
CFB Recruiting 200: Top 24 Defensive Ends
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report recruiting analysts Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and provided in-depth analysis. As national signing day draws near, Bleacher Report provides a position-by-position breakdown of the best college football recruits. Today we present the Top Defensive Ends.
Other Positions
Between Byron Cowart, CeCe Jefferson and Josh Sweat, the 2015 class of defensive ends is represented by three prospects who rank among the nation’s top 10 players overall. However, the depth behind that talented trio is what makes the defensive end position a loaded unit in the current cycle.
Seventeen defensive ends rank among the nation’s top 150 prospects in the 2015 cycle, which highlights the strength of the group as a whole.
The latest edition of the CFB Recruiting 200 series will dig deep into the 2015 class of defensive ends.
Bleacher Report scored the defensive end class on traits such as pass-rush ability (15 points), tackling (15 points), strength (20 points), run defense (25 points), hands (15 points) and motor (10 points). The cumulative figures from those traits resulted in our overall grade of each prospect.
How do the nation’s top defensive ends measure up to one another?
*All analysis provided by B/R National Recruiting Analyst Sanjay Kirpalani. All rankings courtesy of 247Sports Composite Rankings. WDE denotes weak-side defensive end, SDE denotes strong-side defensive end.
24. 4-Star Austin Bryant
1 of 24Height/Weight: 6’5”, 250 lbs
High School: Thomas County Central High, Thomasville, Ga.
247 Ranking: No. 12 WDE/No. 199 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Clemson on July 18, 2014
The race for Austin Bryant came down to ACC Atlantic Division rivals Clemson and Florida State, both of whom offered him back in the spring of 2013.
The Tigers won out for Bryant, as he committed to Clemson last summer.
Bryant also held offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame and UCLA, among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
What makes Bryant an appealing prospect is his experience and ability to play standing up as well as with his hand in the dirt. He excels bringing heat off the edge, but I’d like to see him gain more strength and add a little power to his game. Still, he’s a stud prospect with a high ceiling at the next level.
23. 4-Star Fletcher Adams
2 of 24Height/Weight: 6’3”, 260 lbs
High School: Brandon High, Brandon, Miss.
247 Ranking: No. 12 SDE/No. 173 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to Mississippi State on Sept. 22, 2014
Magnolia State rivals Mississippi State and Ole Miss made the recruitment of Fletcher Adams a see-saw affair between the two.
He named the Rebels his leader in April, but after visiting both programs in August, he eventually decided on pledging to the Bulldogs in September.
He’s remained firm in that pledge since then.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Adams can play defensive tackle, especially in passing situations. However, his frame is best suited to play as a strong-side defensive end. He’s got a powerful base and explodes off the snap. He shows good technique with his hands, which helps him get off blocks quickly. His versatility and ability to provide a pass-rushing presence from the interior gives him a great chance to make an impact at the next level.
22. 4-Star Anfernee Jennings
3 of 24Height/Weight: 6’3”, 256 lbs
High School: Dadeville High, Dadeville, Ala.
247 Ranking: No. 11 WDE/No. 172 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to Alabama on Mar. 6, 2014
Anfernee Jennings earned an offer from home-state power Alabama in early March and committed to the Crimson Tide five days later.
He selected the Tide over offers from Arkansas, Georgia and Louisville among others.
Despite taking visits to several schools in the spring, Jennings—who recorded 170 tackles and 14 sacks as senior, according to MaxPreps—remained firm in his early commitment.
Bleacher Report Analysis
The thing that sticks out with Jennings is his motor. He's full-speed seemingly on every snap, and that reflects in his statistical output. He's very physical at the point of attack and he excels at setting the edge against the run. He's still a bit raw technique-wise, but his athleticism and drive makes him an intriguing talent at the next level.
21. 4-Star Shameik Blackshear
4 of 24Height/Weight: 6’5”, 240 lbs
High School: Bluffton High, Bluffton, S.C.
247 Ranking: No. 10 WDE/No. 153 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to South Carolina on May 21, 2013
Shameik Blackshear became the second commitment in South Carolina’s 2015 class back in the spring of 2013. He committed to the Gamecocks over Clemson, Florida and Florida State and has been firm in his commitment.
Blackshear also held offers from Georgia, Louisville and Tennessee, among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Blackshear’s best attributes are his length and his power. He can play high at times coming off the ball, and he’s a little raw as a defensive end at this stage. However, there’s no denying that he has the physical tools to develop into a menacing end at the next level.
