Sacks Season: Houston's Elite Senior Pass Rushers

<p>With just a few games left to play statewide, the stakes are getting higher every week. Along with that, offensive linemen are having to give their every last bit of effort to protect their backfields. However, there are senior defensive lineman and linebackers that aren't going for that as they look to finalize their legacy. In the Houston region in particular, there have been five pass rushers that look to continue their dominant seasons as they finish their career. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Wright is an outside linebacker that the Panthers constantly use in blitz schemes off the edge. And he has taken advantage of these opportunities, absolutely living in the backfield this season. He plays with violence and a high motor, always flashing nastiness, violence, and power at the point of attack. Samuel plays with heavy hands and a quick first step, which combined, allow him to win nearly every matchup off the edge. He also displays solid bend and short area quickness, which allows him to recover and make plays in space. Through 7 games, Wright has been a game wrecker for the Panthers defense, totaling an absurd 20 TFLs and 11 sacks. Expect him to continue to shine down the stretch and add to offers from Sacramento State, McPherson, and UTPB.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson has played a massive role in the Grizzlies clinching their first playoff berth in program history. Cullen is a true defensive end with great versatility, as he's often flexed all over the line of scrimmage from a 3 tech to an edge rusher. He possesses a great frame and is very fluid in his get-off and technique. Thompson also showcases a unique combination of explosiveness and athleticism for his size. The star pass rusher is 11th in the state with 8.5 sacks and has 14 TFLs to go along with them. He has made great strides all season and will look to continue to lead the defense and help the Grizz through their first ever playoff run. Cullen will suit up for Texas State at the next level.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">An explosive inside backer, Rosas is dynamic as a pass rusher and loves to fly around and make plays in the backfield. He plays with great burst through the line of scrimmage, consistent pad-level, and the hips and footwork to finish sacks and TFLs. Kole has great spatial awareness and short-area quickness, which he utilizes to spy the QB and shadow his movement. Thanks to his patience and field vision, he is always in position to make efficient and heavy-hitting tackles. In just 4 games this season, Chargers' defensive leader has totaled 8 sacks and 10 TFLs. Keep an eye on Rosas on the recruiting trail as the season winds down.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best linebackers in the state, Joseph is a true do it all signal-caller who just so happened to develop into an elite backfield wrecker this season. You have to give Credit where Credit is due, as Joseph has a ridiculous 7 sacks and 22 TFLs through the Oilers 8-0 start. He showcases fluid hips, great short-area quickness, and physicality at the point of attack. Joseph also possesses great instincts and sound footwork, proving his readiness to man down the LB position at the next level. His space play and pass rush ability combination is exceptionally impressive and unique. Look for the Kansas Jayhawk commit to finish off a remarkable individual and team season. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JosephCredit_/status/1979971730002079960 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Battles is a pure edge rusher with great pass rush moves. He thrives at bending the edge and using his hands to close on the pocket. Chase is remarkably powerful at the point of attack, often showcasing the ability to bench press offensive linemen's chest plates and get in the backfield. Battles is also very polished as a tackler, always finishing sacks and TFLs with extension, wrap up, and bring down. Chase has compiled 9 sacks and 10 TFLs through just five contests this season. As his Bearkats make a playoff push, watch out for Battles if you're an opposing backfield. He has received offers from Lamar and Schreiner.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ChaseBattles42/status/1976813649139585352 </div></figure>

With just a few games left to play statewide, the stakes are getting higher every week. Along with that, offensive linemen are having to give their every last bit of effort to protect their backfields. However, there are senior defensive lineman and linebackers that aren't going for that as they look to finalize their legacy. In the Houston region in particular, there have been five pass rushers that look to continue their dominant seasons as they finish their career.