The Five: #TN2023 Best Pass Rushers

Getting after the quarterback is a premium trait that college coaches strive to find and below are some of the best pass rushers that we have to offer from the great state of Tennessee for the in-state 2023 class. 1. (DE/Edge) [player_tooltip player_id="102249" first="Caleb" last="Herring"] (6’6 215) - Riverdale <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-306494" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/cherring-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> - Herring is a national recruit and the #1 ranked prospect overall by #PRZTN and a lot of that is due to his size, length and ability to play the edge. The Warriors star defender is one of the fastest and most athletic edge prospects in this class and shows on the film the upside to develop into a sack master on the collegiate level. Herring hasn’t produced the sack numbers yet in the high school ranks that you would think he would have but that’s due to his versatility and competition. The game tends to flow for Herring towards dropping in coverage and stopping the run on consistent basis but when given the chance, he can rush upfield with the best of them. This is the kind of talent that could explode with sack numbers on the next level as he will have other talented players alongside him taking up blocks and freeing him up to get after the quarterback. Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14012357/61210386c11b900b74610c02">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14012357/61210386c11b900b74610c02</a> College Projection: Power Five   2. (DE/Edge) [player_tooltip player_id="234967" first="Desmond" last="Lockett"] (6’5 230) - Karns - College coaches or scouts may not know too much right now about Lockett but let me tell you that this guy could be the best pure pass rusher in this state. The first thing you notice when watching this East Tennessee product on film is his quick 1st step and ability to bend around the corner. Lockett is an athletic guy with an agile lower body and the arm length to give offensive tackles fits along with the range to drop into coverage if needed. This is a multi talented edge defender that still has work to do when it comes to developing his body and enhancing his overall craft but the upside and potential is definitely there. Lockett has yet to receive his 1st offer and most of that is due to his grades but he is working hard to get those right. This could be a breakout star in the making, especially as he works the camp scene this summer and allows coaches to see and work with him in person. Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16246210/6243ad09f31e380ecc4ca5b4">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16246210/6243ad09f31e380ecc4ca5b4</a> College Projection: Power Five, D1   3. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="150344" first="Nathan" last="Robinson"] (6’5 245) - Greenbrier <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-324227" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/nrobinson-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> - Recently committed to Tennessee, Robinson is a big, burly guy who shows on the film the ability to get after the quarterback but also play stout against the run, so this Bobcats senior brings a lot to the table when it comes to finding an edge defender. One of the biggest traits that stand out to me about Robinson is his hand usage and mature outlook when it comes to getting after the quarterback. He understands how to use his hands while also showing nice bend to get around the tackle. Robinson plays a physical brand of football, so he doesn’t mind using the bull rush or fighting through the block because his motor stays high and he just simply enjoys finding the ball and punishing his opponent. This future SEC defensive end does need to keep working on his overall athleticism and keep adding tools to his bag but Robinson is a steady performer that could develop into a every down starter during his time in Knoxville. Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13173730/618d989f1600b60330505a9e">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13173730/618d989f1600b60330505a9e</a> College Projection: Power Five, D1   4. (DE) [player_tooltip player_id="102196" first="Taeshawn" last="Clark"] (6’3 260) - Kenwood <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-321420" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/taeclark-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> - Clark is one of the more underrated talents from the in-state 2023 class and he is a guy that I feel could come in next Fall and compete for immediate playing time and that’s due to his ability to get after the quarterback. This Clarksville area defender is one of the best combo defensive end prospects we have as he has the ability to chase down the quarterback but also play strong against the run. He is well built with a broad shouldered, physical frame and the long arms to give offensive tackles problems. Clark is also a high motor guy that plays hard on a consistent basis, so you can bet that he will give you at least one sack a game due to his relentless effort. Recruiting has been off and on for Clark thus far as he holds one offer from EKU and interest from many others. I fully expect his offer sheet to grow after he proves in camps this summer his ability to rush the backfield but also set the edge very well against the run. Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12803056/618dbeb6578ddb0a14806e06">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12803056/618dbeb6578ddb0a14806e06</a> College Projection: D1, FCS   5. (DE/Edge) [player_tooltip player_id="102279" first="Jason" last="Manaker"] (6’3 220) - Maryville - Buzz is starting to build on the recruiting trail for this East Tennessee edge rusher and that’s because Manaker is one of the fastest off the edge that we have in this state and he is still far from a finished product. The Rebels senior defender shows a burst about him on film that offensive tackles have a hard time stopping and once he gets into open space, Manaker turns on the burners and gets to the quarterback quickly. This guy fits the bill for today’s edge prospects as he has the height, length and lower half bend that translates well to the collegiate level but he is still waiting for that opportunity to prove it. Manaker is a guy that will have to hit the camp scene hard this summer and prove his worth as a guy that can chase down the quarterback on a consistent basis and I think he will do just that, adding those elusive offers. The best is yet to come for Manaker and this senior season could finally show that potential to sack the quarterback that you see on film and in camp. Junior Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11370105/61db210396815a053840298e">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11370105/61db210396815a053840298e</a> College Projection: D1, FCS Five Others to Know: (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id="157393" first="Isaac" last="Oglesby"] - Riverdale, (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102170" first="Chase" last="Adams"] - Knox. Central, (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="169167" first="Dallin" last="Steele"] - Station Camp, (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102237" first="Mason" last="Green"] - Ravenwood, (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102270" first="Jalian" last="Lee"] - Sheffield