Underclassmen Ready to Rush the Passer
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Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new Prep Redzone subscription! There are a lot of different ways to build a team, but one of the most effective that works from HS up to the NFL is three pillared. Have…
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There are a lot of different ways to build a team, but one of the most effective that works from HS up to the NFL is three pillared. Have a QB, be able to protect the QB, and be able to pressure the opposing QB. We are focusing on the third pillar in this article. Specifically, the top pure pass rushers in the Class of 2026. The next wave of elite Illinois edge prospects with the tools and potential to play high level college football. These dudes bring an assortment of pass rush moves, freakish athleticism, and great frames to continue to build on. Let’s dive more in-depth into the film of each athlete…
We start things off at Lincoln Way East HS. That is where you will find the 6’4″ 215 lbs DE Jacob Alexander Jacob Alexander 6’4″ | 210 lbs | DL Lincoln Way East | 2026 State IL . Jacob is blessed with an elite frame that is ready to continue to add good weight. The long-limbed ’26 looks the part of a budding pass rusher. Flip on the tape, and you get even more excited. Jacob does a great job of consistently using his length to make first contact and create distance between the OL and himself. Alexander has also shown that he has good flexibility and bend to be able to dip underneath OTs while running the loop to the QB. As Jacob develops pass rush moves to use after creating separation we are going to see him become even more dangerous in pass rush situations.
Next up we have the most impressive frame of the bunch. That belongs to the 6’5″ 235 lbs Braeden Jones Braeden Jones 6’4″ | 245 lbs | DL Mount Carmel | 2026 State IL of Mount Carmel. Braeden carries that weight with ease too, telling me that he will be able to easily hit the size needed to thrive at the next level on a down to down basis. The tape is as intriguing as the build too. You already see signs of heavy hands and developed hand fighting techniques. The up and coming prospect also has shown that he has enough body control to be able to move laterally while on his rush path to cross the face of the OL. That is exciting because I feel that his balance and body control are going to continue to improve as he grows more and more into his body. Big things ahead for the ’26.
Highlights
Lesroy doesn’t have the elite size for the edge/DE position. At least he doesn’t, yet. Lesroy is a 6’1″ 195 lbs ’26 who is a nightmare in one on one pass rush scenarios. Tittle is gifted with agility and body control. Those two traits pair together to give Lesroy the ability to cut laterally, even at top speed, in the middle of his rush. He can do it so quickly that linemen barely even react as he goes flying through the gap and closing on the QB/RB. Lesroy also has impressive power that allows him to line up along the interior and muscle his way through IOL. Lastly, Tittle plays with a very high motor, pair that with his speed and you get a rangy DL prospect. I’m very excited to see what he develops into this fall, and over the next few years.
We end with another massive DL prospect. McHale checks in at 6’4″ 235 lbs, but still has a lean, athletic look. The DE uses massive strides out of his stance to eat up cushion between him and the OT. Once in range, McHale has shown that he can play with heavy hands, strike his opponent to create separation or use a pass rush move to get to the heels of the OL. Blade is just scratching the surface on his potential. He needs to continue to grow into his body, and develop his flexibility/body control. As those parts of his game improve, the rest of his game will be amplified. The long, strong athlete has a bright future.