Top 10 C/O 2022 pass rushers in Southern Section (part 2)

While there are still some late signings coming in for the class of 2021, it’s time to look deeper into the class of 2022. The Southern Section features more schools than any other sections in the state. It features some of the top private schools in the nation (Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, Servite) and public schools (Centennial/Corona, Mission Viejo, Sierra Canyon). Below is a list of the top pass rushers in the Southern Section in the class of 2022. Keep in mind, film is limited on many players in the 2022 class because they have not yet played a junior season. Some of these players are defensive linemen, some are outside linebackers and some are excellent inside backers. The list is based on quality of sophomore film, offseason reports and upside. Part 1 of the story featured the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/02/top-10-c-o-2022-pass-rushers-in-southern-section-part-1/">players ranked No. 6-10</a>. <strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id="25255" first="Mathias" last="Malaki-Donaldson"], Oaks Christian, Westlake Village</strong> Donaldson transferred to Oaks Christian from Narbonne (Harbor City) last January. He has grown an inch and put on about 15 pounds this offseason and has improved his agility and footwork. He can line up as a wide-nine technique, play on the strong or weak side. He reads the run very well but has good outside pass rush moves and speed to get in the backfield. Donaldson has 10 offers including Arizona State, Colorado, Florida State, LSU, Michigan State and Tennessee. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12882212/Mathias-MalakiDonaldson">Hudl link</a></strong></em> https://twitter.com/IonaCoach/status/1358620329950597130?s=20 <strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="25246" first="Sterling" last="Lane"], Oaks Christian, Westlake Village</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Lane is 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds and doubles as a defensive end and tight end. He overmatched a lot of players in the Olympic League and Division 12. He has great speed off the edge and a really good club move to get outside. He has had a good offseason and has improved his stock. He transferred to Oaks Christian from Maranatha of Pasadena and will get a chance to show he can play against elite competition. Lane has 14 offers including Arizona State, Colorado, LSU, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah.</span> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11684525/Sterling-Lane">Hudl link</a></strong></em> <strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="25241" first="Dejon" last="Roney"], Etiwanda, Rancho Cucamonga</strong> Roney is the last interior defensive lineman on the list. He lines up in the three-technique and has elite strength and often tosses around guards on film. He is 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds and will likely also be a three-technique at the college level. He had 89 tackles and six for a loss as a sophomore last season. Roney isn’t a speed demon but he isn’t slow like most high school players at his size. He has 12 offers including Arizona State, Colorado, Miami, Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee and USC. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11694001/DeJon-Roney">Hudl link</a></strong></em> https://twitter.com/The48era/status/1227413367989530624?s=20 <strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="25234" first="David" last="Bailey"], Mater Dei, Santa Ana</strong> This may be a controversial pick at number two because he is the best football player on this list. But the list is the best pass rushers, not the best player. Bailey is 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds and plays outside linebacker, often lining up on the line of scrimmage in Mater Dei’s 3-4 defense. He is too fast for left tackles and his closeout speed to the ball carrier is elite. Bailey had 21 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble as a sophomore for one of the top defenses in the state. Bailey has 10 offers including Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, UCLA and USC. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9599170/David-Bailey">Hudl link</a></strong></em> https://twitter.com/SaddlebackStre1/status/1303524355649880064?s=20 <strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="25245" first="Nathan" last="Burrell"], St. John Bosco, Bellflower</strong> Burrell is a defensive end and has one of the best club moves I’ve ever seen. He is 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds but plays like a guy who is three inches taller. He bats down passes, gets around the edge quickly and has the strength to not get pushed around by even elite left tackles. Burrell is the second highest ranked defensive end in the state behind [player_tooltip player_id="25239" first="Gracen" last="Halton"] of St. Augustine (San Diego) according to 247Sports and the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/california/rankings/2022-rankings/">No. 23 overall prospect in the state</a> according to Prep Redzone. He stands out on film when you watch St. John Bosco’s defense and that is saying something considering the amount of Division 1 talent on that roster. Burrell has offers from Arizona State, Miami, Michigan, Oregon, USC and Utah. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12331226/Nathan-Burrell">Hudl link</a></strong></em> https://twitter.com/prepzone/status/1201026132708978688?s=20