Da'Shawn Hand vs. Lorenzo Carter: Which 5-Star DE Is Better?

Da'Shawn Hand and Lorenzo Carter, the top two defensive ends in the country, are two talented players who would be ranked high in any year. Hand, who hails from Virginia, is considered the nation's best recruit by some observers.

Others feel Carter is a supreme talent and has a higher ceiling than Hand. This debate has raged on since the start of this recruiting cycle over which defensive end is the better player. As has been done with other debates, a final answer will be delivered here.

This shaped up to be one of the most epic 5-star battles in history, as evaluating and deciding which prospect was superior in each import category was awfully tough. However, a winner was decided.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals, 247Sports & ESPNU.

Size

Hand

Hand, who stands 6'5" and 260 pounds, has an outstanding frame. He does not possess much baby fat and has a muscular body. Although he weighs more than 250 pounds, Hand still may have much growth potential. He could weigh more than 275 pounds before he leaves college.

Carter

Carter, who weighs 232 pounds, also stands 6'5". He is a longer and leaner athlete than Hand. Carter appears lighter than his listed weight, which leads many to be believe has outstanding growth potential. Carter could plateau at 255 pounds, but 280 pounds is not out of the question.

Advantage: Hand, although Carter has more growth potential.

Athleticism and Quickness at the Snap

Hand

This is an area where Hand can be a little inconsistent. For as explosive as he is, Hand needs to be more consistent at getting upfield at the snap. He is a great athlete who lacks many physical limitations. Hand is agile, shows good pursuit speed and has more athleticism than Ole Miss signee Robert Nkemdiche.

Carter

Carter has great quickness at the snap and can routinely get a jump on offensive linemen. He has tremendous range and even when he over-pursues ball-carriers, he has the athleticism and explosiveness to leap back and make the tackle. Carter, who is 6'5", does not play as if he is on stilts. He has loose hips and has no limitations as an athlete.

Advantage: Carter

Strength and Power

Hand

Hand is a defensive end who has no issues converting speed to power. He can launch off the ball, powerfully punch a blocker and get up under their pads to win the leverage battle. Hand has the ability to walk and drive offensive tackles deep into the pocket. 

Carter

Carter has solid play strength and can drive with good force when he converts speed to power. He flashes the ability to violently shed blocks, which is a sign of a strong player. He is a recruit who will blossom in a strength program in college.

Advantage: Hand

Pass Rushing

Hand

Hand has a good burst to attack a blocker and uses his hands well. He flashes the ability to punch, use his hands and counter a blocker during the rush. He needs to develop more pass-rush moves, but Hand uses his mitts better than many prep pass-rushers. He shows good closing quickness on the passer and can be a menace to an offense's passing game.

Carter

Carter's, who can bend around the pocket, athleticism and quickness aid him tremendously as a pass-rusher. However, his length allows him to keep blocker's out of his body, which keeps him separated from them during the rush. Carter also has the capability of disrupting passing lanes, as his long arms can be used to tip passes. A better rushing plan is needed from Carter, which will be developed as his game matures.  

Advantage: Push

Run Defending

Hand

The Virginia prospect is strong and stout vs. the run. On obvious running downs Hand can shoot out from his stance, punch a blocker and stack them up to read the play. When he finds himself on the play side, Hand can anchor down with strength, shed a block and make the tackle. He also shows the speed to chase down running backs from the back side.

Carter

Carter is adequate at defending the run when he is on the play side. However, he is at his best when he squeeze down the line of scrimmage, turn his shoulders to face the sideline and chase down a running back. In time, Carter will develop to be a great run defender.

Advantage: Hand

Versatility

Hand

Although he is listed as a defensive end, Hand has played some defensive tackle for Woodbridge High School. He shows the skill set to be able to be slid inside to rush over guards in college on sub-package defenses. Also, if Hand were asked, he could play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

Carter

Carter has good versatility in his game as well. The Peach State defensive end can also play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Playing defensive tackle in a sub-package defense may not suit Carter's strengths as a player.

Advantage: Hand

Conclusion

Carter, who plays for Norcross High School, has more growth potential and a higher ceiling as a player. So he may become the superior recruit in a few years.

However, right now, Hand grades out higher when evaluating them in all important defensive end categories. Hand has more strength, is nearly as explosive, plays the run better and is the more versatile player.

Carter could be better in the long run as he is the better prospect, but as of now, Hand is a superior defensive end.

Edwin Weathersby is the college football recruiting analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.