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

After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report 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. As the summer camp circuit comes to a close, Bleacher Report provides a position-by-position breakdown of the best college football recruits. Today, we present the Top Defensive Tackles.

Dominant interior linemen are the anchor of a defensive attack. Recent first-round NFL draft picks such as like Sheldon Rankins (Louisville), Kenny Clark (UCLA) and Robert Nkemdiche (Ole Miss) provide proof that strong defensive tackle play in college can parlay into opportunities for professional paydays. 

Members of the 2017 recruiting class also aim to someday experience similar success, but upcoming collegiate careers will determine the viability of that outcome. This cycle includes several athletes who carry potential to eventually become household names for football fans across the country.

Ranging from massive lane-clogging nose guards to penetrative pocket disruptors, here's a glimpse at the country's premier prospects at defensive tackle. Players were assessed based on a criteria of explosive strength, run defense, pass rush, tackling, handwork and motor.

Player order and star ratings based on 247Sports' composite rankings through July 18. Unless otherwise noted, player stats are courtesy of 247Sports.

10. 4-Star Fred Hansard

Credit: 247Sports

Height/Weight: 6'3", 324 lbs

High School: Hun School (Princeton, New Jersey)

Composite Ranking: No. 10 defensive tackle, No. 196 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 91/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Florida, Penn State, Pittsburgh and Rutgers

Interest surrounding Fred Hansard mounted during the spring of his sophomore year, as he received six Power Five offers in a six-day span that May. The list now includes 30 universities, though Hansard zoned in on seven this March.

He initially expected to commit May 14, his birthday, but opted to delay those plans. Expect Hansard to issue a pledge before the start of his final high school season, with in-state Rutgers fighting to keep him home.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Hansard, who has spent plenty of snaps at defensive end during a productive prep career, told B/R he hopes to shed some weight and play at sub-300 pounds this fall, but his collegiate future is inside. This wide-bodied defender could develop into a quintessential 1-technique lineman with further weight training and fundamental development. 

He isn't a major threat in pass-rush settings at this stage of his career but does an excellent job tracking the ball by peeking into backfields (23/25 run coverage). Hansard throttles offensive linemen with long and powerful arm extension. This scheme-diverse defender is quick in pursuit, piling up 32 tackles—12 for loss—and three sacks in 2015, according to Todderick Hunt of NJ Advance Media.

9. 4-Star Darnell Ewell

Credit: 247Sports

Height/Weight: 6'4", 295 lbs

High School: Lake Taylor High School (Norfolk, Virginia)

Composite Ranking: No. 9 defensive tackle, No. 151 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 93/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish overcame abundant competition to land Darnell Ewell, who holds more than 30 scholarship offers. He announced intentions to attend Notre Dame on July 15, spurning opportunities at Ohio State, Michigan, Virginia Tech, Penn State and plenty of other programs.

His pledge further strengthens an Irish class now considered top-five overall in composite class rankings.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Ewell may be approaching 300 pounds, but he plays lighter on his feet than several members of this list. He displays ideal bend on the majority of reps and counters offensive linemen's power punches with elite athleticism. Consistent pad level and fleet footwork make him a balanced defender against run and pass efforts (37/40 combined). 

He often beats interior linemen across their body with a stiff jolt to the chest plate and flexible separation move, operating at high intensity even when the ball is headed away from his area. Ewell totaled 63 tackles and four sacks as a junior, according to Lee Tolliver of the Virginian-Pilot.

8. 4-Star Marlon Tuipulotu

Credit: Student Sports

Height/Weight: 6'2", 275 lbs

High School: Central High School (Independence, Oregon)

Composite Ranking: No. 8 defensive tackle, No. 103 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 93/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Washington

The Huskies picked up a pivotal Pac-12 recruiting victory in April by prying Marlon Tuipulotu away from neighboring Oregon. Alternative conference contenders included Arizona, UCLA and USC, while Michigan, Nebraska and Notre Dame were among schools that attempted to lure him away from West Coast turf.

Bleacher Report Analysis

A relentless athlete, Tuipulotu is the kind of competitor (5/5 motor) who wears down an opponent throughout the duration of a matchup. Physical and forceful, he will routinely hold an edge during those make-or-break final stands, coming up with big plays by aggressively overwhelming the offensive lineman in front of him.