20. 4-Star Chauncey Rivers
5 of 24Height/Weight: 6’3”, 247 lbs
High School: Stephenson High, Stone Mountain, Georgia
247 Ranking: No. 9 WDE/No. 151 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Georgia on Feb. 15, 2014
Chauncey Rivers initially committed to South Carolina back in the summer of 2013. However, after Georgia offered him late in January 2014, he subsequently decommitted from the Gamecocks and pledged to the Bulldogs, where he’s been a solid commitment since.
Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Notre Dame, Texas and Texas A&M were among the other schools who offered Rivers.
Bleacher Report Analysis
I first saw Rivers at the Atlanta Nike Camp in spring of 2014, and he had a dominating performance against 5-star offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt. He’s quick off the snap of the ball, and he does a great job of using his hands on first contact. He also has the athleticism and instincts necessary to play as a 3-4 linebacker if necessary.
19. 4-Star Dre’Mont Jones
6 of 24Height/Weight: 6’3”, 266 pounds
High School: St. Ignatius High, Cleveland, Ohio
247 Ranking: No. 11 SDE/No. 136 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Ohio State on Junu 18, 2014
Ohio State was the second school to offer Dre’Mont Jones back in February of 2014.
He took visits to Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio State during the spring before announcing his commitment to the Buckeyes in June.
According to Barton Simmons of 247Sports, Jones was one of the players who turned heads with his play at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jones is a versatile and athletic big body who can play multiple spots along the defensive line. His best spot is on the edge as a physical presence who can set the edge in the run game. He’s also got a great motor and pursues plays sideline to sideline. He can play high and lose leverage at times, but overall, he’s got a skill set that translates favorably to the next level.
18. 4-Star James Lockhart
7 of 24Height/Weight: 6’2”, 251 pounds
High School: Ennis High, Ennis, Texas
247 Ranking: No. 10 SDE/No. 135 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to Texas A&M on July 25, 2014
James Lockhart had early offers from Baylor and Texas, and he had both schools high on his radar in the early stages of his recruitment. However, Texas A&M offered him in May 2014, and he committed to the Aggies two months later.
The U.S. Army All-American has held firm in that pledge and was a frequent visitor to College Station following his commitment.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Lockhart is very physical at the point of attack, and he shows great instincts in finding the ball and packing a punch when he unloads on ball-carriers. He uses his hands well to get off blocks, and he’s shown the ability to chase the ball from sideline to sideline.
17. 4-Star D'Andre Walker
8 of 24Height/Weight: 6’3”, 209 lbs
High School: Langston Hughes High, Fairburn, Ga.
247 Ranking: No. 8 WDE/No. 121 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Committed to Georgia on Jan. 3, 2015
D’Andre Walker had a nip and tuck recruitment for most of his process, with Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee being the three schools that represented his finalists.
In fact, Walker revealed those schools as his leaders last month in an "Elf Yourself" video on YouTube that has garnered more than 100,000 views.
He committed to the Bulldogs during the U.S. Army All-American Game.
As Jake Rowe of Dawgs247 notes (subscription required), Walker is still keeping his options open until signing day—which means trips to visit the Tigers and the Vols remain a possibility.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Speed is what makes Walker an enticing prospect. He’s lightning quick off the edge. His length is also a problem for linemen to deal with and for ball-carriers trying to escape his grasp. He clearly needs to gain weight, but his frame should allow for him to pack on some pounds without losing his explosiveness.
16. 4-Star Clelin Ferrell
9 of 24Height/Weight: 6’5”, 225 lbs
High School: Benedectine High, Richmond, Va.
247 Ranking: No. 7 WDE/No. 115 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Committed to Clemson on June 4, 2014
Clelin Ferrell picked up his first offer from Clemson back in April 2013. Fourteen months and several offers later, Ferrell committed to the Tigers over the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, South Carolina and West Virginia, among others.
Ferrell has been a solid Clemson pledge and is part of a loaded group of defensive linemen headed to play for Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Ferrell is a raw talent with a great frame suited for adding weight at the next level. He’s agile in space, and his length can cause problems for offensive tackles, although he needs to learn to use his hands more at the point of attack. He's also in the middle of recovering from a torn ACL suffered last August, which could hinder his ability to contribute next season. However, he's still a prospect who possesses great long-term potential as a pass-rusher.
15. 4-Star Mekhi Brown
10 of 24Height/Weight: 6’5”, 222 lbs
High School: Carver High, Columbus, Ga.
247 Ranking: No. 6 WDE/No. 114 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to Alabama on April 6, 2013
Mekhi Brown’s recruitment was almost over before it began, as he committed to Alabama back in April 2013 after he earned an offer from the Tide.
