The defensive end position already boasts one five-star in the 2023 class, No. 1 overall Lebbeus Overton. The position could account for several more five-stars as the evaluation of the class continues, and several four-star defensive ends are knocking on that door. Our analysts take a look at some who could be on their way to five-star status.
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RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK
Monday: Five-star countdown
Tuesday: Rivals100 revealed | Gorney's thoughts | Top player at each position
Wednesday: Recruiting updates on offensive players in the ranking | Positions producing the most 2023 talent | DE is among loaded positions in 2023
Thursday: Recruiting updates on defensive players in the ranking | Who is on the cusp of the Rivals100?
Friday: Rankings roundtable
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CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals100
RIVALS TRANSFER TRACKER: Stories/coverage | Message board
RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Info/coverage on 2021 camp series
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Peter Woods is squarely in the five-star discussion and might already be there if not for battling injuries last season. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder has amassed 23 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks over the past two seasons, playing on the edge and inside on the defensive line.
He's powerful enough to play inside and has exceptional change-of-direction speed and battles double- and triple-teams with success. Woods is also talented off the edge with fantastic closing speed, length and the ability to set the edge in the run game. The Tide are going to work hard to keep this two-time state champ in-state. –Sam Spiegelman, National Recruiting Analyst
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The state of Ohio has produced two five-star defensive ends in the previous four classes, and Brenan Vernon has all the tools to be the third in five years. Now up to 250 pounds, Vernon is still growing into his frame. He plays with athleticism and agility usually seen in smaller players, but also takes advantage of the strength his size gives him.
The last two five-star defensive ends in the state of Ohio both signed with Ohio State. That is a popular pick early in Vernon’s recruitment as well, but he does hold additional offers from Michigan, Nebraska and Notre Dame. –Josh Helmholdt, National Recruiting Analyst
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Smith's future might ultimately be inside, but the versatile defensive lineman battled inside and off the edge last season. At 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, he can occupy blockers inside and has a propensity for splash plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Smith is long, strong and plays mean with an explosive burst off the line. Another Alabama standout, Smith holds early SEC overtures from the Crimson Tide and Auburn in-state, as well as Georgia. – Spiegelman
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Jayden Wayne just started his sophomore season, but when I saw him at the Pylon 7v7 in Bullhead City, Ariz., recently, he looked like one of the best players in high school football, regardless of class. He didn't do much on the field because he's a true defensive end, but he's massive, he's muscled-up and he moves really well.
I've compared him with a more jacked-up Kayvon Thibodeaux at the same stage, and while Thibodeaux moved a little better, it's pretty close and I definitely think Wayne could be someone who emerges in the five-star discussion as he's seen more on the national level. At any position, there are not many people who look better than Wayne. – Adam Gorney, National Recruiting Director
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A Florida transplant set to debut for Lewisville (Texas) High School this spring, Jordan Renaud is another hybrid defender who can play either inside or outside at the next level. He plays downhill and commands at least a double-team because of his ability to disrupt plays.
Renaud is great off the line with good reach to impact plays even if he can't get to the quarterback. Renaud holds home-state offers from Miami and Florida State, and recently added Texas, Oklahoma and Texas A&M. –Spiegelman
