A year ago, Westover senior Trent Thompson, a defensive tackle, was named by some the No. 1 recruit in the country. The state of Georgia bolstered its reputation for interior defensive linemen again this year with a crop of five seniors are rated among the top 25 defensive tackles in the country for 2015.
They are Derrick Brown (No. 3 by 247Sports' composite rankings), Julian Rochester (No. 7), Antwuan Jackson (No. 8), Michael Carter (No. 14) and Tyler Clark (No. 22).
Kipp Adams, the national recruiting analyst for 247Sports, said this isn't exactly new for Georgia.
"In general, Georgia has always produced elite defensive linemen prospects, whether it be edge rushers or interior guys," said Adams, who then pointed out Georgia's rich history recently among interior linemen.
In 2008, Georgia had three of the top five nationally in Omar Hunter, DeAngelo Tyson and Brandon Thompson. In 2010, the state had three of the top 15 in Garrison Smith, Jeffrey Whitaker and Mike Thornton.
In 2012, Georgia had four of the top 25 in John Taylor, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jordan Watkins and John Atkins. Again in 2013, Georgia had Montravius Adams, Kelsey Griffin and Jay Woods. Then last year, Thompson was the No. 1 prospect in the country out of Georgia.
Adams wouldn't commit to his one favorite this year.
"Rochester's wingspan allows him to dominate at the line of scrimmage," he said. "Jackson is so explosive off the ball for his size. Clark is a great combination of size, strength and speed. Carter is arguably the most physically impressive of the group. And Brown's upside is off the charts."
Each is among this list of 10 of Georgia's best defensive linemen, ends included.
*DT Derrick Brown, Lanier (6-4, 322) - Brown is the consensus No. 1 recruit in Georgia and No. 9 player in the country. He had 17.5 sacks and 26 tackles for losses and forced six fumbles in 2014 on a team that went 10-1 and won its first region title.
*DT Michail Carter, Jackson (6-3, 311) - Carter is a 300-pound interior lineman who had 17 tackles for losses last year. Unlike most on this list, he's also a very good high school offensive lineman. Carter is the consensus No. 14 recruit in Georgia and No. 14 defensive tackle in the nation, per 247Sports' composite rankings. His reported leaders are Georgia, Auburn and Florida.
*DT Tyler Clark, Americus-Sumter (6-3, 290) - Clark had eight sacks and 19 tackles for losses and forced six fumbles in 2014. Clark is the consensus No. 19 recruit in Georgia, No. 22 defensive tackle in the country. Clark is committed to Georgia.
*NG/DT Torrez Finney, Jones County (5-8, 210) - Because of his size, Finney isn't a Division I prospect at this point, but no defensive lineman had a more prolific season in 2014. Finney recorded 23 sacks, 18 other tackles for losses, and forced six fumbles on a 10-3 team. Finney is the reigning Class AAAAA wrestling champion at 195 pounds.
*DE Tomon Fox, Collins Hill (6-3, 230) - Fox led Gwinnett County in sacks with 15 as a sophomore and added nine more as a junior. He's probably the most recruited player ever at Collins Hill. He chose North Carolina out of about 50 major offers last month. Fox is the consensus No. 46 player in Georgia.
*DT Ben "Shug" Frazier, Buford (6-2, 320) - Frazier, very agile for a player his size, had 50 tackles and four sacks clogging the middle for Buford's 15-0 Class AAAA championship team in 2014. He's the consensus No. 30 player in Georgia. He has mentioned Tennessee and LSU as favorites.
*DT Antwuan Jackson, Cedar Grove (6-2, 285) - Nicknamed Hercules, Jackson has started since he was a freshman. He had 27 tackles for losses and 9.5 sacks in 2014. He is a step-brother of South Carolina linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams. Jackson is the consensus No. 5 recruit in Georgia and No. 8 defensive tackle in the nation. Ohio State and Auburn apparently are his leaders.
*DE Chauncey Manac, Clinch County (6-3, 250) - Manac is a four-year starter who made the all-Region 2-A team as a freshman. He's the consensus No. 10 recruit in Georgia and No. 6 nationally as a weakside defensive end. Manac committed to Georgia in his junior season.
*DT Julian Rochester, McEachern (6-5, 315) - The consensus No. 2 player in Georgia and No. 23 player at any position nationally, Rochester is a two-year starter with more than 100 tackles and double-digit sacks and tackles for losses each season. He committed to Georgia in May.
*DE Charles Wiley, Stockbridge (6-3, 235) - Some thought Wiley was the best player at the Rising Senior Bowl after the 2014 season. He had 18 sacks and another 16.5 tackles for losses in 2014 while leading Stockbridge to the Class AAAAA semifinals. Wiley is the consensus No. 21 player in Georgia. He has committed to Ole Miss.
Coming Monday: Linebackers
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