Where exactly Tuipulotu will attack from within a defensive front remains a point of contention among scouts. His size and pass-rush prowess (14/15) commands consideration along the outside, though a 3-technique role is most appealing when you project his long-term potential.

He destroyed offensive game plans throughout the 2015 season, according to Drew Loveland of SB Nation, securing 78 tackles—28 for loss—and 13 sacks.

7. 4-Star Ja'len Parks

Credit: 247Sports

Height/Weight: 6'4", 304 lbs

High School: Newberry High School (Newberry, Florida)

Composite Ranking: No. 7 defensive tackle, No. 99 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 94/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida State

Ja'len Parks didn't need much time to evaluate college options, pledging to the Seminoles before his sophomore season. While offers eventually followed from schools such as Oklahoma, Alabama and Florida, this has the feel of an unwavering commitment more than two years into the longstanding pact.

Bleacher Report Analysis

When college coaches extend an offer to players as young as Parks was when he landed a scholarship from Florida State, there's always a sense of wonder whether he will fulfill potential and continue to maintain positive trajectory deep into high school. This Sunshine State native continues to alleviate concerns by checking off all the boxes as a burgeoning athlete who hasn't sacrificed coordination as his frame expands. 

More advanced as a run-stuffer (24/25) than penetrative pass-rusher, Parks shoots gaps with impressive power (23/25). He ditches offensive linemen by implementing quick handwork that seems to be noticeably more decisive than it was earlier in his career. He collected 85 tackles—11 for loss—and four sacks during the past two seasons, per MaxPreps.

6. 4-Star Aubrey Solomon

Credit: 247Sports

Height/Weight: 6'3", 305 lbs

High School: Lee County High School (Leesburg, Georgia)

Composite Ranking: No. 6 defensive tackle, No. 95 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 94/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Michigan

Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh continues to flex his recruiting muscles beyond Big Ten Conference territory, bagging a mid-June pledge from this Peach State playmaker. Aubrey Solomon, who spent time in Ann Arbor prior to his announcement, previously weighed options at Alabama, Auburn and Georgia. 

Bleacher Report Analysis

Solomon deserves to be a constant riser in this recruiting class because he's clearly worked at his craft despite early high school accolades. His pad level and overall technique are noticeably stronger than where they were when he first burst onto the scene as a prospect, providing an indication that Michigan landed an athlete who isn't close to reaching peak potential. 

Quickness and anticipation are Solomon's strongest assets at this stage, and he exploits seams along the offensive front without hesitation (23/25 explosive strength). His improving handwork (14/15) helps him gain separation with ample time to impede a ball-carrier's progress. If he can consistently play with lower pad level, expect Solomon to make strides as an interior pass-rusher.

5. 4-Star Greg Rogers

Credit: 247Sports

Height/Weight: 6'3", 305 lbs

High School: Arbor View High School (Las Vegas)

Composite Ranking: No. 5 defensive tackle, No. 90 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 94/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Arizona State, Michigan and USC

Greg Rogers dwindled a scholarship list of dozens down to six schools in May. Arizona State, Colorado, Michigan, Oklahoma, UCLA and USC made the cut, according to his announcement on RecruitDiaries.com.

The Trojans and Bruins are viewed as primary programs capable of drawing him West, but Oklahoma also looms large as a key contender. He plans to use all five official visits and announce a decision December 9.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Rogers is an every-down lineman who already possesses prototypical size for collegiate competition. His lengthy physique doesn't feature unnecessary weight, so further development in the training process will center on adding productive mass that can further fuel firepower off snaps.

He gives interior offensive linemen fits with explosive strength (23/25) augmented by shiftiness, but Rogers will often simply drive an opponent backward to disrupt the intent of an offensive backfield (24/25 run defense). His senior campaign included career-highs in tackles (64, including 17 for loss) and six sacks.

4. 4-Star Haskell Garrett

Credit: Student Sports

Height/Weight: 6'2", 298 lbs

High School: Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas)

Composite Ranking: No. 4 defensive tackle, No. 64 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 95/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State

Haskell Garrett provided Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer with another pivotal building block for his No. 1 overall recruiting class in February. He selected Ohio State over Notre Dame, Texas A&M, UCLA and several other schools.

