CFB Recruiting 200: Top 23 Defensive Ends in Class of 2016
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analysts Damon Sayles, Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports composite rankings and provided in-depth analysis on each young athlete. Bleacher Report will run a position-by-position breakdown series of the best college football recruits in the class of 2016. Here we present the Top Defensive Ends.
Other Positions
In today's game, a defensive end has to be able to showcase speed, elusiveness and power. It is expected to be one of the most versatile positions on the field.
Bleacher Report's CFB Recruiting 200 series will break down the top defensive ends in the 2016 class and grade them on key factors such as pass rushing, tackling, explosive strength, run defense, hands and overall motor.
How do the nation's top defensive end prospects measure up to one another?
All analysis provided by B/R National Recruiting Analyst Damon Sayles. All player rankings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings.
23. 4-Star SDE Khalid Kareem
1 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4", 260 pounds
High School: Harrison High School; Farmington, Michigan
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 SDE; No. 193 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Alabama on June 24, 2015
The defensive line is a position where Alabama loves to have depth. Alabama has a nice defensive end committed in Khalid Kareem, a player who has the potential to be a top defender in the SEC.
Kareem committed last month and chose the Crimson Tide over 36 other reported offers.
Among the other schools that offered were Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Mississippi State and the two schools closest to him, Michigan and Michigan State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Kareem plays with a high level of intensity and a high motor. He uses his speed and overall energy to outplay opposing players.
Kareem has good size and looks like a college-ready defensive end in pads. He plays with a mission to get better every play, and he doesn't back away from a challenge.
22. 4-Star WDE Mark Jackson Jr.
2 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'2 ½", 226 pounds
High School: Steele High School; Cibolo, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 13 WDE; No. 183 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to Texas A&M on May 30, 2015
Mark Jackson Jr. defines versatility. He can play defensive end, outside linebacker and inside linebacker.
When he committed to Texas A&M on May 30, it meant the Aggies landed an explosive player who has the potential of being a big-time playmaker in the SEC.
Jackson chose Texas A&M over offers from Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor, Notre Dame and others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jackson is an explosive defender who has a true nose for the football. His first step is impressive, and he silences the critics who question his size by using advanced technique.
Fans of the Aggies will love that Jackson plays with a mean streak. He is a super-competitive athlete who doesn't like losing one-on-one matchups against offensive linemen, regardless of their size.
21. 4-Star WDE Brian Burns
3 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'5", 215 pounds
High School: American Heritage High School; Fort Lauderdale, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 12 WDE; No. 168 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering Georgia, Florida State, LSU and Miami
The versatility of Brian Burns immediately wins coaches over. He's built like an outside linebacker, hits like a safety and disrupts run plays like a larger defensive lineman.
Burns showed at The Opening why he has 25 reported offers, per 247Sports. He was extremely active and difficult to defend.
Georgia is believed to be the leader for Burns, but LSU, Florida State and Miami are three schools still in the hunt of earning his verbal commitment.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Burns has the size of a skill-position player, but his quickness and power allows him to effectively line up against larger offensive linemen. He's lightning quick off the snap and a menace off the edge to defend.
Burns possesses a high motor, and he's athletic in run and pass plays. He's not the biggest defensive lineman, but he plays with a chip on his shoulder. It's his level of intensity that makes him an attractive recruit to college coaches.
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20. 4-Star SDE Prince Sammons
4 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'8", 280 pounds
High School: Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy; Cincinnati
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 SDE; No. 163 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering Ohio State, Duke, Michigan and Clemson
A towering defender, Prince Sammons is an intimidating presence at first glance.
At 6'8", Sammons is a player for whom college coaches have high expectations. He has 23 reported offers, according to 247Sports, and schools like Ohio State, Clemson, Michigan and Duke are contenders.
The winning school will get a player who, because of his size, has drawn comparisons to Baylor defensive end Shawn Oakman.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Sammons' size alone makes him one to watch, but it's his desire to get better that makes him attractive to coaches. His seven-foot-plus wingspan makes him a candidate to swat multiple pass attempts in college. He has good footwork and uses his hands well against offensive linemen.
Sammons is massive, but he also is coachable. He understands his flaws and makes it a priority to correct them.
