Defensive Ends on the Rise in 24-6A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Here, we will spotlight some of the rising stars and dominant defensive ends in the district. These players have demonstrated their ability to influence games and are poised to claim top spots at their position. Keep an eye on these athletes as they strive to maintain their dominance at the defensive end position heading into the next season.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tanner Crockett | DE | Clear Falls | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crockett played with power and was a force defending the run. With his size and strength, he fought off blocks by locking out his arms and keeping opposing players off of him, and showing tremendous effort in getting to the ball carrier. Crockett maintained his rush lanes and collapsed the pocket with his quick get off and pass rushing moves. He will be a key factor in the Knights defensive success once more heading into his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18640211/6568d900578d3002a8e4399c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661ded05c8095"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brody McGee | DE | Clear Springs | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McGee exhibits excellent hand usage to shed blocks and disrupt plays. His ability to read the play and relocate the ball enables him to consistently be in position to make tackles. McGee's strength is evident in his ability to fend off double teams and hold his ground against base blocks. His skill in swiftly disengaging from blockers allows him to apply pressure effectively from the edge, making him a significant asset to the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16876071/655c159a9a916b0dc48a817f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661df6ffb310c"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>John Hurst-Daniels | DE | Clear Falls | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hurst-Daniels demonstrates exceptional speed and reaction time, allowing him to quickly reach the ball carrier. His ability to cover ground from sideline to sideline makes him a versatile defender capable of chasing down plays from the backside and stretching them to the sidelines. Hurst-Daniels exhibits strong physicality and maintains a high motor, allowing him to overcome blocks and pursue the ball effectively. His promising performance during his sophomore season marks him as a player to watch closely in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18223970/6559415eda5b5a082c82f59a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661df6ffb312c"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson DeAtley | DE | Brazoswood | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DeAtley emerged as a dominant force for the Buccaneer defense, wreaking havoc and disrupting opposing offenses. With his power and physicality, he consistently overpowered blockers and made plays in the backfield. DeAtley showcased exceptional pursuit skills and closing speed, preventing opposing players from gaining positive yards. His ability to disrupt game plans made him a formidable opponent, and his performance last year was only a glimpse of his potential impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17949576/65ca43982347d211507c00c6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661df6ffb3148"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chase Lewis | DE | Dickinson | 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lewis showed much promise for his freshman campaign and caught the attention of many from his play. He is quick off the snap, shooting his hands and striking opposing linemen, knocking them off balance and creating space for him to make his moves. His quickness combined with the power helped him shed blocks with ease, and generate key stops and pressure on opposing teams. Lewis has much to build on from an impressive season last year and he will be a name to keep track of for the years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20511556/650f190bb3d2fc0420b9d5fe' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661df6ffb3161"} /-->