The Five: #TN2024 Underrated Pass Rushers
In this article:
These prospects know how to sack the quarterback and get into the backfield on a consistent basis but have yet to see their recruitment’s take off. At some point, all five of these guy’s will go from under the radar…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThese prospects know how to sack the quarterback and get into the backfield on a consistent basis but have yet to see their recruitment’s take off. At some point, all five of these guy’s will go from under the radar to found, offered and wanted!
For one reason or another, this East Tennessee pass rusher has yet to receive college offers and it’s surprising that he hasn’t as Ball is a big dude that can bend and get after the quarterback. First thing you immediately notice when watching this guy’s film is his size and upper body radius. Ball has the look of a college guy and the build to continue packing on more weight. Sporting the size he does, Ball knows how to use that to his advantage as he can bull rush the pass blocker or use his long arms and violent hands to get into the backfield. He doesn’t have to just play with his hand in the dirt either as Ball can stand up and work the edge that way or drop into coverage. This honestly is one of the more underrated talents without an offer so far throughout the 2024 recruiting cycle that should see an increase with his recruitment over the coming months.
Highlights
Holding multiple D1 offers in hand already, Fauteux isn’t someone you would think is under the radar but if you watch his film and see his potential, you would think otherwise. This guy is one of the more athletic, fastest linebackers in the state and a prospect that brings a lot of exciting skills to his linebacker position. He fits well inside, playing against the run but Fauteux can rush the backfield as well and may be one of the best at doing that from his position group. He has very long arms along with an agile lower base and a quick first step that screams pass rushing upside. Fauteux must continue adding in more weight and developing his game but the ability to chase down the ball from anywhere on the field while also having the skills to get after the quarterback should warrant bigger and more looks from Power Five programs.
Highlights
A true underrated talent with size, length and budding potential, Kyne is one of the more under the radar pass rushers from this #TN2024 class and someone that could turn some heads this summer when he competes in college camps. Coming from a small school and town, Kyne has the build, physical traits and potential to develop nicely on the next level at either tight end or edge linebacker but his biggest upside may reside over on defense. The Lions senior prospect has some of the best bend and speed off the edge in the state but coming from that low level of competition, Kyne must prove those traits in front of college coaches over the next couple of months. It would not be surprising to see Kyne land a tight end offer first because the guy has the upside at that position as well but defense is where his future may be the brightest.
Highlights
The Warriors are bringing in a strong, violent pass rusher to their defense for the coming Fall season with this Mid-Tennessee talent who is one of the more underrated defensive prospects from the #TN2024 class. Guzman is a physical competitor that plays with his hair on fire and a motor that doesn’t slow down till the final whistle. It’s not just his motor that makes him such an underrated pass rusher but it’s also because of his long arms, active hands and ability to bend around the corner. Guzman is a well versed pass rusher that knows how to use his broad upper body and hands along with his speed to give opposing offensive linemen fits. He has the range to run down the quarterback or ball carrier as well, so Guzman could work either side of the line as a stand up linebacker. His recruitment has yet to take off but maybe after his film gets around more and he performs well this summer in camps, Guzman could see his recruiting stock take a major rise.
Highlights
McCord was a major factor in the Tornadoes championship run last year and he is expected to produce yet again and if not more this coming Fall as one of the best pass rushers coming out of the East Tennessee region. Look past this guy’s height as McCord plays much bigger and it does not matter who you throw in front of him, the Tornadoes edge rusher knows how to get into the backfield. He has a unique feel for chasing after the ball and he uses every aspect of his body and game to do so. McCord has a broad upper body and powerful hands, which allows him to play physical with bigger linemen. He shows a nice burst off the edge as well as the ability to bend low, forcing blockers to get out of position. McCord knows what he is doing when he steps on the field, which makes him a prime candidate for the captain role on the college gridiron. High academic FCS schools have already gotten involved but no offers as of yet, though I believe that changes this summer with extended work during camp season.
Highlights
Five Other Underrated Rushers: Ayo Abijo Ayo Abijo 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Centennial | 2024 TN – Centennial, Domani White Domani White 6'0" | 245 lbs | DL Baylor | 2024 TN – Baylor, Jayden Bachelor Jayden Bachelor 6'4" | 200 lbs | DL Lausanne | 2024 State TN – Lausanne, Gavin Helton Gavin Helton 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB MUS | 2024 State TN – MUS, Nathan Paschall Nathan Paschall 6'5" | 230 lbs | DL Dyersburg | 2024 State TN – Dyersburg