Top Edge Pass Rushers: Incoming Juniors 2024

The collegiate and professional realms are obsessed with having great edge rushers. For a good reason, defensive ends play a pivotal role by affecting the game by forcing 4th down situations, ultimately leading to turnovers on downs. These sophomores played a crucial role in helping their teams with these situations. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>Marvin McClinton</strong> - 6’ 0"/ 219lbs - TE/DE - Muncie Central I’ve preached before that hands and extension can make or break a defensive lineman. Marvin is another key example of how this can lead to success. The film doesn’t lie, and his film shows flashes of disengaging and hustle. Marvin has a remarkable ability to get his hands on blockers and shed them off to make plays in his gap or the gap adjacent. Being young, Marvin does have a higher pad level than what’s preferred, but his consistently extended arms and hand usage keep him from losing ground. Overall, he shows the hustle and a knack to get to the ball, whether an outside zone run, an inside dive, or a drop-back pass. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="293668" first="Mj" last="Campbell"]</strong> - 6’0"/ 206lbs - DE/OLB - Perry Meridian Quick and instinctive are two words that describe MJ’s style of play. He is all over the field, causing fumbles and taking names. But seriously, he has the motor that collegiate teams want. For just being a sophomore, he was very productive during his time on the field. Racking up five sacks and two forced fumbles is a good achievement. MJ has a significant change of direction which allows him to adjust to plays such as a quarterback read-option where he can read the mesh, plant his foot in the ground, and sprint outside on the QB keeper. His motor and speed are vital contributors to his production. &nbsp; <strong>Arty Bryant</strong> - 6’2"/ 210lbs - DE - Carmel Aggressive, quick, intuitive, and intense. Arty is a very explosive athlete; it is very evident he has elite power with how he moves offensive lineman. Playing at the 6A level, he is going against a big and robust lineman each game he plays. He leads with his hands which is necessary to be a great defensive lineman. He fires off the line every passing situation, not only getting sacks but affecting the quarterback’s decision-making by getting in his face quickly. He works his hands very well in pass-rush situations, clearing the offensive lineman’s hands off, and getting through running backs on the second effort. &nbsp; <strong>Braxton Strong</strong> - 6’3"/ 200lbs - WR/DE - Peru Braxton has plenty of versatility to his game. He is a receiver, but he lines up inside the box as a tight end and blocks. It isn’t very often that you have a receiver who can also play defensive end. Braxton lines up inside as a defensive tackle and an outside linebacker back off the line. With my experience in football, this screams football IQ. He has an excellent intuition when feeling the movement of the line and falling into the proper place at the right time. His ability to get the quarterback is due to efficiency and decision-making. Being a sophomore and wearing so many hats is very impressive. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="323933" first="Brady" last="Wolf"]</strong> - 6’2"/ 190lbs - DE - Fishers Fast, Brady plays extremely fast. I haven’t seen many sophomores who play with his speed that this kid does. He has a pick-six that shows his ability to run; although he is young, he can move very well. Brady runs down plays with the best of them. There is no quit from snap to whistle, which is a coach’s dream. Bending when rushing around the corner and mirroring the throwing hand of the quarterback are some skills that transcend edge rushers from average to great; Brady has film that shows he can do both. Like most promising players, he uses his hands well, encouraging to see in a young player. &nbsp;