Five Edge Rushers that Caught My Eye
We’re moving forward as I continue my series on players that caught my eye this fall. The feedback and engagement on this series has been awesome, so as always, if you have players you want me to evaluate don’t hesitate…
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Continue ReadingWe’re moving forward as I continue my series on players that caught my eye this fall. The feedback and engagement on this series has been awesome, so as always, if you have players you want me to evaluate don’t hesitate to direct message me on Twitter (@whelms21). If you missed the first three parts you can find them below:
Now, I’ll take a look at five edge rushers that impressed me this fall. I’m also releasing the interior linemen list, which you can find here.
Josh Iseah Josh Iseah 6'3" | 240 lbs | DL Independence | 2023 State NC , 6’2 220, 2023- Independence
Iseah burst on the scene as a sophomore in the spring and built on that and a strong offseason with an impressive fall. This year, Iseah showed his versatility. He still showed prowess as a pass rusher — following up his 6.5-sack spring with an 8.5-sack fall — but perhaps more impressively, he held his own as an off-ball linebacker as well. His pass coverage really impressed me. Coming into the year, the main question surrounding Iseah was positioning, and as a junior he proved he can excel in a variety of roles.
James Pearce James Pearce 6'5" | 210 lbs | DL Chambers | 2022 State NC , 6’5 220, 2022- Chambers
Pearce’s strong senior year really started in June when he finally had the chance to hit the camp circuit. Within a month, he’d landed offers from a slew of Power Five and Group of Five schools and his recruiting took off. Suddenly, a guy that had flown under the radar on the defending state champions was at the forefront of the conversation. He responded with a great season, excelling against the run and flashing as a pass rusher for Chambers. He’s about as athletic a player as you’ll find and should find his way into the defensive line rotation at Tennessee.
Jacorrey Bible Jacorrey Bible 6'3" | 190 lbs | DL Rolesville | 2022 State NC , 6’3 195, 2022- Rolesville
Always a productive player, Bible’s senior tape really impressed me this season. He played a hybrid-role, lining up often as a fifth defensive lineman or rushing the passer from a more off-ball role. He did feature some in pass coverage as well, picking off a pass 20 yards down the field and registered several other pass breakups. He’s a guy that could sneak under the radar and end up having a really productive college career.
Anthony Mebane Anthony Mebane 6'4" | 240 lbs | DL Southern Durham | 2023 State NC , 6’4 245, 2023- Southern Durham
Mebane is one of the most talented players in the state, regardless of position. He has a relentless motor and is long. He has great bend around the edge and showcases a wide arrange of pass rushing moves, leading to an absurd 33.5 sacks in his last 17 games. His football IQ and feel for the position continue to get better and he was able to bat down seven passes as a junior. Look for his recruitment to take off when he hits the camp circuit this offseason.
CJ Landrum CJ Landrum 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Hendersonville | 2024 State NC , 6’3 230, 2024- Hendersonville
Landrum absolutely looks the part of a top defensive end. Already, he has elite height and size for the position, with two more years until he graduates. He picked up eight sacks this season, thanks to a surprisingly advanced array of pass rushing moves. Landrum plays all along the defensive line, but thrives as a strongside defensive end, where I think his future lies. He’s definitely a guy to watch in the next few seasons.