2026 Class Superlatives: Edge Rushers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MOST LIKELY TO GO TO THE NFL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402201"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67be255481fa8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> [player_tooltip player_id='402201' first='CJ' last='Edwards'] earns the superlative for most likely to play in the NFL, and it's easy to see why. At 6'4”, 280 pounds, he already possesses the prototypical build that colleges and pro scouts covet. Long arms, a strong upper body, and the frame to add even more muscle make him a natural fit at the next level. But it's not just about size—CJ has the skill set to match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His first step is explosive, giving him an edge off the snap. He also shows a surprising bend for a player of his stature, allowing him to dip and rip past blockers. His pass-rush plan is developing, but you saw flashes last season, especially in big-game situations where he made key plays. Beyond the physical traits, his relentless motor stands out. He plays through the whistle, constantly chasing down plays and disrupting the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">CJ's recruiting has been on fire, and it has recently added several offers, including one from North Carolina. He's also moving from Bergen Catholic to St. Joe's Metuchen, where he'll step into a more prominent role as the team's top pass rusher. That change won't slow him down—it'll only give him more chances to prove why he's one of the best in the state. With his work ethic and natural ability, [player_tooltip player_id='402201' first='CJ' last='Edwards'] is on a clear trajectory toward playing on Sundays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17907926/675b9e53fb7c236e7c657d2d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67be255482170"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MOST VERSATILE </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648837"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67be2554821cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='648837' first='Seth' last='Clarke'] earns the superlative for most versatile, and his tape clarifies why. At 6'2”, 245 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to impact the game from multiple alignments. Whether rushing with his hand in the dirt or standing up as an outside linebacker, he's a problem for opposing offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His initial burst stands out immediately. He gets off the ball fast, forcing tackles into bad positions. His ability to bend around the edge or counter with quick moves keeps blockers off balance. Beyond his pass-rushing skills, he's also stout against the run, making him one of his class's more well-rounded edge rushers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Seth's stock has been rising fast, and his senior year could solidify him as a household name in New Jersey. With his versatility and impact on both the run and pass game, he's a player that colleges will continue to monitor closely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16255154/6553b8389a90f2077800dd03' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003ern","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bf642161879"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BEST AT PLAYING THE READ OPTION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1287239"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bf64216342b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1287239' first='Will' last='Maloof'] stands out as the best at executing the read option, and his video highlights clearly illustrate this. At 6'3” and 205 pounds, he possesses the perfect build for an edge rusher, blending length, strength, and athletic ability. His relentless energy and aggressive playstyle ensure he makes an impact during the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What separates Will, though, is his ability to diagnose and defend the read option. He's instinctual and patient, and processes play quickly. He doesn't bite on fakes, stays disciplined, and puts himself in position to make the right play—whether it's crashing on the running back or staying home to contain the quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His ability to consistently execute in these situations makes him a significant asset in today's game, where option concepts are a big part of many offenses. With his instincts and high-energy play style, [player_tooltip player_id='1287239' first='Will' last='Maloof'] is firmly among the top-edge rushers in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18061698/673b99b9ee1ab01e17e19e84' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bf64216346b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MOST EXPLOSIVE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["825247"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bf6421634b8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='825247' first='Jayden' last='Jones'] earns the superlative for most explosive, and his film clarifies why. The Millville standout has a lightning-fast get-off, and he is one of the best in his class. His first-step quickness immediately disadvantages offensive tackles, allowing him to create pressure before they can set their feet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond his burst, Jayden knows how to use his hands effectively, shedding blocks in both the run and pass game. He's not just a speed rusher—he plays with power and technique, which is why top programs like Illinois, Miami, and Michigan have taken notice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The next step for Jayden is building consistency and making an impact on every down. If he can refine that part of his game, he has the tools to be a game-changer at the next level. As it stands, he's already one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18031717/6743648908227b3a767a0d50' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bf6421634fe"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MOST LIKELY TO BREAKOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1264830"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bf642163546"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1264830' first='Nick' last='Costa'] earns the superlative for most likely to break out. His playoff performance against Delbarton gave a glimpse of what's to come. In that game, he made a significant impact in the run game, proving he can be a force as a defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Physically, Nick has all the tools. He boasts long arms, a tall frame built to add weight and a solid first step off the snap. His size and athleticism make him a prime candidate for a breakout season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This year feels like the one where he puts it all together. He already holds multiple Division I offers, and playing alongside fellow standout Damari Simon should only elevate his game. If he continues to develop, expect [player_tooltip player_id='1264830' first='Nick' last='Costa'] to emerge as one of the top defensive playmakers in New Jersey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18478914/675c96a12c0fe29843ef2a40' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bf64216356b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->