Prospect Dive: Elite Edge Rushers
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With the state producing some of the best pass rushers from across the country most years with the likes of Jayden Wayne Jayden Wayne 6'5" | 240 lbs | DL Lincoln | 2023 FL , Here we will take a…
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Continue ReadingWith the state producing some of the best pass rushers from across the country most years with the likes of Jayden Wayne Jayden Wayne 6'5" | 240 lbs | DL Lincoln | 2023 FL , Here we will take a deeper look into some other top tier pass rushers that will look to find their college home in the coming months and who are bound to have huge 2022 Fall seasons for their respective teams.
Isaiah Patterson, Yelm HS
Patterson is an elite edge rusher with the ideal length in the upper body and natural athleticism to play at the power five level as a stand up defender. He plays with active hands off the snap and understands run fits and responsibilities with containment and closing in on quarterbacks while doing a nice job at using his length to keep blockers away from his chest. When rushing the passer, he has an elite first step and bends quickly while able to turn his hips and shoulders at the proper aim point and close quickly with a precise use of hands. In space, he moves well laterally and can even cover if needed downfield which makes him versatile in a 3-4 scheme.
Jayden Wells Jayden Wells 6'2" | 265 lbs | DL Mount Si | 2024 State WA , Mount Si HS
Wells is a bigger bodied defensive end that can kick inside at the next level or even play a strong-side defensive end, depending on the scheme. On tape, he shows elite first step explosion and shoots violent hands quickly and establishing inside placement in a hurry while creating immediate knock-back and resetting the LOS. Able to violently get off blockers and counter when needed in the run game, Wells is extremely physical and unblockable at times while being one of the top 2024 defensive lineman across the state. Not just a run stopper, he has some twitch when using speed/inside pass rush moves and can flip his hips and collapse the pocket quickly. A no brainer P5 multi-offer prospect.
Jabez Tuaoa Jabez Tuaoa 6'2" | 230 lbs | LB Kentwood | 2024 State WA , Kentwood HS
Only a rising Junior, Tuaoa is a very well put together hybrid rush end/linebacker that can play multiple positions extremely well. On film, he is stout against the run and takes on blockers with a good initial shock and hand placement while creating knock-back on the edge and is a mismatch against blocking tight ends as he wins with power and pad level. When closing, he is downhill and tackles well in space while bringing a good pop upon contact. Although still working on his speed, he tracks ball carriers quickly and has some natural instincts that allows him to diagnose plays fast and close. Tuaoa will be one of the most productive linebackers/edge rushers the state has to offer as he moves through high school.
Kateo Faaiu, North Creek HS
Faaiu holds one FBS offer from Nevada and has the tools to rack up more offers as we move into the Spring and into his Senior year. Off the ball, he is explosive in the short area and a very physical pass rusher that wins with power moves and a strong strike with inside hand placement and solid leg drive through blockers. Very active and possessing a high motor, he can track down ball carriers backside and sells out in the open field when making tackles. In his speed rush progression, he shows some nice twitch, body control and active feet while able to use his hands and bend off the edge.