Rivals Rankings Week: Breaking down the 2020 defensive linemen
The release of the updated 2020 rankings continues with the defensive line. Take a look at how things are shaping up at one of the most talented positions in this class.
2020 Rankings: Defensive tackles | Weakside defensive ends | Strongside defensive ends
RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK:
Monday: Updated Top 10 revealed
Tuesday: Updated 2020 Rivals100
Wednesday: Updated 2020 Rivals250
Thursday: Updated position rankings
TEAMS WITH THE TOP COMMITS: Alabama and Miami
Alabama and Miami are off to great starts when it comes to defensive line recruiting for the 2020 class. The Crimson Tide already have more commitments in the Rivals100 than any other school, and Miami’s three defensive line commitments are from four-star prospects. Defensive end Chris Braswell (No. 47) and defensive tackle Jayson Jones (No. 90) are Alabama’s two commitments in the Rivals100, and they also hold a commitment from three-star Jah-Marien Latham.
Miami’s only defensive line commitment in the Rivals100 is from Samuel Anaele (No. 91), but Canes commit Tre’Von Riggins (No. 230) is also in the Rivals250. Willie Moise, a four-star defensive end, is also committed to Miami, making the Canes the only team with three defensive commits rated at least four-stars.
TEAMS TO WATCH: South Carolina, Georgia, and Ohio State
The Gamecocks have a number of highly rated targets that are realistic projections for this recruiting class. Leading the group is Rivals100 defensive and Jordan Burch. He is No. 32 in the Rivals100 and shortly behind him is defensive end Desmond Evans, No. 67 in the Rivals100. The Gamecocks are also taking a strong look at Jacolbe Cowan and his teammate and Florida commit Kedrick Bingley-Jones. Rivals100 prospect Zykeivous Walker and Rivals250 prospects Tonka Hemingway and Alex Huntley are also in play.
Georgia has been working very hard to bring in some of the best defensive linemen in this class, and the Bulldogs are off to a very good start. They already have two commitments in the Rivals250, but more seem to be on the way. Five-star Myles Murphy, an in-state prospect, is projected to end up as a Dawg and defensive end Demon Clowney may share the same fate (see below). You can’t rule out five-star defensive lineman Bryan Bresee for the Dawgs, either. He has really enjoyed every visit he has taken to Athens. Make sure you also keep an eye on Andy Boykin, a Rivals250 defensive end, and Rivals 100 defensive end Zykeivous Walker, because of their interest in Georgia.
Ohio State has been on a run with great defensive linemen, and the 2020 class is setting up very well for the Buckeyes. Bresee is very high on the Buckeyes, and it is thought that they could be one of the top two or three contenders for him. Defensive tackle Tre Williams has really taken a liking to Ohio State, and he does fit its scheme very well. Perhaps the biggest Ohio State target that is closest to committing is Darrion Henry. His relationship with Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson is strong, and Johnson will be working hard to make sure Henry doesn’t do what Jackson Carman did, and spurn Ohio State for Clemson.
PROSPECT TO WATCH: Demon Clowney
Clowney, a cousin of former No. 1 overall prospect Jadeveon Clowney, has been very high on Georgia for quite a while, and it is believed that his commitment may not be that far off. Penn State is in hot pursuit - and a number of other teams are also in hot pursuit - but it seems as though Georgia could be his favorite at this point. If a commitment were to come soon, keep an eye on Kirby Smart’s squad.