1A/2A Edge Rushers To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we approach the season, realignment is at the top of my mind. For the first time, North Carolina is going to an 8A system, which will further stratify the schools. So, over the next couple of months, I'm going through the lower classifications to highlight the players fans will need to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've arrived at the defensive side of the ball and we're looking at the defensive linemen. Often a position without much depth at the lower classifications, North Carolina is bucking the trend this season, with some really talented edge rusher. Here are five 1A/2A edge rushers to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other 1A/2A Positions:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-qbs-to-know/">QBs</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-rbs-to-know/">RBs</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-wrs-to-know/">WRs</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-3a-4a-tes-to-know/">TEs</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-ol-to-know/">OL</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-idls-to-know/">IDL</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1A/2A Edge Rushers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1408773"],"_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-687948cf20206"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Powell isn't just an elite pass-rusher, he's also one of the best quarterbacks in Tarboro history. He can fire off the ball and beat tackles with ease and he has the athleticism and measurements needed to play at the next level. He's a guy I really want to see in person, because his film is electric.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1694402"],"_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-687948cf20281"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A long, lean pass-rusher, Taylor's bend is excellent for his size and he excels at making the small, almost instinctual movements needed to put himself in the position to make plays. He's not just a situational edge rusher, as he can play the run as well and even drop into coverage. He's a guy we're looking forward to studying more closely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1650614"],"_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-687948cf202e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After playing more off the ball a year ago and playing a large amount of offensive snaps, Ray is moving back to the position he plays best: edge rusher. His first step is fantastic and he's able to bend around the edge or beat tackles inside, something you don't often see from high school edge guys. Expect a big year from him, even if the way he impacts the game will look different than last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1717322"],"_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-687948cf20368"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elliott is a smaller, but extremely effective pass-rusher, racking up 10 sacks as a sophomore. He was also effective around the ball, making over 60 tackles and recovering four fumbles. his pass-rush plan is among the best in the class and he had multiple sacks on secondary or even tertiary moves. He can counter well if initially stopped and his motor is impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1717339"],"_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-687948cf203ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Eaton isn't your prototypical edge rusher. He isn't extraordinarily long, but he has good bend and great power, especially at the 1A level. He's a smart player who loves to hit and sets himself up for success before the snap, often getting to where the play is going. His sack numbers aren't overly high, but he gets after the quarterback and routinely causes havoc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Want to send this to someone who isn't a subscriber? Promo Code Helms30 is good for 30% off of the first billing cycle. Questions or comments? Reach out to me on Twitter (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->