Thursday, December 23, 2010

Palmetto Football Plus Positional Rankings: Defensive Line


1. Jadeveon Clowney, South Pointe     6’6”  245      Considering South Carolina, Alabama, Florida State and Clemson
My Take:  Jadeveon Clowney is the best player in the nation in 2011, hands down. Period. Clowney, in my opinion, is the best defensive linemen to come out of the state of South Carolina since William Perry. At this stage of his career he is lightyears ahead of Clemson standout DaQuan Bowers. Bowers played against limited talent in high school, whereas Clowney has played the best of the best in the state of South Carolina. He also had an absolutely amazing Shrine Bowl, disrupting the North Carolina offense on many occasions including drawing five holding calls. Clowney has narrowed his list down to South Carolina, Alabama, Florida State, and Clemson. In my opinion it’s just a two horse race because Clowney is an SEC football player with South Carolina and their amazing Rock Hill, SC pipeline having the inside track. If Spurrier does indeed land Clowney, he will be the best defensive to play for him since Jevon Kearse another freak-like athlete.

 2. Phillip Dukes, Manning                     6’3”  295      Considering Alabama, Clemson and South Carolina
My Take: Dukes is a monster on the defensive line. He could contribute from the nose guard position or the three-technique. Dukes received his first offer from Clemson as a sophomore at Manning High School. At time Dukes is almost unblockable but there are times on his film that he takes plays off. But wherever Dukes goes when he is motivated he will be a factor on their defense. If the process ended right now I’d see Steve Spurrier and South Carolina signing Dukes but it’s a long way from February 3rd and National Signing Day. Dukes will visit Alabama on January 7th, Clemson on January 14th, and South Carolina on the 21st

3. Gerald Dixon, South Pointe              6’2”  235      Considering South Carolina, Arkansas, Wake Forest and North Carolina
My take: Dixon along with Clowney were a nightmare for opposing players and coaches of the South Pointe Stallions. Dixon could be a real threat off the outside as a complementary player. I don’t see him developing into an every down dynamic pass rusher but I believe he will get many sacks in pass rushing and obvious pass downs. Dixon has a great rip move that he put on display against Spartanburg earlier this year. Dixon is a South Carolina lean but also has offers from Arkansas, Michigan State, North Carolina and Wake Forest. 

4. Roderick Byers, Northwestern          6’4”  262      Considering South Carolina, Georgia Tech and Oregon
My Take: Roderick Byers can play either the end or tackle positions at the next level the way he did at Northwestern High School. Byers is yet another talented defensive linemen from Rock Hill. He has a high motor and can be a very disruptive player with the right coaching. Byers has already visited Georgia Tech and plans to visit South Carolina and Oregon as well.

 5. Gerald Dixon Jr., Northwestern        6’2” 250          Considering South Carolina     
My take: Gerald Dixon Jr. is the brother of South Pointe’s speedy pass rusher, Gerald Dixon. His frame however lends him to being an inside player that can contribute on every play. He has a high motor and is a very underrated run stopper. Speed might be an issue for Dixon Jr. as he was clocked in the forty at a five flat. Like his brother, Dixon Jr. looks like he will be headed to South Carolina which is his only offer. Dixon Jr. has been receiving interest from Duke, LSU, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and Tennessee.

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