19. 4-Star WDE Brandon Bowen
5 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'5", 227 pounds
High School: Byron Nelson High School; Trophy Club, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 11 WDE; No. 157 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering Oklahoma, Baylor, Texas and Oregon
Brandon Bowen has watched his stock rise through the spring and summer. More and more college coaches are expected to take notice in the fall.
Bowen reports just south of 20 offers, per 247Sports, and he has all of his options wide open. Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, TCU, SMU and North Texas are the in-state schools hoping to land him.
Bowen, additionally, has offers from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Arkansas, Michigan and a few other programs.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Bowen can cover a lot of turf because of his length and speed. He is an athlete who can shut down his side of the field with his lateral movement and energy.
With his size, Bowen can be considered as an outside linebacker at the next level. He plays the game with a high level of intensity, and he wants to get better each day.
18. 4-Star WDE Terrell Hall
6 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'5", 250 pounds
High School: St. John's College High School; Washington, D.C.
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 WDE; No. 144 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Maryland, Ole Miss, Ohio State and Penn State
Looking for a tough defender? Terrell Hall played his junior year with a torn meniscus in his right knee.
Hall, who had surgery in February, is an intriguing defender about whom college fans are excited. He is now healthy and hungry.
Hall committed to Ohio State on March 2 but recently decommitted to explore other options. He originally chose Ohio State over offers from Alabama, Penn State, Maryland and others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hall's length is an asset, but it's his overall versatility that makes him an intriguing player at the next level. He wants to play the game to where his knee no longer becomes a concern.
Hall uses his height and lateral movement to disrupt offenses. He is quick off the ball and seems to be around the ball every play.
17. 4-Star SDE Jeffery Simmons
7 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4", 262 pounds
High School: Noxubee County High School; Macon, Mississippi
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 SDE; No. 119 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Uncommitted: Considering Auburn, Louisville, Mississippi State and Ole Miss
From the eyeball test alone, Jeffery Simmons looks like a college football athlete. He's big, strong and physical.
Simmons is an uncommitted prospect who can be an impact player at the next level. Currently, the in-state battle of Ole Miss and Mississippi State is one to watch for his services.
Louisville, Auburn and Clemson also are schools to keep an eye on.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Simmons is a big-bodied athlete who uses his hands well to outplay offensive linemen in one-on-one situations. He's a strong athlete who moves well from side to side, and when he's not rushing the quarterback, he serves as a solid run-stopper.
At 262 pounds, Simmons already has the size of a college-ready defensive end. What coaches like is that he plays the game with a chip on his shoulder.
16. 4-Star WDE Antonneous Clayton
8 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4", 218 lbs
High School: Dooly County High School; Vienna, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 WDE; No. 110 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Uncommitted: Considering Auburn, Clemson, Florida and Florida State
An athlete like Antonneous Clayton has tons of upside. College coaches can see him playing multiple positions because of his current size and overall speed and lateral movement.
With more than 30 offers, Clayton is all about finding the right fit. He's a good rusher off the end, and he has his options of where he wants to ultimately showcase his talent.
Auburn is a trending school for Clayton, but Florida, Florida State, Clemson, Georgia and a few others are still in the hunt.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Clayton is a blossoming presence in college football recruiting, and he's someone who has the potential to be dynamic at the next level. Part of the intrigue stems from his notable athleticism and versatility.
He is a long athlete who will put on weight and be even more of a specimen. Clayton also can line up as an outside linebacker.
15. 4-Star WDE Xavier Kelly
9 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'5", 255 lbs
High School: East High School; Wichita, Kansas
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 WDE; No. 105 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Clemson, Florida State and Kansas State
When Xavier Kelly isn't honing his skills as a defensive end, he's showing off his athleticism as a basketball player.
He once considered basketball a ticket to college, but Kelly has emerged into one of the nation's top defensive linemen. He has more than 30 offers, according to 247Sports.
Headlining the list of potential schools are Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, Nebraska and Clemson. The top-ranked player in Kansas, Kelly is also strongly considering the hometown school, Kansas State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Kelly is one of those players who shocks a college coach with his overall athleticism. He is fast and lightning-quick for a guy his size, and he's versatile enough to cover receivers and tight ends in passing situations.
