Defensive Ends Shooting the Gap in 2022
In an age of football where offenses are overflowing with weapons, defenses are having to adapt and overcome rather quickly. While adapting to this style of play, we have seen the defensive end position (particularly the edge rusher) become more…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIn an age of football where offenses are overflowing with weapons, defenses are having to adapt and overcome rather quickly. While adapting to this style of play, we have seen the defensive end position (particularly the edge rusher) become more and more popular. Young men are fine tuning their pass rush skills at an early age. These young men are big, they are fast, and they are mean. Waiting and ready to take on any challenge in front of them, especially offensive lineman. Here we will take a look at some of these young men looking to inflict fear in the eyes of their opponents in 2022.
Damian Johnson #56 DE c/o ’24
Crossett Eagles
Crossett, AR
Damian Johnson is a 6’1″ 255lb force to be reckoned with. While playing on the offensive line, I feel that Johnson is best served as a defensive end. Damian has great length and power, using his 395lb squat to blow the opponents off of the line. This young man is ruthless when he hits the gap, and deceptively quick. While sometimes lining up at defensive tackle, Damian has all of the raw tools to make some noise at defensive end. The Eagle’s defense is positioned for a successful 2022 season.
Kyrone Sims #51 DE c/o’23
Watson Chapel Wildcats
Pine Bluff, AR
Quick off of the line, good hand technique, strong, and fast; these are all qualities that a good edge rusher needs to possess. At 6’2″ 235lbs, Sims has those qualities. Watching his film, I was taken back by his explosive speed off of the line. Sims’ anticipation when it comes to snap count is outstanding. Not to mention, his motor never ends; he stays with every play. Kyrone has great hand technique as well, man handling offensive lineman like they are weightless. The measurables are there, now let’s see Kyrone go out there and help the Watson Chapel Wildcats have success in 2022.
Dedrick Bornds #66 DE c/o ’24
Valley View Blazers
Jonesboro, AR
Dedrick Bornds is a long, lean tackling machine. At 6’2″ 200lbs Bornds’ awareness of the play while happening is very, very good. Dedrick has good anticipation and uses his length to his advantage making tackles seem effortless. The play is never dead in Bornds’ mind, the motor keeps going and the feet keep moving. His 5.0 second 40-yard dash makes him a major threat when having to run down an opponent. The tape on Dedrick is fun to watch. Bornds is ready to show out and help lead the Valley View Blazers to success in 2022.
John Parkinson John Parkinson 6'2" | 210 lbs | DL Fort Smith Southside | 2024 State AR #89 DE/OLB c/o ’24
Southside Mavericks
Fort Smith, AR
John Parkinson John Parkinson 6'2" | 210 lbs | DL Fort Smith Southside | 2024 State AR is deceptively quick, he has long arms, and he has good awareness. His 6’2″ 215lb frame, as well as his 4.8 second 40-yard dash makes him a major threat to opposing offenses. He hits hard, and he follows through with every tackle. Parkinson lines up at defensive end, and sometimes outside linebacker and has success at both spots. Quick off of the line, there are some plays on his tape where he gives the opponent no chance to even get started. Parkinson and the Mavericks defense are looking to impose their will on the opponents in 2022.