of the top pass rushers not only in Georgia, but in the entire country for the 2023 class. Now, he’s ranked as the No.3 overall prospect in Georgia and the No. 1 DL target in the state. The elite defensive lineman started out of the EDGE, but as he’s put on more muscle and mass over the last year or so, he’ll likely play more inside as a senior and at Clemson at the next level. Burley has great size at 6-foot-5 275-pounds and is coming off an excellent junior season last year where he got to the QB 5 times and made 14 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He can rush the passer, he can get off blocks, and he knows how to set the edge against the run. He already looks like a college defender and still has another full year of high school ball to continue his development. He’s a game-wrecker who has a natural get-off and can get into the backfield before the play gets going. The Clemson Tigers only go after the very best on the defensive line, and they’re getting the top-ranked defensive lineman in the 2023 class in Burley.
Kayden McDonald Kayden McDonald 6'0" | 290 lbs | DL North Gwinnett | 2023 State GA – North Gwinnett
An easy All-American candidate, MCDonald should’ve been an All-American last year after DOMINATING every single Friday night for the North Gwinnett Bulldogs. Ranked as the No. 10 prospect in Georgia according to the latest 2023 Prep Redzone rankings, the four-star prospect is thick and powerful at 6-foot-2 330-pounds with impressive quickness for his size. He lived in the backfield the entire 2021 season as a junior, making 20 sacks, 2nd most in the 2023 class, and 15 more QB hurries to go along with an incredible 62 TFLs. The dominant defensive tackle had a record seven sacks against South Forsyth in the playoffs last season, showing he can be an absolute game-changer there. He’s quick off the ball and moves like a cat for his size. He plays with leverage and it’s easy to see his strength and raw power when he’s pushing through opposing offensive linemen in the trenches. He takes on double teams, clogs running lanes, and gets after the passer better than any other defensive tackle in the state. He holds offers from Clemson, Michigan, Florida, Arkansas, among others, and he’s bound for an All-American season this fall.
TJ Searcy TJ Searcy 6'5" | 250 lbs | DL Upson- Lee | 2023 State GA – Upson-Lee
A versatile defensive linemen from small town Thomaston, Searcy is one of the top overall defenders in Middle Georgia due to his size and physicality. He’s a good-looking prospect with room to add more mass, and it’s easy to see the talent he brings to the table and why he’s now committed to the University of Florida. Now ranked as the No. 13 prospect in Georgia and the No. 3 DL prospect, Searcy is an excellent run defender can can blow up plays in the backfield. He’s so tough to handle for opposing linemen and has impressive length and quickness for his size at 6-foot-5 250-pounds. He played multiple positions for Upson-Lee last year but will likely start out on the EDGE in Gainesville. He has long arms, impressive athleticism and a multi-sport standout, and has potential to be a promising pass-rusher as well as he continues to develop and work on his craft. He also shows consistent footwork, balance, and quickness off the snap. He has the potential to be an excellent defender at Florida when the time comes.
Stephiylan Green Stephiylan Green 6'4" | 270 lbs | DL Rome | 2023 State GA – 2023 DL – Rome
One of the fastest-rising DL prospects in the state, the Rome defender has climbed the Prep Redzone rankings over time and now ranked as the No. 4 DL prospect in the state and the No. 17 prospect overall. The North Georgia standout is explosive off the ball and extremely quick for someone his size on the interior. He has enough size and raw athleticism to play multiple positions along the defensive line, and his quickness off the ball makes him a threat to blow up a play wherever he’s lined up. He’s naturally strong, he shows quick, violent hands, and he knows how to set the edge against the run. He can bullrush opposing linemen which allows him to collapse the pocket against the pass. He plays for an excellent defensive staff at Rome, and his best football is still to come. Green is committed to play for the Clemson Tigers at the next level, and the staff there only recruits the best. Look for Green to have an outstanding senior season this fall.