Brown has taken a few visits to places such as Ohio State and Notre Dame, and he’s scheduled to take a visit to Louisville on Jan. 16. However, he has been one of the more vocal recruiters for the Tide on his Twitter account, and all signs seem to point toward him sticking with his original commitment.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Brown told me during the Atlanta Nike Camp last spring that Alabama coveted him because of his range, versatility and quickness off the ball, along with his length and his ability to be effective in coverage and as a sure tackler in space, which are the attributes that make him special. He will need to add some weight, but he has a good frame suitable for the transition to the college level.
14. 4-Star Darian Roseboro
11 of 24Height/Weight: 6’4”, 285 lbs
High School: Lincolnton High, Lincolnton, N.C.
247 Ranking: No. 9 SDE/No. 111 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to NC State on Oct. 11, 2014
By the spring of 2014, Darian Roseboro’s offer list featured multiple schools from every Power Five conference except the Pac-12.
He initially committed to Michigan in late August before backing off that pledge one month later.
He opted to stay in-state and committed to NC State in October.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Roseboro is a prospect who is physically ready to contribute right away in college. He can hold the point of attack in run support, and he’s athletic enough to beat offensive tackles with speed and power as a pass-rusher. If he keeps adding weight, he’s a candidate to slide inside as a defensive tackle.
13. Prince Tega Wanogho Jr.
12 of 24
Height/Weight: 6’8”, 250 lbs
High School: Edgewood Academy, Elmore, Ala.
247 Ranking: No. 8 SDE/No. 110 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Uncommitted: Considering Auburn, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee
Perhaps the most fascinating recruit in the 2015 class is Prince Tega Wanogho Jr., who arrived at Edgewood Academy in Elmore, Alabama as a foreign exchange student from Nigeria in August.
According to BamaOnline's Shane Youngblood, he came to the United States with hopes of pursuing a basketball career, but instead opted to tryout for the football team—despite previously having never played the sport.
Initially classified as a 2016 prospect, Wanogho picked up a bevy of offers, including 14 in a two-day span last month. According to Youngblood (subscription required), Wanogho recently was reclassified as a 2015 recruit after his transcripts were reviewed.
With a number of new offers and little time left until he makes a decision, his recruitment will definitely be one of the most interesting storylines worth following in the days leading up to signing day.
According to Rusty Mansell of Dawgs247 (subscription required), Wanogho's coach mentioned schools such as Auburn, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee as schools who could get his official visits.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Wanogho is the definition of a prospect with unlimited upside. His size and athleticism jumps out immediately upon viewing his film, as does his lack of technique. He's also got great speed and a high motor. However, for a prospect so new to the game, college coaches may view him as a blank slate with a grade A frame who could be molded into a dominant force.
12. 4-Star Jashon Cornell
13 of 24Height/Weight: 6’4”, 260 lbs
High School: Cretin-Derham Hall High, Saint Paul, Minn.
247 Ranking: No. 7 SDE/No. 92 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to Ohio State on July 2, 2014
Jashon Cornell joined forces with linebacker Justin Hilliard in announcing his commitment to Ohio State, which helped jump-start a class that has since surged into the best class in the Big Ten and the No. 7 group in the country.
He selected the Buckeyes over Notre Dame and Michigan State, and as an early enrollee, he will participate in spring practice with the Buckeyes.
Cornell is the latest big-time prospect to emerge from Minnesota powerhouse Cretin-Derham Hall.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Cornell is another prospect with the physical capability to play right away in college. The fact that he’s an early enrollee will help him make the adjustment to the college level. He’s got the size, power and speed to be a force off the edge. He’s also versatile enough to slide inside and play tackle in certain sets. Overall, Cornell has the look of a prospect who can be an impact performer early in his career.
11. 4-Star Natrez Patrick
14 of 24Height/Weight: 6’3”, 259 lbs
High School: Mays High, Atlanta, Ga.
247 Ranking: No. 5 WDE/No. 88 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to Georgia on May 16, 2014
Natrez Patrick whittled his long list of offers down to Alabama and Georgia in the spring before committing to the Bulldogs. He held firm in that pledge and has already begun his college career by enrolling in Athens earlier this month.
Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State and Ole Miss were among the schools who offered Patrick.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Patrick is a player who has added some weight since I saw him last spring at the Atlanta Nike camp. He has a quick first step off the ball, and he already has a few pass-rush moves in his repertoire. He’s versatile enough to play at outside linebacker, which should give Bulldogs defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt a good bit of flexibility in utilizing his talents.
10. 4-Star Joseph Wicker
15 of 24Height/Weight: 6’2”, 278 lbs
High School: Long Beach Polytechnic High, Long Beach, Calif.
