UA Next Camp Atlanta: Defensive linemen stock risers
CARROLLTON, Ga. – Defensive linemen typically walk away from camp settings ruling the day. Outside of a few exceptions, the Under Armour Next Camp at Carrollton High School (Carrollton, Ga.) was different. The trench hogs on the offensive side of the ball put up a good fight, but speedy and powerful ends and tackles helped the defense shine.
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Representing Hattiesburg High School (Miss.), Oatis jumped out of the gates hot. Going against a left guard, Oatis won his first two reps with ease using his hands and quick burst off the line. Being an undersized tackle did not slow Oatis down at all. Getting off the snap in a blink of an eye, the d-tackle gets into the chest of linemen putting the snap in his control. Oatis’ performance on Sunday earned him an invite to the UA Next All-America Game.
Although still somewhat under the radar among college scouts with 12 offers, Oatis has already landed some impressive opportunities. Alabama, Michigan, Texas, Texas A&M, Auburn, and Arkansas are among the schools on his offer sheet.
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The state of Alabama continues to produce amazing college football talents, and Jeremiah Beaman is part of the 2024 group making an impression. Coming off the edge, Beaman won his first two reps with ease using a swim move to slide past his counterpart on the first snap. Beaman has great size and a big wingspan getting his hands on offensive linemen to control the play. The extra little athletic twitch separates him from others.
Working towards 30 offers, Beaman will have his pick of schools when he wants to make his decision. Georgia and Clemson got Beaman on campus in January with a busy slate of visits happening this spring.
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Representing the state of Georgia’s 2025 class, London Merritt put his skills on display at end during the camp. His opening two-rep series had the opposing offensive tackle on his heels from the start going outside then in on the first snap for the victory with a switch on the second snap setting up going inside but moving to the outside for the sack.
Like him as a rush end, outside backer, or a hybrid, Merritt showed why he is already at the 30-offer milestone. The Woodward Academy product had a busy January accepting 17 offers.
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Another Alabama product had a strong showing but in the 2025 class in Jared Smith. In his first two series, Smith won all four reps. The Spain Park talent started off the one-on-one session for the entire defense setting the tone with an easy two-rep win.
Smith, a Rivals100 prospect, is nearing the 20-offer mark with Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, FSU, Tennessee, Miami, and LSU among the schools wanting him at the next level. The Florida Gators were successful in getting him on campus in January.
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The Mississippi talents on hand made a lot of noise at the camp, and Terrance Hibbler Jr. was one of them. Hibbler got nasty in the trenches at tackle using his burst off the snap to win his first two reps. Hibbler has tree trunks for legs and gets great extension with his hands putting offensive linemen on roller skates.
Few have seen their recruiting rise the way Hibbler has in the new year. Since Oregon dropped their offer on Jan. 11, the four-star has added 24 other new scholarships to choose from since.
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