2024 Defensive Ends set for breakout senior seasons

Photo: Twitter

Eric Bergman August 10, 2023 @ 10:11 AM

The six seniors that made this list stood out last season on film. Consistently making plays and show up for their defense. Last year was just the tip of the iceberg for these outstanding edge players. They have all the tools, technique and athleticism to have even better seasons in 2023.   Jack Barnhart 6'3 240 (Centennial HS) - Jack is a very explosive player. He excels at getting off the ball with a great first step. This makes it very hard for offensive lineman to get their hands on him. He also utilizes a great strike, being violent with has hands he is able to destruct blocks. He often shows up on film with consistent high effort plays chasing down ball carriers as well. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15770529/631ff925f56a7c054caa25f3">HUDL</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='271311' first='Patrick' last='Brock'] 6'3 230 (Mt. Zion HS) - Patrick does a great job vs the run, as a junior he registered 47 tackles. Using his long arms he's great at shocking and shedding offensive lineman. He is also a versatile player being able to play multiple positions along the defensive line. Patrick has a good frame and can project to a few different positions at the next level. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11992998/636012ffd45e850888008992">HUDL</a>   Braylon Kilduff 6'3 215 (Byron HS) - Braylon is quick off the edge. He has a good get-off and can rely on his speed to make plays. Offensive lineman struggle at times getting out of their stance and getting hands on Braylon. He is great at carving the corner around the edger on his pass rush. Braylon is a good athlete that also doubles as a tight end for the tiger's offense. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/3345359/638d7bd3664b8800ecb8b4dd">HUDL</a>   Taiden Thomas 6'2 220 (Oswego HS) - Taiden was able to turn some heads this summer picking up multiple D2/NAIA offers on the camp trail. It was no surprise he was able to look impressive in front of coaches during the 1 on 1's segments. He is a physical defensive end that can set the edge to his side. Although missing multiple games last season due to injury, he still was able to make his presence felt las year. I know Taiden is hungry to make a big impact this season. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15708170/6359a6d619a6d509c0a4b397">HUDL</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='354247' first='Arnold' last='Walker'] 6'1 220 (East Aurora) - Arnold is an active pass rusher. Last season he has 5 sacks and 8 QB hurries. He can close the ground quickly on offensive lineman pass setting. He also has very active hands, being able to get blockers hands off him quickly. I look for Arnold's sack total to double this year as I believe his best football is still ahead of him. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jeuk7">HUDL</a>   Chris Roszak 6'4 235 (Taft) - Chris is a big strong player at the end spot. He also plays with good technique and block recognition. He has the ability to play different shades along the defensive line and not skip a beat. This summer he another guy to have a lot of success at camps picking up D2/NAIA offers as well. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15736358/6381723ef326f607201f7116">HUDL</a>

The six seniors that made this list stood out last season on film. Consistently making plays and show up for their defense. Last year was just the tip of the iceberg for these outstanding edge players. They have all the tools, technique and athleticism to have even better seasons in 2023.