Coach Ferrell’s Spring Preview: Gwinnett’s Rising Pass Rushers

Spring football season is here and it is an opportune time for teams to work out the kinks before the fall, establish new team leaders, and a great time for college coaches to recognize new talent. Gwinnett County is arguably one of the state’s toughest places to play, but unquestionably loaded with talent. Here are a couple of the county’s returning leading pass rushers who are top in sacks. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34064" first="Kayden" last="McDonald"] | 6’3’’ 280 lbs | Defensive Line | North Gwinnett High School | Class of 2023</strong> Mcdonald was named Gwinnett County Defensive Linemen of the Year last season, the 20th ranked overall player in the state, and 5th ranked Defensive Lineman in Georgia. He contributed to the Bulldogs defense with 19 sacks, 95 tackles, and 58 tackles for a loss. He has offers from Florida, TCU, Maryland ,Oklahoma, Texas A and M, and Auburn. &nbsp; <strong>Dion Crawford | 6’ 230 lbs | Linebacker | Collins Hill High School | Class of 2023</strong> Crawford earned 1st Team Junior All American, 1st Team All State, 1st Team All County, 1st Team All Region, and Gwinnett County Outside Linebacker of the Year honors last year. The junior LB was a key piece of Collins Hill’s 7A State Championship success, and finished the season with 14.5 sacks, 97 tackles, and 24.5 tackles for a loss. He currently holds offers from UAB, Buffalo, Pitt, Purdue, Arkansas, and Missouri. &nbsp; <strong>Jalen Smith | 6’2’’ 205 lbs | Linebacker | Grayson High School | Class of 2023</strong> Smith, a 2nd Team All Gwinnett County selection, led Grayson to a 10-4 season and a 7A State Semi- Final appearance before losing to eventual champion Collins Hill. The Rams’ junior Linebacker led the team’s defense with 10 sacks, 173 tackles, 14.5 tfls, and 13 hurries. He has offers from Vandy, UAB, Houston, Miami, Georgia Tech, Utah, Maryland, Louisville, and Oregon. &nbsp; <strong>Kevin Mitchell | 5’10’’ 195 lbs | Linebacker | Mill Creek High School | Class of 2023</strong> Mitchel was a key part of Mill Creeks defense that finished 11-2, made it to the State Quarter-Finals, and held eight of their opponents to 14 points or less. He was named 2nd Team All Region 8-7A, and contributed with 10 sacks, 58 tackles, and 8 tackles for a loss. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="320356" first="Tyler" last="Walton"] | 6’5’’ 240 lbs | Defensive Line | North Gwinnett High School | Class of 2023</strong> Walton is another dominant pass rusher in a lethal North Gwinnett defense. He won 2nd Team All Gwinnett County and All Region honors. The Bulldog pass rusher tallied a total of 8 sacks, 47 tackles, and 17 tackles for a loss. He is committed to Wake Forest, but also had offers from Western Kentucky, Arkansas St, Memphis, Duke, Vandy, Boston College, West Virginia, Coastal Carolina, Ga Southern, and Georgia State. &nbsp; <strong>Ravon Johnson | 6’4’’ 220 lbs | Defensive Line | Meadowcreek High School | Class of 2023</strong> Johnson is one of the key returners in a recharged Meadowcreek program. He earned All State Honorable Mention and 2nd Team All Region honors last season. The Mustangs Edge Rusher led the team with 7 sacks, 23 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, and can run a 4.6 in the 40 yard dash. His athleticism and production on the field has earned him offers from UAB, Bethune Cookman, East Carolina, Western Kentucky, Minnesota, Georgia St, West Virginia, Marshall, and Eastern Kentucky. &nbsp; <strong>Ben Claypole | 6’2’’ 220 lbs | Defensive Line | Lanier High School | Class of 2023</strong> Claypole was named to the All Gwinnett County team for his production last season. A 3 year varsity starter, the Longhorns’ Defensive Lineman finished his junior campaign with 7 sacks, 39 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, and 1 hurry. &nbsp; &nbsp;