Bay Area Disruptive Pass Rushers

There is some elite talent across the Bay coming off the edge this Fall, most of which are in the 2023 class. With both active outside linebackers and defensive ends spread out across multiple leagues across the region, there have been a few that have truly separated themselves. As we close out the season and head into the playoffs, we will highlight some of the Bay Areas sack leaders spread out across multiple sections.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   DE/OLB Gabriel Batres, Rodriguez HS   Batres has recently seen his recruitment pick up as he received offers from Valpo and Lincoln (Oakland) over the past week. He currently leads the Sac Joaquin section in sacks and is one of the best pass rushers across Northern California. Tallying up 15.5 sacks so far this season, he has been unblockable coming off the edge and shows a natural bend, first step explosion and violent hands at the POA with closing speed and physicality at the POA. Batres is a no brainer quality FCS edge player that is very technically sound already.   DE Austin Rogol, Saint Marys HS   Rogol is currently leading the NCS in sacks (Maxpreps) with 11 and has had a stellar start to the season. He is a long defensive end with a quick first step and covers ground quickly. At the POA, he has a few speed pass rush moves at his disposal and plays with a high motor. Still developing lateral movement/COD abilities, he is a raw player but has length and some untapped potential.   DT [player_tooltip player_id='384779' first='Malik' last='Richardson'], McClymonds HS   Richardson is one of the top interior DL across all of Norcal. He is very strong at the POA, plays with a strong base and heavy inside hand placement while creating immediate knock-back and locking out defenders. He is twitchy for someone his size, plays with a low hat and is athletic enough to two-gap and controls blockers well. He is currently at 8.5 sacks on the season and should be a 10-12 sack player by the time it's all said and done.   DE [player_tooltip player_id='406638' first='Jewelous' last='Walls'], Pittsburg HS   Walls is one of the most under-rated players across the section. Playing and being one of the impact defenders on a top team in the state, he has been very active this season and is versatile along the defensive line. He currently has 6 sacks and should be around 10 by the time the season is over.   DT [player_tooltip player_id='398425' first='Jericho' last='Johnson'], Armijo HS   Johnson is one of the higher ranked players across the Bay Area in the 2024 class and has nine offers from schools all over the country including Miami, Washington, Colorado and Cal, among others. He is another very twitchy and strong at the POA player that moves well for his size, shows closing speed and quick feet when getting off blocks with violent hands and some power pass rushing abilities. He has a rare combination of size and speed/quickness near the LOS and should be a multi-year starter at the P5 level.   DE Jesse Meyers, Cardinal Newman HS   Meyers is one of the top 2025 prospects across the entire Bay Area, and is coming off one of the best Freshman campaigns of any player around the region. He passes the initial eye-test at 6'3" and some change while weighing in at 235 pounds. He carries his weight well and is a relentless pass rusher with violent hands, natural bend off the edge and a long stride that closes quickly. He wins with both speed and power while able to counter underneath when needed and locks/sheds consistently in the run game. Currently with 5 sacks on the year, he is one of the top players across the North Bay region regardless of class.   Other Top Sack Leaders...   DE Kevin Wright, Lincoln-San francisco HS   DE [player_tooltip player_id='384801' first='RJ' last='Stephens'], Sacred Heart Prep HS   <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jaevon-reels/7zXG47pWpUiodmjjCqTAoQ/football/stats.htm">DL Jae'von Reels</a> Bellarmine HS   OLB Keith Brown, College Park HS   DE <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/justin-zegarowski/6HBIV83fEemAzfp8ouYFiw/football/stats.htm">Justin Zegarowski</a>, Acalanes HS

There is some elite talent across the Bay coming off the edge this Fall, most of which are in the 2023 class. With both active outside linebackers and defensive ends spread out across multiple leagues across the region, there have been a few that have truly separated themselves. As we close out the season and head into the playoffs, we will highlight some of the Bay Areas sack leaders spread out across multiple sections.