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West Columbia (SC) As I continue to go through the different groups and phases of the football team and look a the strongest units, we find the defensive line to be very strong at the top, with not a lot of depth. This group has several players who are major division I prospects and some whom have committed already. Here is a look at hte top defensive lines in this segment of the Midlands Elite Units: The Defensive Line.
1. CAMDEN BULLDOGS – This was kind of a no brainer with Camden at the top, with the state’s top players, Xavier McLeod (6’5,320) back to the lineup for his senior year. The big man with Power 5 offers from everywhere finished last season with 5 sacks. Also back on this front are defensive ends David Copley (6’2,215), who had 7.5 sacks last season, and Shymeik Jones (6’6,250). First year starter who looks to be another fierce one is junior Donald Moore (6’2,235). This defensive front is going to cause problems for a lot of teams.
2. SUMTER GAMECOCKS – Senior defensive end Monteque Rhames (6’6,245) is, perhaps, the most menacing defensive lineman in the Midlands. Rhames had 7 sacks as a junior. Also back starting is Alijah Brown (5’8,250), who is a ferocious run-gap guy. Joining these two monsters are two juniors, Jaheim Rose (6’1,215) and Chris Gordon (6’6,225), who could be the next big name on this unit.
3. DUTCH FORK SILVER FOXES – The Foxes are never short of talent and return one of the better guys in the Midlands at a hybrid end/linebacker position in AJ Johnson (6’2,220). He has the strength to play inside the end, the athleticism to play on the edge and even stand up and drop in coverage. He finished with 41 tackles and 8 sacks in 2021. Joining him back is junior Dakota Jordan (6’0,220), who started seven games for the Foxes. Rotating on this line will be junior Trent Cobb (6’3,245), who played in 5 games as a sophomore and had 19 tackles and 3 sacks. You may see John Buetow (5’10,235) play up close. He had 69 tackles and 20 for loss last season but he will more than likely play back at linebacker due to neccessity.
4. WHITE KNOLL TIMBERWOLVES – The Timberwolves return three guys to a defensive front that was aggressive and physical last season. Junior Tyson Cox (6’2,240) will see time on both sides of the football, Nick Pirece (6’1,195) is back at defensive end and at nose, Leroy Simmons (6’1,330) will hold down the middle.
5. CHAPIN EAGLES – The Eagles return seven starters to their lineup and several of those guys are their line. Defensive end Max Drag (6’3,230), Luke Rankin (6’3,230) and junior Hayden Burris (6’3,220). This front is fast, aggressive and seasoned.
6. BLYTHEWOOD BENGALS – The Bengals return a lot of players to this line up who either started or played a lot of downs for them. Seniors Jabari Collins (6’5,240), Jaylin Ricks (6’6,220) and Stephen Osaguona (5’11,285) are all back, along with junior Edward Robinson (6’2,220).
6. LAKEWOOD GATORS – The Gators of Lakewood do not have a lot of depth and will have players in the trenches playing both sides of the football. Two of those guys are seniors Bryson Dickens (6’3,265) at defensive tackle and Keywon White (6’3,351) at the other tackle spot. Junior defensive end Tylaiek Isaac (6’1,215) is back and they need one more guy to step up and make this one of the better defensive lines in the Midlands.
7. BROOKLAND-CAYCE BEARCATS – The Bearcats have filled holes nicely and are going to be tough on defnese, particularly up front. This unit is anchored by senior Tron Pauling (6’0,235) and senior Montez Williams (6’1,215). Two sophomores will be back and both are physical players. Mo Singleton (5’11,240) and Tyrone Jackson (5’10,225), who will also drop and play linebacker some.
7. AIRPORT EAGLES – The Eagles are one of the teams, like Lakewood, who will have a lot of faces playing both sides. Julian Glover (6’1,310) and Will McFadden (65,320) are both plaing both sides. Foster Barrs (5’10,215) will join them along with Dylan Barbery (6’4,220). Sophomore Cooper Langford (6’p,230) will be there, as will sophomore Ethan Raysor.
8. KEENAN RAIDERS – Keenan returns some talent in the trenches and these guys are going to be tough in their division. Tyreik Davidson (5’8,279) returns with junior Avon Abney (6’6,300). Sophomore Samtonions Johnson (6’0,200) will join them to fill it out.
9. RIVER BLUF GATORS – Senior AJ Colter (6’4,275) is a menace in the middle of that defense for hte Gators. Junior Kaleb Long (6’0,260) will be inside, as well, and senior Drew Surratt (6’1,215) will play at end. This group has looked solid in preseason.
10.. SPRING VALLEY VIKINGS – The Vikings are thin on returners for the defensive lineup in most spots but the defensive front will be strong and aggressive. Seniors Charles Adams (5’11,250) and Alex China (6’2,200) both return and will be joined by Hensley Parks (6’5,215), who is a star power forward for the Vikings basketball team.