247 Ranking: No. 6 SDE/No. 87 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering UCLA, Arizona State, Arizona, Texas Tech and Oklahoma
Between Joseph Wicker and Iman Marshall, college coaches will be frequent visitors to the Poly High School campus over the next few weeks.
Wicker has already taken official visits to Texas Tech, Arizona State, Oklahoma and Arizona. His final visit will be a trip to UCLA on Jan. 23.
The Bruins and Sun Devils appear to be the main contenders for Wicker.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Wicker’s quickness is what makes him special. His first step is simply lethal. Wicker has enough power and strength to play some snaps at defensive tackle. However, he’s got enough ability as a pass-rusher to play defensive end in some looks. He’s also got a great motor and is strong enough to be a force at the point of attack.
9. 4-Star Arden Key
16 of 24Height/Weight: 6’5”, 230 lbs
High School: Hapeville Charter High, Lithonia, Ga.
247 Ranking: No. 4 WDE/No. 82 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering South Carolina, LSU, Auburn and Georgia
Arden Key’s recruitment has already been a roller coaster, and it has a few more loops left to go after he decommitted from South Carolina for the second time earlier this month.
He has scheduled visits to LSU, Miami, Georgia and Auburn in January, but he stated that the Gamecocks are still his top choice.
It’s safe to say his process will be one of the more interesting recruitments to play out over the final weeks before signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Key is an intriguing prospect due to his length and the physicality he plays with. He’s aggressive off the line of scrimmage, and he’s already developed a nice blend of moves and power to his game. His frame can hold some added muscle, and he has a ton of upside heading into college.
8. 4-Star Jonathan Ledbetter
17 of 24Height/Weight: 6’4”, 265 lbs
High School: Tucker High, Tucker, Ga.
247 Ranking: No. 5 SDE/No. 66 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to Georgia on Aug. 16, 2014
Jonathan Ledbetter committed to Alabama last January before ultimately flipping to Georgia in August, according to Charles Power of BamaOnline.
His older brother, Joseph, enrolled at Georgia in August as a tight end after playing two seasons of college basketball at Division II Pfeiffer University (North Carolina).
Ledbetter is one of seven recruits who are already in Athens as early enrollees, according to Gentry Estes of Dawgs247.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Ledbetter was unstoppable in one-on-one drills when I saw him at the Atlanta Nike camp last March. He’s unique in that he’s athletic enough to play defensive end, but his best position may be inside as a defensive tackle. He’s great at penetrating gaps and causing havoc in the backfield. As an early enrollee, expect him to contribute to the Dawgs defensive line rotation next fall.
7. 4-Star Jalen Dalton
18 of 24Height/Weight: 6’5”, 235 lbs
High School: West Forsyth High, Clemmons, N.C.
247 Ranking: No. 3 WDE/No. 57 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to North Carolina on Nov. 13, 2014
Jalen Dalton whittled down a long list of suitors to a pair of ACC programs in North Carolina and Virginia Tech. He committed to the homestanding Tar Heels in November and is scheduled to be an early enrollee in Chapel Hill.
The Under Armour All-American also played basketball in high school.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Dalton’s quickness jumps out on film. He’s extremely athletic, and his length helps him be an effective tackler in open space. He needs to get stronger and be more physical at the line of scrimmage, but he’s got all the tools to be a force at defensive end for the Tar Heels in the years to come.
6. 4-Star Kyle Phillips
19 of 24Height/Weight: 6’4”, 250 lbs
High School: Hillsboro High, Nashville, Tenn.
247 Ranking: No. 4 SDE/No. 35 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to Tennessee on Jan. 3, 2015
Kyle Phillips narrowed his list of choices to LSU, Ole Miss and Tennessee before heading to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
He chose the Vols during the game and put on a show the entire week that resulted in him jumping up to a 5-star ranking in the latest batch of 247Sports rankings, according to Barton Simmons of 247Sports.
Phillips has already enrolled at Tennessee.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Phillips is a handful to deal with coming off the edge. He’s already got good size. He has long arms and good quickness off the ball. He’s also stout in run support and can set the edge because of his strength. With him being an early enrollee, he has a chance to make an early impact as a pass-rusher next fall.
5. 5-Star Keisean Lucier-South
20 of 24Height/Weight: 6’4”, 208 lbs
High School: Lutheran-Orange County High, Orange, Calif.
247 Ranking: No. 2 WDE/No. 17 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to UCLA on Nov. 22, 2014
Keisean Lucier-South picked up his first offer from UCLA back in the spring of 2013.
