Class of ’22 Pass Rushers to Know
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The 2019-2020 season featured a hand full of defensive lineman and outside linebackers who were at the top the stat board when it came to sacks in California. With these young men being all in the top 10 of sophomore…
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Continue ReadingThe 2019-2020 season featured a hand full of defensive lineman and outside linebackers who were at the top the stat board when it came to sacks in California. With these young men being all in the top 10 of sophomore sack list in the entire state last year, they all have received collegiate interest and will continue to receive more as their high school careers continue.
Caden Harman – 6’3, 240 lbs – Sierra Canyon – Junior
Twitter: @caden_harman
63 tackles, 9 tackles for loss and 12 sacks as a sophomore, Harman contributed mightily to Sierra Canyon’s 14-2 record. More of a finesse pass rusher, Harman looked a bit thin on tape which concerned me but after recently checking his social media, I noticed he has put on some good weight to compete and be more dominant. Using his hands constantly to go along with his speed allowed him to win one on one matchups. With his new found weight he can now be more versatile to using more power rush moves. Receiving a D1 offer from Columbia University this month, Harman has 2 more seasons left to develop and define his skills and become one of the top sack leaders in California as he was the #3 sophomore in the state in sacks.
Zack Mercado Zack Mercado 6'3" | 255 lbs | OL Vacaville Christian | 2022 State CA – 6’3, 255 lbs – Vacaville Christian – Junior
Twitter: @ZackMercado5
Receiving an offer from La Verne University this past January, Mercado had a whopping 119 tackles and 26 tackles for loss with 10 sacks last year. Lining up more so at the DT position, especially in a zero technique, Mercado was a problem for opponents as he disrupted blocks, made tackles in the backfield, and was a full effort player. Very good at the initial contact, had a good incline back posture when engaged which allows him to have leverage, and keeps his feet moving. After being impressed by his film, I do expect Mercado to receive more collegiate attention as his La Verne offer was his first.
Aubrey Scott Aubrey Scott 6'6" | 250 lbs | DL Leuzinger | 2022 State CA – 6’5, 250 lbs – Leuzinger – Junior
Twitter: @Aubrey_Scott17
Finishing First Team All Moore League as a sophomore, Scott is a long defensive end who received another D1 offer from UNLV in late February to go along with other offers from Utah, Arizona, Arizona State and Kansas. With 49 tackles, 9 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, Scott managed to not just be a force as a pass rusher but he also impacted other parts within the defense. Being disciplined to keep contain vs read option plays and his length allowed him to get his hands and arms up high to get in a quarterback’s vision and force errant throws stood out to me on film. Looking a bit raw still at the DE spot and needing some work being more physical, Scott has a lot more room to grow and develop with tons of potential, hence his D1 recognition. Transferring to Leuzinger from Compton High, look for Scott to be one of his area’s top defensive players.
Marshon Oxley Marshon Oxley 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Inglewood | 2022 State CA – 6’3, 215 lbs – Inglewood – Junior
Twitter: @MarshonOxley
Playing as a standup DE, Oxley’s get off, pursuit and motor to keep working throughout the ball was excellent. Receiving an offer from Arizona in September while also gaining interest from Colorado, UNLV, and Kansas, Oxley helped Inglewood High achieve a 12-1 record by registering 57 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 8 sacks in his sophomore season. A pure pass rush type of outside backer/defensive end who would be a good fit in a 3-4 system, has a very speed type build to him and has been putting in a lot of off-season work (which is seen on his social media) just like many players in California to get bigger, stronger and faster. Similar to Aubrey Scott Aubrey Scott 6'6" | 250 lbs | DL Leuzinger | 2022 State CA , Oxley has a lot more to develop to tune up his skills.
Treyton White – 6’2, 230 lbs – East Lake – Junior
Twitter: @TreyWhite28
With 8 sacks last season, White was interchangeable to putting his hand in the ground or being in a standup position as defensive end. A pretty good athlete that can bend decently to dip and work through offensive tackles, has solid speed for a pass rusher who is more twitchy than stiff, White has gained collegiate offers from schools such as Columbia University, Army, Arizona and Cal Poly.