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One vs. One: Comparing top DLs from 2017, 2018 classes

Xavier Thomas
Xavier Thomas (Nick Lucero/Rivals.com)

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.

With National Signing Day in the rearview mirror and our national rankings shut down, we thought it would be fun to compare the top players at their position in 2017 to the top players at their position in 2018. We call it One vs. One, and today we look at the defensive linemen.

MORE ONE VS. ONE: Offensive linemen | QBs | Running Backs | Receivers/Tight Ends

CLASS OF '18 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | State | Position | JUCO

CLASS OF '19 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | State | Position

DEFENSIVE TACKLE - MARVIN WILSON VS. TARON VINCENT 

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The skinny: While Ohio State and Oklahoma were also considered by Wilson, in the end this came down to Florida State and LSU. Wilson took his decision to National Signing Day, when he surprised some by committing to the Seminoles over the more local Tigers. In 2017, Wilson had a minimal impact, with only seven tackles while seeing part-time action in seven games.

Vincent committed to Ohio State in early April over Florida State, Alabama and Michigan, and signed during the early period.

Farrell’s take: Vincent is very talented and a gap -hooting pass rusher, while Wilson was a bit better against the run and more powerful at the same stage. Wilson’s combination of size, motor and more well-balanced game gives him the edge here.

Farrell’s verdict: Wilson

STRONGSIDE DEFENSIVE END - A.J. EPENESA VS. XAVIER THOMAS 

The skinny: It was assumed that Epenesa would strongly consider Iowa throughout his process, but not many people expected him to commit to the Hawkeyes in January after his junior season. Despite the very early decision, he stayed firm with his word for the next year. Epenesa showcased his potential in 2017 with 15 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble while playing in 11 games.

Thomas committed to Clemson over South Carolina in early April, signed during the early period and enrolled for the spring semester.

Farrell’s Take: Epenesa was an excellent pass rusher and could hold the edge well out of high school and had more natural length than Thomas. However, Thomas has the advantage when it comes to power, motor and first step and he’s one of the better strongside defensive ends I’ve seen in a few years.

Farrell’s verdict: Thomas

WEAKSIDE DEFENSIVE END - JOSH KAINDOH VS. EYABI ANOMA 

The skinny: Kaindoh initially committed to Maryland, but then re-opened his process in November. A month later he committed to Florida State over Alabama and Penn State, and then enrolled for the spring semester. While seeing part-time action in 11 games, Kaindoh impressed with 17 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and one forced fumble.

Anoma committed to Alabama over Michigan during December’s signing period.

Farrell’s take: This is a really interesting battle, because both guys are skinny at the same stage, have amazing first steps and pursue very well. Both are also elite athletes. I’m going with Anoma, because he’s further from his ceiling at the same stage and that ceiling is a bit higher. The sky is the limit for Anoma.

Farrell’s verdict: Anoma

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