SLEEPERS: 2026 Pass-Rushers On The Rise In 4A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some top pass-rushers in 6A for the 2024 season?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone has the details...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ga/atlanta/druid-hills-red-devils/athletes/xavier-norris/football/stats/?careerid=t4ce9qkva6hue">[player_tooltip player_id='1201811' first='Xavier' last='Norris']</a> - Druid Hills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top young pass rushers and overall defenders in Dekalb County, Norris is a pass-rushing machine who lived in the backfield last season for Druid Hills. He has decent size at 6-foot-2 210-pounds, but his ability to fly off the snap and shed blocks makes him easily one of the top defenders in the area. He uses his hands well to get off blocks and shows a great motor in pursuit of the ball-carrier. He attacks the quarterback and knows how to deliver a sound hit when he gets there. He's a bruiser, and he's become a truly intimidating defender. Just a sophomore, Norris dominated all season long and ended the 2023 season with 55 tackles, 25.5 TFLs and 12.5 sacks. He was a quarterback's worst nightmare last season, and if he continues adding more weight and muscle over the next 8 months, he should be even better as a junior next fall. He's a prospect on the rise and could see his recruitment pick up sooner than later.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='681155' first='Kameron' last='Cody'] - Benedictine</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top young interior defensive lineman from Savannah, the state champion defender was a mauler on the interior all season long at defensive tackle. A terrific run-stopper at 6-foot-3 280-pounds, Cody is also a threat to get after the quarterback on passing downs. He's naturally strong both in the upper body and in his legs, allowing him to drive opposing linemen into the backfield with ease. He can take on double-teams and still clog the running lanes between the tackles. He also shows good pursuit and can get down the line for his size to get after the ball-carrier. He's tough to stop by just one offensive linemen so he has no problem taking on double teams. He was very productive last season for the Cadets, making 8 sacks and 12 more QB hurries. He plays with good leverage and is so tough to keep out of the backfield. This promising interior pass-rusher also made 78 tackles and 10 more TFLs. Look for him to have a gigantic junior season in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1201813' first='Jared' last='Anthony'] - Stockbridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A smart, instinctive linebacker who made play after play in the backfield last year, Anthony is a tackling machine who deserves some recognition after a strong junior season where he made 43 tackles and 10.5 sacks. When he gets going, he uses his speed to his advantage and gets down-hill in a hurry into the backfield. He puts himself in a great position to read the play and come unblocked from a different position. He can rush the quarterback off the edge, and has enough versatility to blitz from the inside as well. He's a real wepon who consistently finds his way to the ball-carrier. He shows a good motor when chasing down the quarterback and knows how to deliver a powerful hit when he gets there. He brings big-play ability and played like a veteran last year as a sophomore. His best football is still way ahead of him and he has a chance to have a real breakout junior season next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->