5A Defensive Disruptors: Breakout Pass Rushers

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The 5A football landscape is heating up, and a handful of breakout pass rushers are making their presence felt. These defensive disruptors have been turning heads with their explosiveness off the edge, ability to shed blocks, and knack for getting to the quarterback. In this article, we highlight the top emerging pass rushers in 5A who are changing games and putting themselves on the radar.</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">6'2” 230 lbs. the Cienega DE has been one of the most dominant forces in the 5A conference leading the way with 15 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, and 43 total tackles on the season. He combines explosive first-step quickness with powerful hands and strong play recognition, allowing him to consistently disrupt opposing backfields. Uses good natural strength and balance to set the edge and shed blocks effectively. Displays good use of his hands to maintain separation from blockers and disengage quickly. Good awareness and discipline, diagnosing plays quickly and adjusting his pursuit angles to make plays at or behind the LOS. Finishes with violence and control, wrapping up securely and driving through contact. With his production, athleticism, and motor, he's established himself as one of the premier defensive playmakers in 5A and a difference maker capable of taking over games in the trenches.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'1” and 230 pounds, Elder brings versatility, power, and relentless effort to every snap. He's capable of lining up across multiple positions on the front, whether inside or off the edge, and consistently finds ways to impact the game. With 11.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 40 total tackles on the season, he's proven to be a disruptive force who controls the line of scrimmage with strength and leverage. Plays with a low pad level and heavy hands, allowing him to engage, lock out, and shed blockers with ease. His explosive get-off and strong base make him tough to move, and he's shown the ability to collapse the pocket or blow up run plays before they develop. What separates him is his combination of power and motor—he's constantly battling, wearing down opponents over four quarters. He's a high impact and consistent playmaker up front for Marana. Holds an offer from Wabash.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'5” and 250 pounds, Butler is putting together a breakout senior season, posting 10.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, and 74 total tackles while showcasing impressive growth and refinement in his game. He's a long, athletic defender with excellent movement skills for his size, combining strength and flexibility to consistently win at the point of attack. Shows the ability to bend and flatten to the quarterback, using his length and leverage to shed blocks and finish plays in the backfield. Plays with strong hands and a powerful base, controlling the line of scrimmage in both the run and pass game. His year-over-year development is evident—he's playing faster, more confident, and more technically sound, making him one of the more complete defensive linemen in 5A. Also brings value on the offensive line with his frame, strength, and athleticism, adding to his versatility. With his size, motor, and continued improvement, he's emerging as a two-way standout and a legitimate next-level prospect.</p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Romero is a four year varsity player who has been a consistent playmaker from the interior of the Tucson defense. 5'7” 205 lbs. he's a tough block due to his initial quickness and leverage. He's fast out of his stance, firing off the ball with great pad level and initial burst to win early in the play. Despite being undersized, he's powerful at the POA, using natural leverage and a strong lower half to anchor and shed blocks effectively. His lateral agility and short area quickness allow him to redirect and chase down plays, giving him excellent range for an interior defender. With 9.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 60 total tackles, he's proven to be a disruptive force capable of making plays all over the field. He battles through contact with toughness and balance, showing consistent effort and motor from snap to whistle.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'3” and 230 pounds, this hybrid DE/OLB is a dynamic defensive playmaker with the speed and range to impact every snap. He has racked up 9.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 68 total tackles while showing the ability to disrupt both the run and the pass. Plays with a competitive edge and a downhill/attacking mindset on every snap. Quick off the edge, he can beat blockers with burst and agility, closing gaps and tracking ball carriers sideline to sideline with ease. Versatile in his approach, he combines natural athleticism with strong technique, using a mix of hands, leverage, and pass-rush moves to separate from blockers and make plays in the backfield. A true difference-maker with high upside, he's already attracting major attention, earning offers from Colorado State, Nevada, and Northern Arizona. Ranked as one of the top defensive prospects in the PRZ 2027 rankings.</p>