Stock Risers: Five Pass Rushers Primed for a Breakout Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game of football has evolved to the point where even high school teams are passing the ball thirty-plus times a game. As a result, its crucial the opposing defense has a formidable pass rush that can consistently put pressure on the quarterback. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pass rushers are of the essence, especially in today's football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So without further ado, lets get to know five pass-rushers who are all primed for a breakout season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><br><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='266357' first='Mick' last='Graham'] | LB | Lake Forest '23</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">I'm a firm believer that Graham is one of the more underrated players on the defensive side of the ball in lake county. His versatility enables him to play as a conventional linebacker or an edge rusher. Gets going downhill and runs through the ball carrier. I expect Graham to be the anchor for the Scouts' defense this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353993' first='Kevin' last='Gaytan'] | DL | Chicago Academy '24</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Gaytan had a pretty productive sophomore season on varsity as he was able to pile up 61 tackles, 6 sacks, and 8 TFLs on Chicago Academy's defensive line. Plays the game with a mean streak and possesses the necessary strength to collapse a pocket. Relentless in the pursuit of his target and fills the gap with force.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Lincoln Adams | LB | Lake Zurich '24</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Adams was a sophomore varsity contributor and is certainly primed for a breakout season this fall. He's as sure of a tackler as they come and won't hesitate to lay the wood on his opponent. Has a good base and does a great job of exploding out of his stance. He moves well laterally and flashes the requisite footwork, allowing him to react to the offense and consistently make plays on the ball. Not to mention, he's more than capable of holding his own in coverage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Quentin Handy | DL | Zion Benton '23</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Handy is a pretty good athlete for a player his size who can win in the trenches with a combination of finesse and force. Is capable of collapsing the pocket and as a result, will probably command a double team more times than none this season. Bring good speed to the position as an interior lineman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Mckinley Dunigan | DL | Morgan Park '23</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Dunigan's agility and speed are what separate him from your average pass rusher. Has good track-down speed and excels in closing down on outside runs. He's disruptive, has a knack for getting into the backfield, and flashes great timing on his blitzes. He could very well be one of the more gifted pass rushers in Chicago's Public League.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->