Kelly's leaping ability allows him to knock down passes. He has good hands, which allow him to grab interceptions. He also moves well laterally, which is a plus against run-oriented offenses.
14. 4-Star SDE Justin Madubuike
10 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3", 255 pounds
High School: McKinney North High School; McKinney, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 SDE; No. 100 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama and Baylor
There's a reason why Justin Madubuike has nearly 30 reported offers.
Madubuike's stock has seen a consistent rise. He has been impressive throughout the spring and summer, and he's expected to be even better in the fall.
Texas and Texas A&M are fighting for Madubuike, but schools like Baylor, TCU, Alabama, Duke and Ohio State shouldn't be counted out to land him.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Madubuike oftentimes plays as if he doesn't have an off switch, a major positive to the college coaches scouting him. He is quick off the line, aggressive with offensive linemen and an athlete who plays through the whistle.
Madubuike is a good-looking athlete with a high ceiling. He plays with a purpose to be the best on the field, regardless of the position.
13. 4-Star SDE Isaiah Chambers
11 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3 ½", 258 pounds
High School: MacArthur High School; Houston
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 SDE; No. 92 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering TCU, Texas A&M, Baylor and Houston
There are a lot of good defensive ends nationally, and Isaiah Chambers is one who could make a program very happy with a commitment.
The Texan has Texas A&M, Baylor, TCU, Houston, Texas and Oklahoma, among others, atop his list of schools. No timetable has been set on a decision.
Chambers has 26 reported offers, per 247Sports.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Chambers is fearless when he steps to the line. He loves the competition of the sport, and he learns with every play. Chambers has a high motor, and he plays with a respectable level of intensity.
Chambers plays with a desire to be considered among the best. The defensive ends ranked ahead of him serve as motivation—and he's an extremely motivated athlete.
12. 4-Star WDE Auston Robertson
12 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'5", 260 lbs
High School: Wayne High School; Fort Wayne, Indiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 WDE; No. 84 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Michigan State on June 7, 2015
Michigan State is excited about the future because of its 2016 defensive class. Auston Robertson is expected to be a leader of that class.
Robertson, the top-ranked player in the state of Indiana, is a playmaker who the Spartans feel can be an all-conference player early. He's a big get and someone who keeps pressure on quarterbacks.
Robertson chose the Spartans over Ohio State and Notre Dame, among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Robertson looks like the prototypical defensive end. He is a tall, strong athlete with a good skill set. He poses a problem for offensive linemen because he's either taller than, or as tall as, those he lines up against, and he's able to use his technique to outplay opponents.
Robertson's quickness off the line is one of his primary advantages. He is a solid speed-rusher and someone who could see legit minutes early in his college career.
11. 4-Star SDE Josh King
13 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'6", 250 pounds
High School: Hinsdale South High School; Darien, Illinois
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 SDE; No. 83 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to Michigan State on June 5, 2015
The top-ranked player in Illinois, Josh King is an athlete for whom many have high expectations.
King gave his pledge to Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio on June 5. He chose the Spartans over offers from schools like Michigan, Penn State, USC and Notre Dame.
Bleacher Report Analysis
King is a good-looking defender who will only get bigger and better as he prepares for college. He is a tall, streamlined athlete who could bulk up and not have it affect him negatively in regards to speed or agility.
As a speed-rusher, King is a valuable asset. He's a long defender who can disrupt passes off the edge by batting down attempts. King is expected to force a lot of fourth-down opportunities for offenses.
10. 4-Star WDE Chauncey Manac
14 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3", 220 pounds
High School: Clinch County High School; Homerville, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 WDE; No. 79 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Georgia on Sept. 27, 2014
As a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker, Chauncey Manac is an athlete who can make plays in a three-point stance or standing in a linebacker-ready position.
Manac is a versatile player who could play at multiple positions when he arrives at Georgia. The fact that he plays with a high level of energy cancels out the fact that he may be considered small to play defensive end at the next level.
