Central Coast Section: Returning Sack Leaders
The CCS is an extremely competitive section, especially within the WCAL that was loaded with 2021 talent across the region last season. In the 2021, 2022 and 2023 class, there are no shortages of prospects that can apply pressure from…
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Continue ReadingThe CCS is an extremely competitive section, especially within the WCAL that was loaded with 2021 talent across the region last season. In the 2021, 2022 and 2023 class, there are no shortages of prospects that can apply pressure from across the defensive line and second level. Here, we will break down some of the top returning pass rushers in the CCS that are poised to either break out this year or looking to defend their sack numbers from their monster 2019 seasons.
Ruben Manzanares-Gunderson HS
Coming off a 12+ sack season, the Gunderson High School standout applied pressure from mostly his edge position and showed a quick first step and good closing speed while collapsing the pocket. Winning with a tremendous effort and the ability to get off blocks in a hurry while gaining ground, he is poised for a break out Junior season. Projected as a FCS or D-II prospect, he could mold into a DPR guy at the next level as he continues to add on muscle/size through his final two years of high school.
Cody Bowers-Woodside HS
Bowers has ideal size for the position and plays with good explosion and heavy hands at the point of attack. With the ability to be over 250+ pounds at the next level and having a longer frame, he can develop into a low tier FBS or FCS player that has great natural bend around the edge and pass rush abilities with quick and active hand at the POA and a variety of pass rush moves at his disposal. Also able to convert speed to power quickly from his stance, Bowers can work inside and outside pass rush moves due to his lateral movement ability and patience in the middle of his rush. The 2021 prospect displays great closing/long speed and is strong against the run while playing his keys with good eyes and low pad level upon contact.
Tristan Hofmann-Half Moon Bay HS
Hofmann was the leader of one of the best small school teams in the entire state during the 2019 season and his team went toe to toe with the powerful Serra High School, and did not disappoint. Playing on both sides of the ball and never leaving the field. Hofmann is a true competitor and a tackling machine that can play sideline to sideline while very active in the pass rush from his linebacker position. A very smart competitor, He flashes quick play diagnosis while being able to track down ball carriers in the open field while taking good angles while bringing a good thump at the point of attack. A sure fire FCS level caliber player especially as he continues to put on more size, Hofmann is one of the top returning defenders in all of Norcal, not just the CCS.
Jake Ripp-Los Gatos HS
Another natural bender coming from his edge position with plus length and frame with the ability to continue to add muscle through out his high school career, Ripp is next in-line to be another great pass rusher from Los Gatos High School. On tape, he shows an explosive first step, and gets his hands on the chest of blockers in a hurry while understanding pass rush angles and where he is in the pocket. A very strong tackler that plays with good overall physicality, he wins with both power and speed from the 6-9 tech position and plays with tremendous effort. He should begin to see FBS and FCS interest come his way as he enters into his Spring Junior season for the Wildcats.
David Chavez Pena- Mountain View HS
Although a bit undersized for the position, Chavez makes up for it with technique and terrific effort, especially in pass rush situations. Able to collapse the pocket and get off blocks while athletic enough to two gap and apple pressure from the 0-9 tech position, he projects as a D-III prospect at the next level that can make an immediate impact on a program. Pena also does a good job at working counter moves and staying active through out his rush. Although a bit under-recruited, he should start to see college interest come his way as he enters into his Senior season for a talented Mountain View team with a lot of returning weapons.