2026: Elite Pass Rushers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These four pass rushers may have just been freshmen, but they shined on their respective defensive lines in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720482' first='Dreysen' last='Afuvai'] || DL || 6'1 || 200 || Westlake High School || 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Afuvai explodes off the snap to create havoc in the backfield. He plays with a restless motor that helps him make tackles downfield. Afuvai takes great pursuit angles, and if skill position players aren't careful, he will blast them from behind when they least expect it. He could be five yards upfield engaged with an offensive lineman, but when he sees the balls released, he turns and sprints to make a play for his team. In addition, he possesses elite strength and would stand out against some of the state's toughest competition while competing in Region 4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284189' first='Cole' last='Branan'] || DL || 6'1 || 170 || Mountain RIdge High School || 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Branan uses his hands like a four years starter, not a player who just concluded his first season of high school ball. He's a good athlete who displays impressive bend around the edge. Brana can rip through offensive lineman's arms or use his hands to defeat their initial punch. In addition, the Sentinels freshmen possess a quick spin move he uses to decimate offensive linemen. He can spin inside or out and does a good job recognizing when an offensive lineman is oversetting. Brana's speed off the edge will make him a sack threat every time he takes the field for the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402741' first='Crew' last='Baxter'] || DL || 6'3 || 210 || Wasatch High School || 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baxter is a powerful pass rusher who can go through or around offensive linemen. He fires off the ball low and does a good job gaining and maintaining leverage. Baxter gets into offensive lineman's chest to push them around in both the run game and when rushing the quarterback. He is relentless in each of his rushers and doesn't stop chasing quarterbacks until he hears the whistle. If an offensive lineman opens up an inside gap, Baxter has the quickness to shoot through it and disrupt the pocket. In addition, Baxter is a strong tackler who doesn't let quarterbacks escape his grasp when he gets a hand on them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402748' first='Jaxon' last='Brown'] || DL || 6'0 || 200 || Maple Mountain High School || 2026&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown has an impressive wingspan, and he puts it to good use when getting after quarterbacks. He can long-arm offensive linemen and drive them into quarterback's laps. If Brown doesn't get home, he does a good throwing his arms up to bat down passes. He's a dynamic athlete who can get after-signal callers or drop back and cover a short area if needed. Brown is also good at twisting, where he puts his speed to good use. In addition, he's a stout run defender who does an exceptional job setting the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->