Rivals Rankings Week: New 2023 DL rankings
The first full installment of the Rivals250 for the class of 2023 has been unveiled. Yet again, defensive line is one of the more talent-laden position groups, particularly as it pertains to strongside defensive ends, where David Hicks Jr. and Lebbeus Overton sit as top-five prospects.
TODAY'S POSITION RANKINGS RELEASES: Strongside defensive end | Weakside defensive end | Defensive tackle
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RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK
Monday: Five-star countdown | Arch Manning is new No. 1
Tuesday: Rivals250 unveiled | Gorney's thoughts | Meet the new five-stars | Top player at each position | Could there be five five-stars from Alabama?
Wednesday: Teams with the most R250 commits | QB rankings released | RB rankings released | WR/TE rankings released | OL rankings released
Thursday: Defensive position rankings released
Friday: State rankings
Saturday: Rivals Roundtable
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PROGRAMS WITH THE TOP COMMITS: Notre Dame
Brian Kelly and Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston have added two early pledges from four-stars Keon Keeley and Brenan Vernon. Vernon, a top-10 prospect in the class, made the call in favor of the Irish in June after multiple trips to South Bend. Keeley, out of Florida, also pledged to Notre Dame in June as the first member of the 2023 class.
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PROSPECT ON THE RISE: David Hicks Jr.
Hicks put together a stellar sophomore campaign for Katy (Texas) Morton Ranch and then had a dominant offseason. The versatile defensive lineman impressed at multiple camp settings from LSU to Ohio State to Miami and showcased a special combination of power, explosiveness and athleticism for the position. Hicks’ father played collegiately for Grambling and also in the NFL. He’ll play for former SMU and Arkansas head coach Chad Morris as a junior for Allen High.
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PROSPECT TO WATCH: Lebbeus Overton
Overton debuted as the No. 1 prospect in America in the initial batch of 2023 rankings. After getting a closer look at not only Overton but some of the other elite players in the country, Overton remained a top-10 prospect and also fits the bill as a tactician on the defensive line capable of generating a pass rush from multiple positions up front. This summer, Overton saw Alabama, Texas A&M, Georgia, Ohio State and Clemson, among others, and has strong connections to various programs across the SEC.