Today’s practice saw the return of Akheem Mesidor and Demari Brown, grabbing the headlines. With the media focusing on defensive line players, let’s dive into their performance.
The days of doubling and triple teaming Bain are gone! Mesidor and Rueben Bain, both future NFL first-rounders, make up the nation's top duo of defensive ends. Their versatility, switching inside as defensive tackles, sets up a killer rotation for edge-setting and pass-rushing, supported by Nyjalik Kelly, Elijah Alston, and promising youngsters like Marquise Lightfoot, Cole McConathy, Booker Pickett, among others.
Keep an eye out for Malik Bryant and Bobby Washington as pass-rushing specialists too.
Notably, Anthony Campbell got first-team reps today at defensive end today. While initially slotted as a defensive tackle last year, he brings great length at 6’7” to the position.
In my opinion (IMO), Campbell and Jayden Wayne are duking it out, and the one who falls short ‘might’ be on the outside looking in. Fingers crossed for my assessment being proven wrong.
The interior defensive line looks rock solid this year with Jared Harrison-Hunte leading the pack, with newcomers Marley Cook and CJ Clark.
Joshua Horton's presence in the interior DL gets me super hyped. As my buddy @roypinto points out on Twitter Spaces, Horton's knack for racking up 100 tackles from the DT position, even in high school, is rare and speaks volumes about his talent.
The potential of summer enrollee freshmen DTs Artavios Jones and Justin Scott adds more excitement. I also anticipate another big run-stuffing DT addition through the portal. Don't sleep on big Armondo Blount who might have the highest ceiling of all, and Daylen Russell, Dade County's Player of the Year. We're stacked!
IMO, Ahmed Moten might face an uphill battle to secure a spot, as he hasn’t shown significant flashes in his opportunities. This isn't a slight against him, but a testament to the Hurricanes' relentless pursuit of talent enhancement across all positions.
The team hits the field again in full pads on Thursday, so stay tuned for more updates. Go Canes!
Comments