Edge Rushers who Emerged this Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive side of the ball has always produced an impressive number of players each season in the Natural State. In this article, the edge rushers along the defensive line will take center stage. All of the prospects discussed in this article have the potential to see playing time on Saturdays in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='893510' first='Keagan' last='Sanderson']-Edge Rusher-Salem-5'9” 195-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='893510' first='Keagan' last='Sanderson'] is a defensive lineman who knows how to get to the opposing quarterback. He does an excellent job of using his speed to get into the opposing offensive backfield. Sanderson racked up 15.5 sacks this season. He is the type of player that can rush the passer as well as help stop the rushing attack. Sanderson is a prospect to watch out for over the next few months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1565406' first='Julian' last='Arroyos']-Edge Rusher-Springdale-6'2” 260-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Springdale Bulldogs had an impressive 2024 season. Springdale's defensive line caused plenty of headaches for opposing offensive linemen this season. [player_tooltip player_id='1565406' first='Julian' last='Arroyos'] uses a good mix of power and speed to get into the offensive backfield. During the 2024 season, Arroyos amassed 48 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 25.5 tackles for loss. The future is bright for this talented edge rusher who harassed ball carriers all season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1509005' first='Jordan' last='Banks']-Edge Rusher-Junction City-6'2” 200-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1509005' first='Jordan' last='Banks'] is a defensive lineman who sheds blocks quickly and consistently gets into the opposing offensive backfield. Over the course of the season, Banks has proven to be a defender who can get to the ball carrier with ease. The 2024 season was a breakout season for the talented Junction City defender. He racked up 59 tackles and 13 tackles for loss on the season. He can live in the opposing offensive backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='413517' first='Anthony' last='Kennedy'] Jr.-Defensive Line-Maumelle-6'6” 280-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Maumelle defensive lineman is one of the most versatile prospects on the defensive side of the ball. He can come off the edge and get into the offensive backfield or stop the run at the tackle position for the Hornets. Kennedy Jr. mixes his pass-rushing speed with an impressive amount of power. On the season, he accounted for 23 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks for the Hornets. Kennedy Jr. is a player to watch out for over the next few months from a recruiting perspective.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Makhi Johnson-Edge Rusher-Nashville-6'0” 208-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Nashville Scrappers always produce talented prospects on both sides of the ball who can play at the next level. Makhi Johnson had an impressive 2024 season for the Scrappers. He is a prospect that can pressure the opposing quarterback or plug up the rushing lanes. Johnson mixes his speed with power that surprises opposing offensive linemen. During the 2024 season, Johnson racked up 57 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 19 tackles for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->