Five EDGE/OLB Breaking Out In The 2025 Season

I recently launched my new player series, examining breakout players for every position, regardless of classification or age.   After spending a considerable amount of time discussing offensive players, I shifted to the defensive side last week.   Today, we'll be taking a look at the outside linebacker/edge rusher position. It was hard narrowing this list down to just five, because there were a lot of players I could've chosen.   But after checking out film, statistics and the development players have made over an offseason, here are the five guys I picked out.   All of them are legitimate Power Four prospects, with a couple of underclassmen making the cut.   It's a very talented position class, so let's get into it.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/hejulien.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1896670" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1357924' first='Hans' last='Emery Julien']. Photo by Baylor Athletics.</figcaption></figure>   2027 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1357924' first='Hans' last='Emery Julien'] – Baylor School   Canadian EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1357924' first='Hans' last='Emery Julien'] transferred to Baylor in May, in one of the more underrated moves of the offseason. Since joining the Red Raiders, the junior has been one of the most productive players in the state of Tennessee.   Emery Julien has nearly eclipsed the double-digit sack mark while racking up almost 50 total tackles in eight games.   The 2027 edge rusher boasts great size, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 225 pounds, with a 6-foot-7 wingspan. He's highly explosive off the edge as a pass rusher and run stopper.   Emery Julien is quick off the edge, has an exceptionally high motor and never gives up on a play until he hears the echo of the whistle.   He can be a stand-up or hand-in-the-dirt rusher, with great athleticism to make him a genuine Power Four prospect.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-26-2025-2-57-28-PM-crop-1193x784-1761508705.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1986672" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: CCS EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1178600' first='Lyric' last='Jackson']. Photo by Concord Christian Athletics.</figcaption></figure>   2028 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1178600' first='Lyric' last='Jackson'] – Concord Christian   [player_tooltip player_id='1178600' first='Lyric' last='Jackson'] from Concord Christian has gotten on the field full-time in 2025 and is impressing as one of the best edge rushers in the state. He's built well at 6-foot-1 and a lean 190 pounds with long arms, mixed with great athleticism.   Jackson is an athletic freak who's extremely physical, plays tough and has a high motor on the field.   He's very productive when rushing the quarterback, totaling five sacks and 12 hurries in eight games this year. However, he plays the run well too, racking up 39 total tackles and six for a loss.   The sophomore was an unknown commodity going into this season, but he's quickly establishing himself as a player to keep your eye on.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Jennaris-Henry-crop-2892x1899-1758171032.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1895051" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Alcoa OLB [player_tooltip player_id='1027628' first='Jennaris' last='Henry'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   2028 OLB [player_tooltip player_id='1027628' first='Jennaris' last='Henry'] – Alcoa   [player_tooltip player_id='1027628' first='Jennaris' last='Henry'] was named the starter before his freshman season at Alcoa, where he impressed. Now, after another offseason in the lab, he's developed into quite the player for the Tornadoes.   He's outstanding at rushing the passer, but I wouldn't label him a true edge rusher since he plays outside linebacker so well that you can't make him a pass-rush only guy.   When Henry isn't coming off the edge, he's good in coverage with high football IQ and a great sense of his surroundings.   He's quick off the line and can create negative plays consistently, whether it comes from sacks or blowing up a run play.   At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, he's already putting on good size, with the frame to add even more weight.   Henry is the No. 3 OLB/EDGE in Prep Redzone's 2028 rankings, but has the potential to climb up to No. 1 by the time he graduates.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/antjackson.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1695466" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: White Station EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1310642' first='Antwan' last='Jackson']. Photo by White Station Athletics.</figcaption></figure>   2027 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1310642' first='Antwan' last='Jackson'] – White Station   White Station's [player_tooltip player_id='1310642' first='Antwan' last='Jackson'] saw a good amount of playing time in 2024 and showed flashes of being a great player.   Now, in 2025, he's built off that past success and is blowing up as one of the most sought-after recruits in Tennessee.   Since having his breakout campaign, he's picked up offers from LSU and Ole Miss while gaining interest from the home-state Tennessee Volunteers.   Jackson has excellent size, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 245 pounds with a lean frame and long arms. He's a very disciplined football player who reads the field well and has an excellent feel for his surroundings.   The junior edge rusher is explosive off the edge with great bend to weave around offensive linemen and make plays in the backfield.   He's a productive pass rusher, but can also make a difference against the run.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-26-2025-3-09-53-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1986682" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Melrose EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1587004' first='Gerrard' last='Kaufman']. Photo by Melrose Athletics.</figcaption></figure>   2027 EDGE/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1587004' first='Gerrard' last='Kaufman'] – Melrose   [player_tooltip player_id='1587004' first='Gerrard' last='Kaufman'] from Melrose is somebody who immediately caught my eye when I turned on the tape.   He's a versatile player who has lined up at middle linebacker, edge rusher and even safety at times. However, he is an excellent fit for an EDGE due to his build and athleticism.   He's 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds with a long frame and a great jump off the line. Kaufman also features good technique with quick hands and nice bend.   The junior had limited playing time last season, but has now established himself as a player to watch.   He's totaled over 30 tackles with multiple sacks and TFLs in what's becoming a breakout campaign for the talented 2027 prospect.   I absolutely love what he brings to the gridiron. Kaufman reminds me of former Alabama/current Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell with his ability to play and produce nearly anywhere.

I recently launched my new player series, examining breakout players for every position, regardless of classification or age.