Manac committed to Georgia in September of last year. He has additional offers from SEC, ACC and Big Ten schools, but he is solid with the Bulldogs.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Manac doesn't fit the mold of the average defensive end, which is far from an insult. His streamlined frame meshes well with his power, and it all becomes a major issue for larger, slower offensive linemen.
Manac's ability to make plays from sideline to sideline gives him an opportunity to see early playing time, regardless of his size. He may see time at outside linebacker before defensive end, but expect him to be around the ball wherever he plays.
9. 4-Star WDE Breland Brandt
15 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4", 220 pounds
High School: Windward School; Los Angeles
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 WDE; No. 67 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to UCLA on Oct. 5, 2014
Breland Brandt is another defensive end who doesn't look like a defensive end. Looks, however, can be deceiving.
Brandt is a solid pass-rusher, and his ability to get to the quarterback won him over with the UCLA coaching staff. He committed to the Bruins last October.
Along with his UCLA offer, Brandt only has nine reported offers, per 247Sports, but among those offers are Alabama, USC and Miami.
Bleacher Report Analysis
The speed and versatility of Brandt make him a player to keep an eye on. He's listed as a defensive end but could be the perfect outside linebacker in UCLA's system.
Brandt's lateral movement and overall ability to make the tackle are among the reasons why he's a respected college football recruit. He has a nose for the football.
8. 4-Star WDE Shane Simmons
16 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4", 221 pounds
High School: DeMatha Catholic High School; Hyattsville, Maryland
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 WDE; No. 60 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to Penn State on July 30, 2014
Shane Simmons is easy to like, particularly because of his high motor with every play.
At The Opening, Simmons lined up with the intention to win every one-on-one battle—regardless of the fact that he was outweighed by 100 pounds at times. His fearlessness is one of the traits that lured Penn State coaches to him.
Simmons is solid with his Penn State commitment. Maryland and Florida State are two other schools hoping to flip him before national signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Simmons doesn't have the girth of a prototypical defensive lineman, but his height and passion for the game make him one to watch as he prepares for life at Penn State. He has long arms, which allow him to be disruptive in passing situations.
Simmons is a classic speed-rusher, someone who can consistently beat an offensive tackle off the ball. What he doesn't have in size, he makes up for with speed.
7. 4-Star WDE Janarius Robinson
17 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'5 ½", 260 pounds
High School: Bay High School; Panama City, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 WDE; No. 57 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to Florida State on Sept. 21, 2014
A player like Janarius Robinson is always fun to watch. He can be dominant, but he never is in a position where he doesn't want to learn.
Robinson learned a lot competing at The Opening, and he plans on using the tutelage in preparation for his time at Florida State.
Robinson is committed to the Seminoles, but he's said he's keeping his recruiting door ajar. Alabama arguably is the team best fitted to flip Robinson if he chooses to decommit.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Robinson came to The Opening noticeably bigger, but he didn't appear to be slower. That's something Florida State coaches will love.
Robinson is motivated by the recent success of defensive linemen to come through Florida State. He has the tools to be the next big thing in Jimbo Fisher's defense.
6. 4-Star SDE McTelvin Agim
18 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'2 ½", 268 pounds
High School: Hope High School; Hope, Arkansas
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 SDE; No. 54 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Uncommitted: Considering Arkansas, Baylor, Ole Miss and Texas A&M
The top-ranked player in Arkansas, McTelvin Agim didn't disappoint while he was in Oregon for The Opening.
In fact, Agim may have improved his stock with his play. He consistently won battles against offensive linemen—and in the rare occasion of losing a one-on-one matchup, he would be the first to get advice from his coaches.
Agim will be a solid player for one lucky school. He has Arkansas, Baylor, Ole Miss and Texas A&M high on his list.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Agim plays the game with a high level of intensity and a sense of pride. He uses solid technique to outplay offensive linemen. Agim is the kind of player who can shut down an entire side of the field because of his deceptive speed and level of energy.
To add, Agim is coachable. He understands that he's going to win some and lose some, but when he loses, he makes it a priority not to make the same mistake twice.
5. 4-Star WDE Jonathon Cooper
19 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3 ½", 238 pounds
High School: Gahanna Lincoln High School; Columbus, Ohio
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 WDE; No. 49 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to Ohio State on Nov. 14, 2014
The more Jonathon Cooper showed at The Opening, the more positive things people said. He was better than advertised.
