B/R Recruiting CFB 200: Top Defensive Ends of 2017 Class

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 2017 class. Here we present the Top Defensive Ends.

College football coaches are focused more than ever on countering spread offensive efforts off the edge and disrupting high-octane aerial assaults. As a result, no position is more vital—and necessarily versatile—than defensive end.

Athletes who can chase down quarterbacks, cut off perimeter rushing lanes and provide occasional interior support are coveted on the recruiting trail. Scheme-diverse and dynamic in multiple levels of an attack, these defenders can find themselves with a hand in the dirt or roaming upright depending on the collegiate scheme they encounter.

Joey Bosa (Ohio State), DeForest Buckner (Oregon) and Shaq Lawson (Clemson) are among players who wreaked havoc across the defensive front in college football last fall, and each received a first-round NFL draft payday as a result. Though years away from achieving similar aspirations, members of the 2017 recruiting class are still commanding attention from collegiate scouts and industry analysts.

B/R's CFB Recruiting 200 series continues with a closer look at prospects who persistently present problems for opponents. We reviewed this cycle's premier playmakers at the position, assessing each based on a criteria of explosive strength, pass-rush prowess, run defense, handwork, motor and tackling ability. 

Player order and star ratings based on 247Sports' composite rankings through July 26. Unless otherwise noted, player stats are courtesy of 247Sports.

11-19

Credit: Student Sports

Hunter Echols

19. 4-star WDE Taquon Graham, Temple High School (Temple, Texas)

Bleacher Report Score: 89/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and TCU

Graham fits the mold for what defensive coordinators search for up front, flashing athleticism and power that translates to multiple positions. He could comfortably line up in a different location depending on down and distance, forcing opponents to adapt. Graham, a relentless competitor while fighting inside or sprinting in space, totaled 62 tackles—23 for loss—and 11.5 sacks last season.

18. 4-star SDE Ryan Johnson, St. Paul’s Episcopal School (Mobile, Alabama)

Bleacher Report Score: 89/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Auburn, Florida State and Stanford

An athletic strong-side defender who maintains desired pad level through the point of contact and beyond, Johnson pursues the ball with above-average mobility for a lineman. Opponents struggle to keep hands on him, as he fights off blocks with advanced handwork and balance. He secured 75 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior.

17. 4-star WDE Jordan Williams, Frank W. Cox High School (Virginia Beach, Virginia)

Bleacher Report Score: 90/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Clemson, Tennessee, Virginia and Virginia Tech

Williams' physique (6'4 ½", 260 lbs) provides versatility across the defensive front. Considering his downhill approach is more advanced than lateral, technique-based efforts, tackle could eventually prove to be his landing spot of greatest potential. Williams already delivers punishing blows up front and is physically advanced among his contemporaries, so immediate collegiate snaps could await.

16. 4-star WDE Addison Gumbs, Stellar Prep (Hayward, California)

Bleacher Report Score: 90/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Oklahoma, Texas A&M, USC and Washington

Gumbs has a lean frame (6'4", 220 lbs) and remains a tweener at this stage of development, with both weak-side end and outside linebacker in play for the next phase of his career. He poses a problem off the line by implementing impressive lateral agility that average offensive linemen struggle to handle. Gumbs secured 74 tackles—30 for loss—and 23 sacks in 10 games last season, per MaxPreps.

15. 4-star WDE Jake Lawler, South Mecklenburg High School (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Bleacher Report Score: 91/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to North Carolina

Lawler gives opposing linemen fits with his ability to get into their chest plate precisely off the snap, gaining immediate leverage and peeking beyond to track the ball. Most impressive in an edge-rush setting, he's an effective blitzer who can bring heat from an upright backer role if that's how college coaches choose to implement his skill set. Lawler compiled 85 tackles (14 for loss), according to Langston Wertz Jr. of the Charlotte Observer, setting his high school's record with 13 sacks.

14. 4-star SDE Zachary Carter, Hillsborough High School (Tampa, Florida)

Bleacher Report Score: 91/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida

A prototypical strong-side defender (6'4 ½", 250 lbs), Carter is a quick striker and doesn't sacrifice pad level while using his strong base to burst into the backfield. More developed as a run defender during this phase of his career, he can take on double-team blocking efforts with authority and clog lanes. He secured 76 tackles—10 for loss—and 5.5 sacks in 2015.

