Photo courtesy of TigerIllustrated.com
Manning defensive lineman Phillip Dukes has been a kid we've been watching for three years now. The 6-3, 295lbs tackle is a menacing force in the trenches for Coach Robbie Briggs' Monarchs and has dominated his opponents in every match up. His recruiting is still open, according to him, with Alabama, Clemson, North Carolina, and South Carolina still on his mind. The big man visited Clemson this past weekend and really didn't blow me away with is comments on the visit other than it was a "10 out of 10." Frankly, I think Chris Rumph's move to Alabama will impact Dukes' decision, giving South Carolina a slight edge for his services.
Dukes finished 2010 with 50 tackles, 15 for loss, 5 sacks, and 4 blocked kicks.
Defensive tackle is a position that has evolved as much as any at the college level. The type of defensive tackle a program looks for depends on whether it plays primarily a 4-3, which requires two tackles, or a 3-4, which requires one.
More teams play a 4-3 defense. Ideally, one of the defensive tackles is a two-gap-type run-stuffer. The other is a quick, inside penetrator. Quickness is very important at this position, and many defensive tackles are very successful pass-rushers because they play one-gap techniques and can put inside pressure on the quarterback.
Defensive tackles must be tough enough to mix it up inside and also stack and control the line of scrimmage. Quickness and explosion are the keys here, and one-gap, penetrating-type defensive tackles with some bulk coming out of high school are a sought-after commodity in recruiting.
In the 3-4 defense, the defensive tackle becomes a nose tackle and lines up over the offensive center. The qualities are the same, but he is usually a two-gap-type run-stuffer who can occupy two blockers on the inside and free the inside linebackers to make a lot of plays.
A player at the high school level at or above 290 pounds with athleticism and quickness will garner the most attention from college recruiters. Many players may enter college as defensive tackles but will make the transition to the offensive side of the ball and become outstanding offensive lineman.
| Jim Baxter's Evaluation of Phillip Dukes |
| Against run: Dukes is very strong at the point of attack. His strength and use of his hands enables him to ward off blockers easily. Pass rush: There is little doubt that Dukes is a power rusher. His compact frame and low center of gravity, combined with his strength, makes it difficult to block him with one man. He has demonstrated different rush techniques, but he is so dominate at the high school level that he rarely has to use them. He gets very good penetration. Pursuit: He's good pursuit, showing great effort and gets through the trash well. He has deceptive quickness to the outside. Tackling: Wraps up his tackles well, has a tendency to tackle high, though, probably due to his ability to get away with it at this level. Very punishing when he gets a clear shot at the ball carrier. Initial quicks: Very deceptive with his quickness; first glance at him and you wouldn't think so, but he has great feet and anticipates the snap well. Recognition: Has the ability to see blocks coming and has great instinct - finds the ball quickly. Neutralizing blocks: Dominating in one-on-one situations, uses his hands well to fight off double-teams, and anchors his territory well. |
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