Minnesota’s top returning pass rushers – Volume One
Last week I highlighted some of the top returning pass-catchers in Minnesota. This week, my focus jumps to the other side of the ball and the guys who make it tough for quarterbacks to find those receivers. Here is a…
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Continue ReadingLast week I highlighted some of the top returning pass-catchers in Minnesota. This week, my focus jumps to the other side of the ball and the guys who make it tough for quarterbacks to find those receivers. Here is a breakdown of some of the top returning sack masters from last year. All of the guys in my next two stories took down at least half a dozen quarterbacks last fall.
Auvon Sager Auvon Sager 6'5" | 240 lbs | DL MPLS North | 2023 State MN Minneapolis North DL
Sager uses his upper body strength and length well to get just enough separation to get around the corner from his defensive end spot. His upper body strength, combined with good speed, makes him an effective edge rusher. He uses his outside rush to set up an effective inside move that shows his quickness and strength. He is a controlled pass rusher. Sager transitions from rushing the passer to breaking down and playing the run effectively and plays draws and screens well. His length and upper body also allow him to get off blockers against the run and take on double teams.
Ian Burau Becker DL
Burau’s pass rush moves jump off his highlight package instantly. His swim move and his spin move are technically very sound. He is quick off the line of scrimmage and his agility – combined with his physical strength – makes him difficult to deal with when rushing off the edge or taking an inside pass rush route. His punch off the line of scrimmage gives him good separation and allows him to play both the run and the pass. As a 3-4 defensive end, his responsibilities include keeping offensive linemen off his linebackers. Even with those responsibilities, he was still one of the top pass rushers in the state.
Cooper Ochsendorf Cooper Ochsendorf 5'11" | 185 lbs | LB Maple River | 2023 State MN Maple River LB
First of all, Ochsendorf is an impressive athlete. The first linebacker on this list, Ochsendorf, checks all the boxes just going off his frame. He has prototypical size for an outside linebacker who can get after the passer but can also handle the other responsibilities of playing linebacker. He has an explosive first step once he commits to either attacking the passer or a ball carrier. Many times, when blocked, he delivers the first and more effective blow – allowing him to stand up blockers and work around and through them. His speed and footwork give him great lateral movement and keep him in most plays – even when he tracks plays down from behind.
Ethan Kramer Ethan Kramer 6'1" | 210 lbs | OL Rochester Mayo | 2023 MN Rochester Mayo DL
Kramer is a physical defensive lineman who can play both inside and outside. He has good speed to play on the outside but is strong enough and has low enough hips to take on double teams on the inside. Kramer has a quick first step and once he sheds his blocker, what jumped off his highlight package was his excellent closing speed. His upper body strength allows him to get off blockers even when he doesn’t get good arm extension. His low hips and ability to get under blockers’ pads and explode up complements his upper body strength.