13. 4-star WDE D.J. Johnson, Luther Burbank High School (Sacramento, California)

Bleacher Report Score: 91/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Miami

Johnson, who's claimed nearly 100 scholarship offers, opted for a cross-country move with a July 25 commitment to the Hurricanes. He possesses desirable length (6'5", 240 lbs), is aggressive off the snap and can discard offensive tackles with evolving strength, setting the edge in run defense. Johnson set career highs in every statistical category last fall, tallying 87 tackles—32 for loss—and 14.5 sacks, forcing five fumbles in the process.

12. 4-star SDE LaBryan Ray, James Clemens High School (Madison, Alabama)

Bleacher Report Score: 92/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Florida, Florida State and Ole Miss

Ray's stock rose after a strong performance at The Opening, where the 6'4", 270-pound prospect displayed intriguing 3-technique potential. He's a mauler against imposing offensive linemen, battling with brute force and fleet feet while showcasing veteran-level discipline. His junior campaign included 113 tackles—20 for loss—and 12 sacks, according to Daniel Boyette of AL.com.

11. 4-star WDE Hunter Echols, Cathedral High School (Los Angeles)

Bleacher Report Score: 92/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Arizona, Nebraska, Notre Dame, USC and Washington

Echols, who decommitted from UCLA this summer, is an ideal edge-rusher who stands 6'3 ½", weighs 231 pounds and can attack from a three-point stance or stand-up role. His arsenal includes athleticism and range largely unmatched in this cycle, leading to 79 tackles—27 for loss—and 17 sacks last season.

10. 4-Star WDE Luiji Vilain

Credit: Student Sports

Height/Weight: 6'4", 240 lbs

High School: Episcopal High School (Alexandria, Virginia)

Composite Ranking: No. 6 weak-side defensive end, No. 96 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 92/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Michigan

Luiji Vilain, a native of Ontario, Canada, transferred south to Episcopal before his junior season. Though he was already on the radar as an FBS recruit beforehand, his profile in college staff offices across the U.S. rapidly expanded during the months that followed.

He weighed offers from Georgia, Virginia Tech, USC and several other universities before committing to the Wolverines in June. 

Bleacher Report Analysis

Prior to putting in work at The Opening's New Jersey regional camp this spring, Vilain told B/R he came to America as a defender who relied almost entirely on athleticism rather than technique. His first campaign with an Episcopal program that perennially produces multiple Power Five prospects provided examples of his development.

Vilain, who is explosive (18/20) and quite filled-out from a physical standpoint, exhibits sharp angles of pursuit in both pass-rush and run-stuff settings, earning a combined score of 36/40 for those traits. Surrounded by a young, promising supporting cast in Ann Arbor, his ceiling is arguably higher than any member of this list based on background and progression.

9. 4-Star SDE Malik Herring

Credit: Student Sports

Height/Weight: 6'3 ½", 265 lbs

High School: Mary Persons High School (Forsyth, Georgia)

Composite Ranking: No. 4 strong-side defensive end, No. 94 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 92/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU and USC

Malik Herring moved forward in an expansive process July 25 by announcing a top-five list on Twitter. The collection of contenders includes three SEC schools (Alabama, Georgia and LSU), while Clemson and USC provide compelling opportunities beyond the conference. 

Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has enjoyed immense success this cycle targeting in-state stars, and he would love to add Herring to the mix. This pursuit figures to feature multiple official visits, with these five favorites outpacing a deep pack of programs for those campus trips.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Despite playing at a weight that suggests Herring could ultimately be in line for a move to tackle, his athleticism actually presents the possibility of rush linebacker reps. Whether he's putting a hand in the grass or attacking from an upright stance, this diverse defender is relentless (10/10) against the run (23/25) and finishes efforts with evolved tackling fundamentals (14/15).

Herring is best defined as a front-seven menace, and he will provide the coaching staff of his choice with an array of options as he develops physically and technically in college. He totaled 74 tackles—21 for loss—and seven sacks last fall.

8. 4-Star WDE K'Lavon Chaisson

Credit: Student Sports

Height/Weight: 6'4", 211 lbs

High School: North Shore Senior High School (Houston)

Composite Ranking: No. 5 weak-side defensive end, No. 81 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 93/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Houston, LSU, Oklahoma and Texas

Oklahoma, Florida State and UCLA are among universities that have extended offers this year, while in-state schools and LSU entered the fray earlier in this process. Houston secured local 5-star defensive lineman Ed Oliver last cycle and will attempt to again fend off Power Five elites for K'Lavon Chaisson.

