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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">As the 2025 season draws near, some of the state's most dominant pass rushers are set to make their return. These relentless defenders racked up impressive sack totals last year and will be key playmakers once again this fall. From edge threats to disruptive forces up front, here's a look at the top returning sack leaders in Class 5A.</h2>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1.</h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">The 2027 hybrid OLB/Edge Rusher out of Notre Dame is 5A's top returning sack leader after finishing the 2024 season with 13.5 sacks. At 6'2” 225 lbs. he's quick off the ball and consistently beats blockers with a diverse arsenal of moves to collapse the pocket. He plays with power and leverage at the POA and is relentless in pursuit of the QB. A D1 prospect that has already landed offers from Colorado State, Nevada, and NAU. Ranked as the #47 overall player in the 2027 state rankings and is on the shortlist of prospects to again lead the division in multiple stat categories.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. </h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Big expectations for the high impact, multi-positional defender who finished the 2024 season with 13 sacks, 21 TFL, and 80 total tackles. The first team all-state selection has committed to CSU-Pueblo and added good weight now at 6'2” 265 lbs. while maintaining his athleticism and explosiveness. Frame built for power but has the ability to penetrate/disengage with speed, strength, or precise hand technique. He consistently resets the LOS and disrupts plays before they can develop. Collected nine offers before committing several weeks ago.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. </h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Davis-Lopez capped off a dominant 2024 season with 12 sacks and 24 TFL for Cienega. At 6'2” 230 lbs. he brings speed, explosiveness, and a great nose for the football off the edge. A problem for opposing offensive linemen he consistently creates havoc and disrupts timing fighting off blocks and using his short area quickness to chase. Flashes great awareness and instincts to diagnose the play and locate the ball to put himself in position to make a play. Flying under the recruiting radar but expect strong production again entering his senior year.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4.</h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Webb made a major impact as a junior finishing with 11 sacks, 18 TFL, and 74 total tackles. At 6'1” 200 lbs., he's a twitchy, high motor defender who thrives attacking off the edge. His quick and sudden movement in combination with his attacking playing style make him a force at the first level. He shows the ability to bend, redirect, and slip blocks with a mix of finesse and power. He plays with urgency, finishing through contact and relentlessly chasing down plays. Currently holds offers from Lake Forest, Colorado Mesa, Jamestown, and Ottawa but will see his offer count on the rise as a senior.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5.</h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Crum is one to watch as a senior after finishing with eight sacks in the 2024 season. 6'3” 190 lbs. he's got a long frame with good growth potential as he fills out and develops. A plus athlete with a lot of key traits that will translate well to the college level. He flashes good all around game speed and is fluid with his movement to be a sideline to sideline playmaker for Apollo. Flys to the ball playing fast and physical and brings strong contact as a tackler with the ability to wrap up and be reliable in the open field. Pulled in his initial college offer from Ottawa last month and has the positional flexibility to play multiple spots depending on need and development.</p>
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As the 2025 season draws near, some of the state's most dominant pass rushers are set to make their return. These relentless defenders racked up impressive sack totals last year and will be key playmakers once again this fall. From edge threats to disruptive forces up front, here's a look at the top returning sack leaders in Class 5A.
HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
225
POS
DL/EDGE
CLASS
2027
State:
Arizona
School:
Notre Dame
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HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
240
POS
LB
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Marana
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HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
230
POS
DL
CLASS
2026
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HEIGHT
6'0"
WEIGHT
180
POS
LB
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Marana
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HEIGHT
6'3"
WEIGHT
190
POS
LB
CLASS
2026
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