Underrated Upperclassmen Edge Rushers to Know for 2026

With the new year beginning, I'll be starting a new series surrounding underrated upperclassmen at every position. The 2027 class is loaded, which means some kids will go under the radar, and I'm here to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.   Next in this series, I'll dive in and discuss five underrated edge rushers who need some respect. All of the ones that I've selected are talented players who have earned starting jobs at their respective schools.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/86-James-Ezekiel-Joseph-Zeke-Walkup-rotated-e1736532000783.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1598751" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Cannon County EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] – Cannon County High School   Cannon County's [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] may be the best-kept secret in the state of Tennessee. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound edge rusher holds two FCS offers, but is clearly FBS material.   In 11 games this past season, he racked up 73 tackles, 22 for a loss, three sacks and 13 pressures for the Lions. The rising senior is a violent edge rusher who's extremely quick off the ball, is highly physical, has polished technique and plays with his hair on fire.   He's much better than everyone he plays against, which leads him to dominate opposing offensive linemen. He's a flat-out monster on the defense front. I think that's probably the best way to describe his game.   <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-crop-490x322-1765229977.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2077749" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor EDGE Emery Julien. Photo by Baylor Athletics.</figcaption></figure>   Emery Julien – Baylor School   Emery Julien transferred into Baylor this past offseason and was one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 campaign. He was a game-wrecker who totaled 10 tackles for loss and nine sacks in nine games for the Division II-AAA state champions.   The 6-foot-3, 230-pound edge rusher is a freak athlete, possessing tremendous explosiveness, burst, strong technique and a high motor.   Julien also has a 6-foot-7 wingspan, which gives him a head start on opposing offensive linemen.   He holds three Division I offers from Middle Tennessee, Kennesaw State and Liberty. However, the Canadian edge rusher will blow up soon with his impressive frame and ability to do it all on the defensive side of the ball.   <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/krose.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1695470" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Jackson Christian EDGE Kelsey Rose Jr.</figcaption></figure>   Kelsey Rose Jr. – Jackson Christian School   Kelsey Rose Jr. is one of the premier pass rushers in Tennessee, coming off a season where he totaled 65 tackles, 7.5 for a loss and a team-high four sacks.   Rose Jr. has taken a step up in production every season with Jackson Christian, which should be a sign to many that he must be on your radar. However, many people still don't realize how good he could be.   He offers good size, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, with a long frame and a ton of athleticism that partially comes from his basketball background. The 2027 prospect is a twitchy guy who's effective against the run, rushing the passer and even dropping back in coverage.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-25-2026-1-32-34-PM-crop-1196x786-1769369655.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2112758" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Riverdale EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1207775' first='Julius' last='Malden'] in a game.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1207775' first='Julius' last='Malden'] – Riverdale High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1207775' first='Julius' last='Malden'] is an intriguing edge rusher from Riverdale High School, who's shown a lot of good things on tape but still has no offers. I'm hoping that changes soon, because he's a quality player who would be a good get for a plethora of college programs.   He has the ideal body for this position, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds with a long, athletic frame.   While he needs to add weight, he has the frame to do so, which will help his pitch to scouts and collegiate staffers. The 2027 prospect is a solid run stopper, but he stands out with his pass-rush ability.   Malden is speedy, has excellent moves, good footwork and nice bend that allows him to beat offensive tackles off the edge. He's also highly fluid and shows excellent body control.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-25-2026-1-38-02-PM-crop-1091x717-1769369939.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2112764" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Sevier County EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'] before a game.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'] – Sevier County High School   The fact that I have to include [player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'] on this list is absurd. He's arguably been the most productive edge rusher in Tennessee over the past three seasons. However, he doesn't get the recognition that he deserves.   The 2027 prospect has started every game since his freshman year, racking up 238 tackles, 25 for a loss and 19 sacks. While he has elite production, Perry also offers good size.   He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 230 pounds in a lean frame that's filled out nicely. The rising senior is very quick off the edge, shows sound technique, a high motor, excellent instincts and great pass-rush moves.   Perry has the versatility to play as a stand-up edge rusher or slide into a true defensive end role. While he's a better edge, it's always nice to have someone who can play multiple positions or take on different roles in specific defensive schemes.

With the new year beginning, I'll be starting a new series surrounding underrated upperclassmen at every position. The 2027 class is loaded, which means some kids will go under the radar, and I'm here to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.