Bleacher Report Analysis

He broke through as one of Texas' true studs last season while helping to spearhead a state title run at North Shore. Chaisson earned Class 6A Division I championship game defensive MVP honors, according to Gabe Brooks of Scout, after recording a sack, fumble recovery, field-goal block and victory-clinching forced fumble.

His physical frame and strength (18/20) suggest he's well-suited for college duties at weak-side end, but there is certainly an opportunity for him to star in an outside linebacker role (14/15 tackling; 10/10 motor). Chaisson's breakout 2015 campaign included 84 tackles and 21 sacks, serving up evidence that he can offer as much edge-rusher potential as any player on this list.

7. 4-Star SDE Lagaryonn Carson

Credit: 247Sports

Height/Weight: 6'4", 260 lbs

High School: Liberty-Eylau High School (Texarkana, Texas)

Composite Ranking: No. 3 strong-side defensive end, No. 65 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 94/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas

Despite inconsistency on the field under his watch, Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong continues to reel in elite Lone Star State recruits with regularity, especially on defense. Lagaryonn Carson fell into line with a pledge midway through last season, selecting Texas from a list of scholarship offers that included Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Carson is a penetrative presence who can plow through the trenches in a 5-technique role or eventually slide inside with the physical frame to add weight. He delivers a jolting jab at the onset of a play, then takes advantage of an opponent's unsettled status by driving through with top-tier explosive strength (19/20).

His momentum builds in a hurry, which is just awful news for quarterbacks and running backs who encounter him in the backfield, where he collected 40 tackles for loss and 20 sacks last season. Carson's run defense (24/25) is largely unrivaled among positional peers, as he's stifled foes en route to 72 tackles for loss since his sophomore year.

6. 4-Star WDE Jarez Parks

Credit: 247Sports

Height/Weight: 6'5", 255 lbs

High School: Sebastian River High School (Sebastian, Florida)

Composite Ranking: No. 4 weak-side defensive end, No. 50 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 94/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Florida State

Several suitors in the Southeast loom large for this Sunshine State stud, who visited the Seminoles, Tigers and Crimson Tide earlier this month. The Gators are also firmly in the mix to keep Jarez Parks on home turf, though this process could extend deep toward national signing day and feature several more visits moving forward.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Parks' versatility is on display at Sebastian River, where he roams in multiple roles within that defensive attack. A hunter on the field, his relentlessness (10/10 motor) is apparent play after play, an endearing trait for any prospect who entered their junior season with several esteemed Power Five offers.

Balanced across the board (38/40 combined run defense/pass rush), Parks could encounter various opportunities at linebacker or end depending on where he lands for the next four years. A violent hitter who also handles himself well in short-range pass coverage, he secured 68 tackles and seven sacks last season, according to Jon Santucci of TCPalm.com. 

5. 4-Star SDE Joshua Kaindoh

Credit: Student Sports

Height/Weight: 6'6", 256 lbs

High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)

Composite Ranking: No. 2 strong-side defensive end, No. 30 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 95/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Maryland

First-year Terrapins head coach D.J. Durkin scored a monumental recruiting victory in April when Baltimore native Joshua Kaindoh pledged to the program. Still, Maryland has endured difficulties maintaining key local commitments, so expect programs such as Notre Dame and Penn State to apply pressure moving forward.

Bleacher Report Analysis

While scouting IMG's star-filled roster in 2015, it was difficult to keep eyes off Kaindoh. For one, his massive frame simply doesn't look like it belongs on a high school field, and he attacks opposing backfields with surprising fluidity.

This coordination shows through as he fires off the line with explosiveness (19/20) and deals well with lateral movement. An immense wingspan paired with precise handwork (14/15) can often overwhelm offensive linemen and create space for Kaindoh to operate. 

His size allows him to clog entire rushing lanes with ease, and an improved pass-rush technique could place him in the discussion as America's premier defensive end prospect.

