Top 5 Impact Freshman Defensive Linemen

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(The following is Part Five of Josh Ward’s summer series ranking the Top 5 Impact Freshmen at each position.)

The same thing is always said about defensive linemen: “You can never have too many.”

Still, it’s rare that freshmen make instant impacts on the defensive line. They have to be physically advanced enough to matchup against NFL-ready linemen every week.

There likely won’t be any freshmen defensive linemen starting right away this fall, but plenty will be helping SEC defenses.

Here are five defensive linemen from the 2009 signing class that could make significant impacts this upcoming season.

1.  Montori Hughes — Tennessee

Hughes originally signed with UT in 2008 as an unknown defensive tackle. He earned an offer from the Vols after standing out at an all-star game following his senior season at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro. Hughes failed to qualify and has only enrolled this year. He (6-4, 312) arrived out of shape and the coaching staff questioned whether he could make it at this level, but he worked himself into shape before spring practice and made plays on the field. Hughes won’t start for UT, but he will be in the rotation because of his strong performance in the spring and the lack of depth at defensive tackle. Dan Williams is the only proven defensive tackle who returns for UT. Wes Brown is proven at defensive end and could help inside, but he’s better suited outside. Other players haven’t proven themselves on the field. Hughes’ best play will come after his freshman season, but we’ll see him on the field his first year in Knoxville.

2.  Gary Brown — Florida

Florida returns plenty of players on defense, including starting defensive tackles Lawrence Marsh and Terron Sanders. Brown won’t take their starting spots, but he’ll arrive in Gainesville planning to earn playing time. Brown (6-4, 275) was a high priority in Florida’s 2009 class. He committed to the Gators early before flirting with Florida State just before signing day.  The presence of Marsh, Sanders and other defenders with championship experience should help Brown settle into his own role. Last year, there was pressure on freshman Omar Hunter to be a difference maker at defensive tackle. Brown doesn’t have that expectation. He just needs to contribute, which he should be able to do this year.

3.  Chaz Sutton — South Carolina

Sutton helped himself by enrolling at South Carolina in January after spending the fall at Fork Union Military Academy. Sutton (6-3, 243) finished the spring holding one of the second-string spots at defensive end. He won’t take a spot away from veterans Cliff Matthews or Clifton Geathers, but Sutton could find himself in a starting role if one of those two players goes down with injury. Sutton has an advantage by entering South Carolina with a ready-to-play body. Most defensive ends are converted linebackers or skinny pass rushers who don’t know how to play against skilled, physically developed offensive tackles. Sutton should be physically prepared to play, and his time at prep school allowed him to gain maturity that most true freshmen don’t possess. South Carolina is hungry for young players who can help right away. Sutton is one of them.

4.  Chris Davenport — LSU

I would have put Davenport higher on this list if I felt more confident that Davenport will see playing time right away. He is probably the highest ranked defensive tackle in the 2009 class, but new defensive coordinator John Chavis said recently the incomers won’t be expected to make big impacts right away. Still, Davenport (6-4, 318) is too big and too talented to not play right away. LSU fans are hoping Davenport is the next Glenn Dorsey. Al Woods and Drake Nevis are the starting defensive tackles, but the Baton Rouge faithful are skeptical of them and hope Davenport will get a shot to take their spots (if they struggle). Davenport will have competition from other newcomers in the 2009 class. Freshman Josh Downs and junior college transfer Akiem Hicks will push for playing time as well, so Davenport can’t step on campus expecting a spot to be handed to him. But I expect him to earn one.

5.  Craig Drummond — Ole Miss

Ole Miss fans were elated to pull this Chicago native away from Illinois. Drummond (6-5, 260) could move inside on the defensive line, but he enters with experience at defensive end. One reason he chose Ole Miss was the promise that he could play early as a freshman. Drummond is in a similar situation to Brown. Ole Miss returns a lot of talent on the defensive line, which means Drummond won’t be asked to come in and be a difference maker.  Teams can never have too much depth, and Drummond as a reserve defensive end could be a valuable asset for Ole Miss. The Rebels will suffer injuries at some point. Starting defensive end Greg Hardy is coming off foot surgery and played through injuries during his junior season. Ole Miss is better off with Hardy on the field, but Drummond would be a nice insurance policy if the talented Hardy goes down.