Early Risers: 2027 Defensive Line/EDGE

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='813880' first='Jameson' last='Honey'] - Lindbergh<br>- A pre-season PRZ top 20 player in the 2027 class, Honey has had a big sophomore season using his athletic gifts and skills to emerge as a prospect who continues to be on the rise. Jameson has good size (6'3" 250), strength, good get off and a quick first step to go along with an outstanding motor and tenacity which has led to a 10 sack and 37 tackles season so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1188339' first='Noah' last='McCollum'] - Eureka<br>- The 6'3" 245 McCollum is another emerging young pass rusher from the St. Louis area. Noah is a high motor defensive linemen who really gets after it and gives opposing offensive linemen all they can handle on every down. He's explosive and powerful to go along with his high motor and also has good speed. His play on defense has helped lead his team to an undefeated regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1130985' first='Jack' last='Brown'] -Francis Howell Central<br>- While he is known for his ability as a tight end, Jack is also a talented edge player who can get in the backfield and to the quarterback in a hurry. He's long, quick and fast which helps him gets around and and past offensive linemen and make plays. Brown also has the speed to cover a lot of ground and chase down ball carriers. He has contributed 35 tackles and 2 sacks on the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='749581' first='Darron' last='Boone Jr.'] - Lutheran North<br>- One of the top young athletes to play along the defensive line is the speedy Boone who has shown his impressive athleticism since he was an eighth grader. In his first two seasons he has continued on that path and continued to improve as a player who can rush the passer and be tough against the run as well. DJ is physical and does a good job fighting off and shedding blockers to make plays and sacks. His play has helped his Crusaders have one of the top defenses in the state. Darron has recorded 35 tackles and 5 sacks through the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1325181' first='Kelond' last='Coney'] - Hazelwood West<br>- A rising prospect who has been under the radar this season. Coney has grown into a 6'2" 221 DE/Edge who while still scratching the surface of his ability is becoming defensive force to watch for. He's still raw but has the tools to develop into a nice college prospect with his size, speed and explosiveness. Kelond has been one of the top producers for his Wildcats this season with 47 tackles and 3 sacks despite missing time due to illness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590167' first='Antonio' last='Pinkston']</strong> - Festus<br>- Another productive sophomore defensive end with a good motor and tenacity who has emerged in 2024 to help their team is the 6'2" 220 Pinkston for the Tigers. Antonio has helped his team have a good season against a tough schedule with his 40 tackles and 3 sacks being a big part of it with his play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/mo/columbia/rock-bridge-bruins/athletes/jonathan-ibeawuchi/?careerid=hheg80lpov900">Jonathan Ibeawuchi</a> </strong>-Rock Bridge<br>- I recently saw Ibeawuchi ( 6'1" 220) from the sidelines and came away impressive with his quickness and ability to consistently put pressure on the quarterback and help blow up plays getting in the backfield on a regular basis. He battles hard and does a good job getting up field in a hurry in beating OLs. A player to watch in the next two years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->