4. 4-Star WDE Chase Young

Credit: Student Sports

Height/Weight: 6'5", 225 lbs

High School: DeMatha Catholic High School (Hyattsville, Maryland)

247Sports Ranking: No. 3 weak-side defensive end, No. 28 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 95/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State

The Buckeyes picked up another key component for college football's top-ranked recruiting class on July 22 when Chase Young concluded his recruitment in Columbus. The No. 1 overall prospect in Maryland pledged while attending Ohio State's Friday Night Lights camp, spurning the in-state Terrapins and alternative contenders such as USC and Alabama.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Young emerged among the Mid-Atlantic area's premier players last fall and lined up across from 4-star Penn State defensive end signee Shane Simmons on a stout DeMatha Catholic front. He graded out as strongly (14/15) as any pass-rusher in this cycle after racking up 19 sacks in 2015, per Brandon Parker of the Washington Post.

Straight-line speed is a crucial component of his success, but Young can also beat offensive linemen across the face with improving power, elite lateral quickness (19/20 explosive strength) and an array of effective finesse moves. A massive wingspan and awareness within the trenches also creates issues for opposing rushing efforts along the edge (24/25 run defense), helping lead to 27 tackles for loss as a junior.

3. 5-Star WDE Robert Beal

Credit: 247Sports

Height/Weight: 6'3 ½", 230 lbs

High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)

Composite Ranking: No. 2 weak-side defensive end, No. 26 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 96/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia

The Bulldogs bagged Peach State native Robert Beal earlier this month during B/R's "Commitment Week," completing a pursuit that dates back to the program's previous coaching regime. He previously pledged to Notre Dame during his junior season but backed off that verbal commitment in February.

Bleacher Report Analysis 

An aggressive edge-rusher who could line up at outside linebacker or end in college, Beal brings an exciting element to the defensive front. Faster than some receivers on this list, the physically imposing playmaker can chase down ball-carriers from anywhere on the field (19/20 explosive strength) and should be able to apply increased pressure on the quarterback (14/15 pass rush) in a star-studded IMG Academy attack.

Beal, an aggressor who approaches snaps with excellent anticipation, maintains discipline along the edge and is dependent on down-and-distance situations. He provides Georgia's defensive staff with a variety of options and should quickly push himself into the thought process of passers across SEC competition.

2. 5-Star SDE A.J. Epenesa

Credit: 247Sports

Height/Weight: 6'5", 230 lbs

High School: Edwardsville High School (Edwardsville, Illinois)

Composite Ranking: No. 1 strong-side defensive end, No. 18 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 95/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Iowa

The Hawkeyes built early momentum this recruiting cycle with a January commitment from A.J. Epenesa. An Iowa legacy, he chose to follow his father's footsteps to Iowa City over opportunities at Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and several other marquee college football programs.

Bleacher Report Analysis 

Epenesa probably flies under the radar more than he should due to a "low-profile" pledge and his absence from The Opening. Make no mistake, the 5-star hype is validated in the way he competes at Edwardsville.

A stout, athletic lineman with the motor coaches covet, Epenesa is especially adept against rushing efforts (24/25). He disrupts the perimeter by setting his edge and plays aggressively without overpursuing beyond the point of attack.

Epenesa secured 11 tackles for loss and six sacks last season despite scarce offensive plays targeting his side of the field. His lateral movement is special and sets the stage for explosive moves (14/15) into backfields.

1. 5-Star WDE Jaelan Phillips

Height/Weight: 6'5", 235 lbs

High School: Redlands East Valley High School (Redlands, California)

Composite Ranking: No. 1 weak-side defensive end, No. 4 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 96/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to UCLA

Last year, the Bruins bagged a big-time defensive end pledge from local 5-star defensive end Oluwole Betiku, but they ultimately lost that commitment, and he eventually signed with rival USC. UCLA head coach Jim Mora is aiming to avoid a repeat performance in 2017, with Jaelan Phillips serving as the crown jewel of his latest talent haul.

The Bruins beat out the Trojans and fellow Pac-12 foe Stanford for Phillips, who announced his collegiate intentions April 14.  

Bleacher Report Analysis

Phillips is a dynamic defender still in the early stages of his development, which should serve as a scary thought for opposing offensive linemen and the quarterbacks they're attempting to protect. His explosiveness (19/20) created serious issues for top-tier blockers at The Opening, where his quick first step and rapid acceleration were a major challenge.

He covers the run (24/25) and rushes the passer (14/15) at an elite level, and considering his current size, there's flexibility for a collegiate coaching staff to mold him into multiple roles. Whether Phillips places his hand in the dirt or stands upright off the edge, he'll alter the complexion of a front seven.

His competitive drive and willingness to receive coaching serve as positive factors for further progression. He collected 87 tackles, 13.5 sacks and three interceptions last season.