College Football Recruiting 2013: Breaking Down the Top DLs in the Rivals 100

Having a stellar DE or DT can create a lot of pressure on an offense. If you recruit right, you can build a solid defensive line that really can set the tone for you defensively. This 2013 class has several uber-talented defensive linemen that will be difference makers in college. 

Moving forward in our break down of the Rivals 100, this will be a look at the DEs and DTs on the list. It's obviously led by the nation's top player, but there are other solid prospects littered across the board.

Here they are.

No. 21-No. 15

15. Caleb Brantley

6'3", 285-pounds, Brantley is a strong interior DT that is committed to Florida.

16. Jaynard Bostwick

Bostwick can play strong-side DE or kick inside to play DT at 6'4", 275-pounds.

17. Justin Manning

Manning looks like a great future 3-technique at 6'3", 275-pounds.

18. Carl Lawson

Lawson reminds me a bit of Greg Townsend, as the Georgia native is 6'3", 245-pounds.

19. Joe Mathis

6'4", 250-pounds, don't be shocked to so Mathis play SAM LB in college or even grow into a DT.

20. DJ Ward

Ward is a DE prospect and one of the top players in Oklahoma at 6'4", 240-pounds.

21. Jonathan Allen

6'3", 225-pounds, Allen is a pure pass rusher than can play stand up 3-4 OLB.

No. 14-No. 11

11. Isaac Rochell

Rochell is a 6'5", 260-pound DE that can play the strong or weak-side.

12. Jake Sherit

Sherit is a super productive DE that stands 6'4", 245-pounds and netted 14 sacks as a junior.

13. Greg Webb

Webb is a bowling ball DT that can make a mess in the middle at 6'2", 290-pounds.

14. Kyle Fitts

A SoCal native, Fitts is a stout 6'4", 260-pound DE.

10. Michael Hill

Hill is a big DT that is a force in the middle. He's 6'3", 315-pounds and is an elephant to move off his mark in the trenches. 

He's a natural space eater, that also can get upfield in a flash with solid explosiveness. He'll lean on blockers and tie them up to free up linebackers.

Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Tennessee have offered.

9. A'Shawn Robinson

Robinson is a flash player, as he can show a ton of potential on one play and you won't see it again for another dozen snaps. He's 6'4", 305-pounds and can also factor as an OG.

Robinson is athletically gifted for a big man, showing great snap quickness, penetration ability and solid play strength. He is solid to Texas.

8. Isaiah Golden

Golden is a 6'2", 295-pound interior DT that can play the NT or DT spot. He can get off at the snap, engage with a punch into a blocker's body, stay clean and make a play.

He's committed to Texas A&M and is one of the better prospects in the Lone Star State for 2013.

7. Garrett Sickels

A New Jersey native, Sickels is a 6'4', 225-pounder that is a long and lean pass rushing type. He can crash hard off the edge, use good snap quickness and has a burst to finish on the passer.

He needs to add strength and develop a better pass rush plan, but his size and speed will allow him to be a versatile DE at Penn State.

6. Dee Liner

Liner is one of the top prospects in Alabama this year as the 6'4", 255-pounder can play inside or out. He's a solid athlete that is very strong and can walk blockers back in the pocket. 

Liner is an Auburn commit and netted 17 sacks as a junior.

5. Montravius Adams

6'3", 290-pounds, Adams reminds me of a smaller Ellis McCarthy. I say that because when both players play with a low pad level, it's just about over for an offensive line.

Adams can explode off the ball, jump on top of blockers and slip blocks with speed and quickness. He's raw in his technique but is always on the move.

Watch out for Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Clemson.

4. Eddie Vanderdoes

I think Vanderdoes would be a solid fit as a 3-4 DE.

He's 6'4", 285-pounds and has great strength at the point of attack. He can stop, stack and anchor blocks to combat the run with ease and has the strength to toss and shed.

He's a solid pass rusher with good quickness but has limited play range. 

He possess a wealth of offers and doesn't have a top 10 yet.

3. Joey Bosa

6'5", 260-pounds, Bosa can play either DE or DT for a defensive line and be fine. He's got good strength, can anchor alright and flashes a motor and drive to be a solid pass rusher off the edges.

A solid technician, he's got a top five of Alabama, Ohio State, Florida, Wisconsin and Florida State.

Rivals lists Bosa as the No. 14 overall prospect nationally.

2. Kenny Bigelow

Bigelow's the No. 6 overall player in America and 5-star recruit. He's a super athlete for a DL and can play either DE or DT at 6'3", 285-pounds.

Bigelow is as explosive as they come off the ball, can jump on top of a blocker with ease, engages well and has the quickness, ball location vision and enough strength to shed a block and the speed and range to chase down a ball carrier vs. the run.

The USC commit also shows a burst and drive to finish on the passer as a rusher.

1. Robert Nkemdiche

Nkemdiche is not only the top DL in the country per Rivals and a 5-star recruit, he's nation's No. 1 overall player and prospect for 2013.

He's a 6'5", 270-pound monster that can play DE, DT or even stand up 3-4 OLB. He's a super athlete, with agility, athleticism, quickness and speed.

But what's most impressive about Nkemdiche is his strength and power. He just overwhelms people and it will only increase in college.

Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Clemson, Texas, Oregon, Florida and Ole Miss are all schools to watch.