After a whirlwind recruitment that saw him take official visits to Michigan, Oklahoma and Oregon, Lucier-South committed to the Bruins in November.
According to Steve Lorenz of Wolverine247 (subscription required), Lucier-South was among the first targets to hear from new Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. But he reiterated that he’s firm in his pledge to UCLA.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Lucier-South is a rangy pass rusher whose length is disruptive on the edges. He’s sudden with his movements, and he can make plays sideline to sideline because of his speed. He has the size and athleticism to potentially play as an outside linebacker, particularly in the role that Anthony Barr thrived in for the Bruins.
4. 4-Star Canton Kaumatule
21 of 24Height/Weight: 6’7”, 290 lbs
High School: Punahou High, Honolulu, Hawaii
247 Ranking: No. 3 SDE/No. 16 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to Oregon on Nov. 1, 2014
Canton Kaumatule had a relatively low-key recruitment before he visited Oregon in late October.
He left Eugene as a Ducks commit and joined the program officially earlier this month as an early enrollee.
Kaumatule, who hails from the same high school that produced President Barack Obama, was the initial top overall prospect in the 247Sports rankings released in May 2013, according to Gerry Hamilton of 247Sports.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Kaumatule has prototypical NFL size for a 3-4 defensive end. However, he’s athletic enough to go around offensive linemen or power through them with his strength. His length causes problems also, as he can swat passes down effectively. He figures to be a solid candidate to replace Ducks defensive end Arik Armstead if he chooses to leave early for the NFL draft.
3. 5-Star Josh Sweat
22 of 24Height/Weight: 6’5”, 240 lbs
High School: Oscar Smith High, Chesapeake, Va.
247 Ranking: No. 1 WDE/No. 9 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Committed to Florida State on Dec. 10, 2014
Josh Sweat whittled his extensive list of offers down to a final five of Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon and Virginia Tech. He joined fellow defensive lineman Darvin Taylor as Virginia natives who committed to the ‘Noles.
Sweat is one of three 5-star prospects who have already enrolled in Tallahassee, according to Josh Newberg of Noles247.
Bleacher Report Analysis
When it comes to traits such as speed, power, size and athleticism, not many players can match the package of attributes Sweat possesses. In fact, he’s the most athletic defensive end I’ve seen since Jadeveon Clowney.
He’s a blur off the edge, and he can overpower linemen with his strength. He’s athletic enough to play tight end or outside linebacker at the next level, but he’s at his best when he’s harassing quarterbacks.
Given Florida State’s problems with its pass rush last year, Sweat has a chance to make an immediate impact next fall, provided he returns full strength from a knee injury that cost him the majority of his senior season.
2. 5-Star CeCe Jefferson
23 of 24Height/Weight: 6’2”, 275 lbs
High School: Baker County Senior High, Glen Saint Mary, Fla.
247 Ranking: No. 2 SDE/No. 7 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Florida, Ole Miss, Alabama, Florida State and Auburn
Florida has been the perceived favorite for CeCe Jefferson since the beginning of his recruitment, as evidenced by his Crystal Ball page. However, fellow SEC powers Alabama and Ole Miss have made moves for Jefferson, with the elite pass-rusher recently naming the Rebels as his leader, per Barton Simmons of 247Sports.
Despite that proclamation, it will be a shock if he lands anywhere other than Gainesville on national signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jefferson is an appealing prospect because he has the athleticism to play outside linebacker or defensive end. As an end, his first step off the ball is as quick as any player in this class. He’s adept at shedding blocks and being a sure tackler in the run game. His versatility is what makes him one of the elite pass rushers in this class.
1. 5-Star Byron Cowart
24 of 24Height/Weight: 6’4”, 250 lbs.
High School: Armwood High, Seffner, Fla.
247 Ranking: No. 1 SDE/No. 3 Overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Uncommitted: Considering Florida, Florida State and Auburn
Similar to Jefferson's case, Florida has been the destination most observers feel will be the pick for Byron Cowart.
New Gators head coach Jim McElwain will do his best to reel in the talented pass-rusher, but Florida State and Auburn are the primary contenders hoping to steal him away.
Cowart has already taken official visits to Maryland and Alabama, with trips scheduled to Auburn and Florida State in January.
Even though the Gators don’t have an official visit lined up, Cowart has already visited Gainesville unofficially many times and could do so again before signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Cowart is another freakish talent who has NFL measurables in traits such as size, speed and athleticism. He plays with strength and power at the point of attack, and he has lethal quickness off the ball. He’s another guy with the agility and instincts necessary to play outside linebacker, but he’s truly special with his hand in the dirt. Regardless of where he lands, Cowart has the tools to be an impact player right away.


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