Minnesota’s top returning pass rushers – Volume Two

Minnesota&#8217;s top returning pass rushers &#8211; Volume Two

Brian Jerzak

June 5, 2022 @ 11:13 AM

In part two of my breakdown of some of the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/06/minnesotas-top-returning-pass-rushers-volume-one/">top returning pass rushers</a>, I highlight various styles of pass rushers. I look at defensive ends, both inside and outside linebackers, and a tight end/defensive end who is one of the best athletes I have seen on tape and in person since former number two ranked prospect in the nation and NFL draft pick - Seantrel Henderson. [player_tooltip player_id="245478" first="Jaylin" last="Reese"] East Ridge In the first thirty seconds of Reese’s highlight package, he does almost everything you need from a dominant defensive end. First, he uses a swim move to blow by the offensive tackle. Second, he uses his hands and arm extension to get off a block and run down the quarterback for a sack. Then, Reese didn’t get too far up-field, broke down, and made a tackle for loss. He used explosiveness and speed off the line of scrimmage to beat the tackle cleanly around the corner. Finally, Reese strung out a run to the outside by keeping the blocker off his body and using his quick feet to get down the line of scrimmage and prevent the running back from getting the corner. [player_tooltip player_id="19001" first="Jaxon" last="Howard"] Robbinsdale Cooper Howard’s college future is likely at tight end, but he is a problem in high school on defense. He has an elite first step coming out of his stance at defensive end. His speed around the corner is too much for all but the most elite pass protectors in the state. It goes without being said; with that speed, offenses can’t leave him unblocked when running away from him. He even runs plays down thirty yards downfield. Howard uses his hands well to get off blocks and shows his football IQ by not being over-aggressive and overrunning draws and traps. [player_tooltip player_id="312923" first="Nolan" last="Israelson"] Andover Israelson is at his best when he is attacking the line of scrimmage from his inside linebacker position. He has an explosive first step and comes downhill with purpose. When blitzing, he is too physical for most running backs who try to pass protect. He uses his quickness more than physicality when dealing with offensive linemen but is still strong enough to take on bigger opponents. Not just a straight-ahead, between the tackles linebacker, Israelson can play sideline to sideline with straight-line speed and lateral speed. Nehemiah Ponder Robbinsdale Cooper Although Ponder is one of the top returning sack leaders, he is much more than a one-trick pony at outside linebacker. He has good feet and instincts in pass coverage. As a pass rusher, Ponder is quick off the edge but has the football IQ not to overcommit to a pass rush and get burned around the corner with the running game. When coming off the edge, he breaks down and changes his angle fluidly when his read changes from pass to run. He keeps his pad level low when squaring up to make a tackle and has sound tackling fundamentals.