One vs. One: Comparing top DL from 2016, 2017

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.

With Signing Day in the rear-view mirror and our national rankings shut down, we thought it would be fun to compare the top players at their position in 2016 to the top players at their position in 2017.

Today we look at the defensive line.

MORE ONE VS. ONE: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers/Tight Ends | Offensive line

The skinny: Simmons’ process was a chaotic one. With Ole Miss and Alabama considered the heavy favorites heading into Signing Day, Simmons surprised almost everyone with a commitment to Mississippi State. However, misdemeanor charges soon after his signing threw everything into flux until the Bulldogs decided to stick with him. Simmons had a quietly productive season for Mississippi State with 40 tackles, three tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles. Epenesa committed to Iowa early and never wavered in a rare uneventful recruitment.

Farrell’s take: Simmons got a lucky second chance after pummeling a woman on video and had a productive freshman year, while Epenesa should impact early as well at Iowa. But out of high school I’d take Simmons, as he’s a bit more physical and versatile in a tight race.

Farrell’s verdict: Simmons

The skinny: Hall, who initially committed to Ohio State, took official visits to Florida State, Florida, Alabama, Ole Miss and Maryland after his decommitment from the Buckeyes. He eventually committed to the Crimson Tide on Signing Day over the Terps, Rebels and Seminoles. Hall saw limited playing time in 2016, finishing with 11 tackles and one sack, but should see increased opportunities in 2017. Kaindoh committed to Maryland early but flipped to Florida State in the end.

Farrell’s take: Both players are dynamic pass rushers from Maryland with length and speed, but I like Kaindoh’s ceiling a bit better. He’s farther from it than Hall was at the same stage but is a bit more elite as a first-step outside pass rusher.

Farrell’s verdict: Kaindoh

The skinny: Gary, who held offers from every top program in the country, ended up taking official visits to Michigan, Clemson, Auburn, Ole Miss and USC. With his ex-high school coach, Chris Partridge, hired at Michigan, the Wolverines were seen as the heavy favorite, and they picked up his commitment on Signing Day. While he was not a starter in 2016, Gary was regular part of the defensive line rotation and finished with 23 tackles and five tackles for a loss.

Farrell’s take: How about this for a battle? While Gary’s freshman season fell short of fellow 2016 defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence and Ed Oliver, his ceiling was off the charts out of high school. He could play end or tackle and proved it on the field. Both he and Wilson had amazing motors out of high school, but I’ll take Gary at the same stage in a nail-biter.

Farrell’s Verdict: Gary