Pass Rushers Leading the Way in 2025
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<p><strong>Juelz Baker Richards – DL – 2026 – 6'5” 289</strong><br>Richards has been a dominant force up front this season, racking up 5 sacks already. At 6'5” and nearly 290 pounds, he overwhelms blockers with his size and strength. His ability to collapse the pocket quickly makes him one of the toughest matchups in the state. Richards is proving to be a game-changer in the trenches.</p>
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<p><strong>Jacob Duncan – DE – 2027 – 6'1” 195 – Dupo</strong><br>Duncan has burst onto the scene with 5 sacks early in the year. The 2027 edge rusher plays with a relentless motor, chasing plays down from every angle. His speed and quick get-off put constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and he's already becoming a name to know in Illinois.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1400870' first='Bradley' last='Dahl'] – DE – 2026 – 6'5” 220 – North Boone</strong><br>Dahl's length and athleticism make him a problem on the edge. He matches Duncan and Richards with 5 sacks this season, consistently disrupting opposing pass games. At 6'5”, he uses his wingspan to his advantage, getting into passing lanes and forcing quarterbacks to rush throws. Dahl's upside as a pass rusher is sky-high.</p>
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<p><strong>Noah Crandall – DL – 2027 – 6'3” 240 – Harlem (Machesney Park)</strong><br>Crandall has shown impressive versatility, lining up both inside and outside and producing 4.5 sacks. His 6'3”, 240-pound frame gives him the power to take on linemen head-on while still being quick enough to win off the edge. Crandall is emerging as one of the top young defensive linemen in the 2027 class.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1656600' first='Luciano' last='Mauro'] – DE – 2026 – 6'1” 225 – St. Edward (Elgin)</strong><br>Mauro plays with toughness and consistency for St. Edward. He's already posted 4 sacks, proving he can win off the edge while also being a physical run defender. Mauro's steady play gives his defense a reliable presence up front and makes him a key factor every week.</p>
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Juelz Baker Richards – DL – 2026 – 6'5” 289
Richards has been a dominant force up front this season, racking up 5 sacks already. At 6'5” and nearly 290 pounds, he overwhelms blockers with his size and strength. His ability to collapse the pocket quickly makes him one of the toughest matchups in the state. Richards is proving to be a game-changer in the trenches.
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