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Year in and year out, the Southeastern Conference is loaded with great defensive ends and one of the big reasons why is that the league’s geographic footprint annually produces some of the top prospects at this position in the country. From the Carolinas to Texas, there is plenty of elite talent at this spot.
With that, here are the top five current defensive end commits heading to SEC programs.
1- Marlon Davidson, Auburn
Davidson, who will enroll early, should follow the trend of freshmen defensive ends (Carl Lawson, Byron Coward) making an instant impact for the Tigers. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder from Greenville, Ala., is a five-star prospect with excellent athleticism for his size. Given that he will be at Auburn in a few weeks, defensive line coach Rodney Garner will be able to get a jump-start on his development. Davidson is part of what is currently one of the top incoming defensive line classes in the SEC this recruiting cycle.
2- Jonathan Kongbo, Tennessee
Kongbo, from Arizona Western College, is the nation’s No. 2 overall junior college prospect and though a bit raw, he has huge athletic upside. The Vols have his commitment at the moment, but Alabama and South Carolina both are making a push and he will officially visit on of the two programs in January. With young talent like Derek Barnett and Kyle Phillips already on the Tennessee roster, Kongbo is just another big piece to the complete build up front for Butch Jones and his staff.
3- Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
The 6-foot-3, 255-pound jumbo athlete from McKinney (Texas) North has outstanding athleticism and upside and is the highest-rated prospect currently committed to the Aggies, who continue to stockpile talent on the always-critical defensive line. Madubuike, a U.S. Army All-American, is the No. 9 overall prospect in the state of Texas per 247Sports Composite rankings.
4- Antonneous Clayton, Florida
Clayton will need to fill out his frame, but his explosiveness and speed/quickness is undeniable. The Vienna (Ga.) Dooly County star is one of two major defensive end prospects (Jordan Smith is the other) that the Gators have landed out of the Peach State this recruiting cycle. Clayton is an Under Armour All-American.
5- McTelvin Agim, Arkansas
The 6-foot-3, 268-pound Agim is the top overall prospect in the Natural State this cycle and brings a load of speed and athleticism for a prospect that is nearly 270 pounds already. Agim is very valuable because almost immediately (once the college game slows down for him) he can help on run downs at defensive end and is big enough to slide inside as a DPR (down pass rusher) on obvious passing downs. Agim hails from Hope, Ark., the birthplace of former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Recruiting writer for Saturday Down South