Cooper had an outstanding week and was recognized as one of the top five defensive linemen of the event.
Cooper committed to Ohio State last November and is still solid with his pledge.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Cooper is one of those athletes who hasn't reached his peak but sells people on potential alone. He's built more like a linebacker than a defensive end, but his ability to rush the quarterback makes him a primary asset on the defensive line.
Cooper has a frame that will allow him to gain 15-20 pounds and not have it hurt him. The sky is the limit for Cooper, and Ohio State is excited about the future.
4. 5-Star SDE Marlon Davidson
20 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4", 260 pounds
High School: Greenville High School; Montgomery, Alabama
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 SDE; No. 23 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Uncommitted: Considering Auburn, Alabama, Georgia and Michigan
Marlon Davidson is a guy who enjoys what he does on the football field. It's evident with every big play.
Davidson will talk the talk but walk the walk on the field. He's a strong defensive end who can beat an offensive lineman with either power or technique. That's what makes him a wanted individual.
Auburn is believed to be the leader in the Davidson sweepstakes, but schools like Alabama, Georgia and Michigan should not be overlooked.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Davidson has the quickness of a speed rush and the size of someone who could dominate as a run-stopper. He's got a level of confidence that coaches love, and he uses that confidence to his advantage on the field.
Look for Davidson to be a big-time playmaker in college. In the right system, he has the tools to be a star player early in his career.
3. 5-Star WDE Oluwole Betiku
21 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3 ½", 240 pounds
High School: Junipero Serra High School; Gardena, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 WDE; No. 12 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Uncommitted: Considering Penn State, Notre Dame, UCLA and USC
Consider The Opening a coming-out party of sorts for Oluwole Betiku.
The majority of the recruiting world knew how good Betiku was, but The Opening allowed him to show just how dominant of a player he can be. He took his game to another level and was beyond impressive.
Betiku has a variety of schools after him, including USC, UCLA, Penn State and Notre Dame.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Physically, Betiku looks like the prototypical football player. He is chiseled from head to toe, and he has the athleticism to go along with the build.
Betiku is a problem for offensive linemen because of his quickness and brute strength. He's very fast off the end, and he has a high motor, which results in hard hits every play. Add in the fact that he plays the game on a mission to do better for his family, and it's easy to see his determination in every snap.
2. 5-Star SDE Shavar Manuel
22 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4", 290 pounds
High School: IMG Academy; Bradenton, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 SDE; No. 8 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Uncommitted: Considering Florida State, Alabama, Florida and LSU
Shavar Manuel is one of those players who doesn't have to show much when it's time to prove if his ranking is legit.
A couple of glances at his on-field action is enough to see that he's deserving of his lofty ranking. He is an intimidating specimen coming off the rush.
Florida State is the front-runner for Manuel, but Florida, Alabama and LSU are three other schools to keep an eye on.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Manuel has all the tools a coach wants in a reliable defensive end. He's a big-bodied defender who possesses athleticism and explosiveness off the ball. He has a great first step, and when the play is active, he plays with a high motor.
At 290 pounds, Manuel is extremely quick and is expected to pose problems for offensive linemen at the next level. He is versatile enough to play inside at tackle or possibly outside the line to take snaps at outside linebacker in the right scheme.
1. 5-Star SDE Nick Bosa
23 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4", 265 pounds
High School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Fort Lauderdale, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 SDE; No. 7 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Uncommitted: Considering Ohio State, Alabama and Florida State
The stock of Nick Bosa appears to rise every day, but the hype is real.
Bosa is a special talent worthy of every offer he has received. He's the younger brother of Ohio State's Joey Bosa, and many feel he will follow in his big brother's footsteps and be coached by Urban Meyer.
If he doesn't choose Ohio State, look for Florida State or Alabama to be two schools in the hunt.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Bosa brings toughness and tenacity to the football field. He's a big, strong athlete who plays with a chip on his shoulder. It's that mean streak that makes Bosa such an intriguing player. He already has the mindset of a college athlete; now it's simply a matter of getting him on the field.
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