Bishop Gorman High School teammate and blue-chip quarterback Tate Martell intends to join him in Columbus.

Bleacher Report Analysis

An alpha dog among alpha dogs for a national powerhouse program, Garrett goes to work with a businesslike demeanor. He doesn't take plays off (5/5 motor) and helps set the tone up front all season long while dealing with one of the nation's most difficult out-of-state schedules.

A combination of first-step burst (23/25 explosive strength) and proper pad level puts him in position to split double-team blocking efforts and surge into an offensive backfield prepared to fire through the ball-carrier.

Garrett can play the 3-technique in a four-man front or line up along the perimeter in a 3-4 scheme. His menacing presence is evidenced by monster production during the past two seasons (132 tackles—36.5 for loss—and 17.5 sacks).

3. 4-Star Jay Tufele

Credit: Student Sports

Height/Weight: 6'3", 297 lbs

High School: Bingham High School (South Jordan, Utah)

Composite Ranking: No. 3 defensive tackle, No. 47 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 95/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Michigan, Ohio State and Utah

Jay Tufele pointed to this trio of universities as top-level interests at The Opening during a conversation with Barton Simmons of 247Sports, though he doesn't anticipate a decision before national signing day. Since this process will seep deep into the cycle, expect West Coast programs such as USC, UCLA and Oregon to maintain contact.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Tufele, the top-rated recruit in Utah, stands out immediately due to his relentless motor (5/5). Even if he is initially beaten off the snap—a rare occurrence—his refusal to surrender is apparent in the way he battles back with tenacity that motivates teammates around him.

He implements impressive handwork to control the direction of an offensive lineman and disengages to quickly plow ahead for consistent tackling technique (15/15). Tufele, who tallied 114 tackles and 16 sacks these past two seasons, is significantly swifter in short space than many contemporaries who compete in the 300-pound range. 

2. 4-Star Tyler Shelvin

Credit: 247Sports

Height/Weight: 6'2 ½", 376 lbs

High School: Notre Dame High School (Lafayette, Louisiana)

Composite Ranking: No. 2 defensive tackle; No. 31 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 96/100

Recruitment Status: Committed to LSU

LSU landed a true 1-technique lineman in Tyler Shelvin, and since March 2015, he has been a solid commit. Shelvin also has schools such as Alabama and Texas A&M keeping an eye on him. LSU is hoping to hold on to his commitment, as he is a first-class run-stopper in the trenches. 

Bleacher Report Analysis

Shelvin has plug-and-play potential in short-yardage rush-defense situations as a college freshman. Stout and explosive (23/25) at the same time, he's a natural run-stuffer who wraps up and finishes tackles through the whistle (15/15).

A powerful lower body generates surprising burst that throttles interior linemen into their own backfield, and he uses fine footwork to disengage and hunt down ball-carriers. As he develops into a more dominant physical specimen, Shelvin projects as a nightmare of a matchup for undersized centers and guards.

1. 5-Star Marvin Wilson

Height/Weight: 6'4", 329 lbs

High School: Episcopal High School (Bellaire, Texas)

Composite Ranking: No. 1 defensive tackle; No. 3 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 97/100

Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Florida State, LSU and Texas

A self-proclaimed "Real-Life Goon," Marvin Wilson has been on the radar of multiple schools for a long time. Many are eyeing Texas and Texas A&M as front-runners in his recruiting process—assuming he stays in the state. LSU, Florida State and Alabama are three out-of-state programs to keep an eye on as Wilson continues to weigh his options. 

Bleacher Report Analysis 

Strong as a bull (24/25 power) yet agile for a large athlete, Wilson is unquestionably the No. 1 prospect at a position predominately down this cycle when compared to years past. This Lone Star State standout brings swagger to the trenches and could be heard inciting opponents after nearly every rep during drills at The Opening.

For the most part, he matches bravado with big-time production and appears capable of developing into a long-term anchor up front. Whether he's lined up in a classic 3-technique role or drops down into 1-technique nose guard duties, Wilson's handwork (15/15) and explosiveness set the stage for him to do damage as a pass-rusher (14/15) or run-stuffer (14/15).

He erupted as a menace early, tallying a total of 34 tackles for loss and 19 sacks during dominant freshman and sophomore seasons.