Edge Rusher Breakout Candidates

<em><strong>Below are some players that had solid Junior seasons but have really improved their stock over the off-season and are poised to have monster 2022 seasons. </strong></em> <hr /> &nbsp; <em><strong>DE [player_tooltip player_id="336868" first="Matyus" last="McLain"], Priest River HS 2023</strong></em> McLain has put together a very productive off-season and has the physical traits to be a division one edge defender. He has been very consistent through the camp circuit this off-season and has freaky athleticism and impressive explosiveness near the line of scrimmage. He is a natural bender off the ball that can flip his hips and flashes a quick use of hands against athletic tackles. McLain shows a relentless motor when pursuing backside and understands his gap responsibilities while also able to win with inside moves. In the run game, he plays with a low pad level and can get underneath blockers while keeping them away from his chest. It should not be long until more FCS and even some FBS schools make a move on the raw but talented pass rusher. &nbsp; <em><strong>DE [player_tooltip player_id="336884" first="Kall" last="Renner"], Eagle HS 2023</strong></em> Renner is a bit undersized but makes up for it with his motor, toughness and immediate knock-back at the POA. Off the ball, he plays with a low pad level and shows a good initial punch with the ability to split double teams and reach blocks to maintain gap control. In the open field, he shows solid lateral movement abilities when tracking down ball carriers and uses a few different pass rush moves when attacking off the edge. Technically sound and very active in both the run and pass game, Renner will be one of the more impressive defensive players the region has to offer in 2022. &nbsp; <strong><em>DE [player_tooltip player_id="336934" first="Camden" last="DeGraw"], Coeur d’Alene HS 2024</em></strong> DeGraw has the abilities to be a big time edge prospect coming out of Idaho in the 2024 class. At 6’5 and some change, he has the ideal frame and build to be a big time defensive end at the college level. Still developing his fundamentals from the defensive and position, he has a relentless motor and good length at the point of attack while showing an active use of hands and the ability to quickly reset the line of scrimmage in run game with inside hand placement and a lockout. DeGraw is very athletic for his size and can track down faster ball carriers by taking good angles and closing quickly. &nbsp; <strong><em>DE Kaesen Smith, Skyline HS 2025</em></strong> Smith is a still developing player but will be a dominant force for years to come on this defense. He has a relentless motor and is twitchy at the top of his rush while showing some good strength at the point of attack, especially for his age. He shows that he can quickly collapse the pocket and is a sure tackler in the box and is able to quickly get off blocks and shoot his hands inside in a hurry. As he continues to develop he will only add to his pass rushing tools and will definitely be a name to watch during the 2022 season within the 2025 class.