2024 Game Changing Ends and Edge Rushers: HTown
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We will be focusing on the disrupters on the edge of the defense with this one. The players who can change an entire outcome with the play and pressures. We have found a gold mine of players in the Houston…
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Continue ReadingWe will be focusing on the disrupters on the edge of the defense with this one. The players who can change an entire outcome with the play and pressures. We have found a gold mine of players in the Houston area who need to be put in the spotlight. We have some players who’s names will be seen for the first time, and some guys who have some buzz around their names, but just know that all of them can make a huge impact on a game with their play! Get your list ready to write down some of these names!
Jonah-Ajonye is without a doubt a familiar name on this list and the game must be recognized. He is a straight up baller. The motor he shows, chasing down plays, the quickness off of the snap, and the length he shows on the field. His reach does not look real. Jonah-Ajonye can see everything when his arms are extended, keeping blocks off of him. His ability to read and react after the initial punch is extraordinary. He is quick with his first move and finds his way to the ball no matter what is in his way. Jonah-Ajonye can very easily change an outcome of a game with his skills and more importantly, his effort.
Christian Nwosu
Christian Nwosu
Nwosu was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His speed and ability to get the inside of tackles were a big contributor to his 17 sacks. Nwosu was able to set up his inside move with his get off and speed on the edge. He continuously got his shoulders turned and made his way to the quarterback with great effort. Nwosu generated pressure after pressure and helped his team out tremendously with his disruptive play. He finished the season with 88 tackles, 36 TFLs, 17 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles. The stats say it all.
Mainly a 3-4 end, Stephens can slide to the inside and dominate with his force as well. At 6’3, 260, Stephens can reset a line of scrimmage with his strength and uses his length well, keeping arms extended and pressing blocks off of him. He has a strong base that he uses well against double teams, creating piles at the line of scrimmage as well. His power pops on film and can just run through blockers in one on one situations. Stephens can easily find himself in the backfield, which led to his 25 TFLs last year.
Robert Graves
Robert Graves
Graves does a great job of setting the edge and not allowing anything on the outside. He has a strong initial punch and follows it with quick feet. Graves gets to the ball carrier in a flash after reading blocks and makes big plays in the backfield. Graves shows very good block shedding abilities, using his hands well and is aggressive when disengaging. He has a very good game to him and proved to be a huge piece to his defense last season.
Ramon Pernas
Ramon Pernas
Pernas has a good frame to him, standing 6’5 weighing 230 and he uses to his advantage. His length causes issues for blockers, not being able to get into his chest when he extends his arms. Pernas’ quickness around the edge gets him to quarterbacks in a hurry and his use of hands gets him around blocks to make plays in the backfield. His first punch sets up his speed move which results in many of his stops. Pernas plays to his strengths extremely well and you can see why he was a first team all district player. Look for him to pick up some more attention heading into next season.
CJ Anizor
CJ Anizor
Anizor made a name for himself by getting around the edge and having an endless pursuit to the quarterback. His long strides made it easy to hunt down the ball. Anizor showed good hips, opening them up as well as his shoulders to get by tackles with little resistance. He sets the edge to perfection, not allowing plays to get outside of him and maintains containment when needed. Anizor shows good awareness as well, redirecting his steps and making stops on plays going in the opposite direction. He shows much promise and can really breakout next season with the tools he already possesses.