Off The Edge: Sophomore Defenders Setting The Tone

Texas high school football continues to produce edge defenders earlier and earlier, and this sophomore class is already flashing traits that translate on Friday nights and beyond. Length, motor, bend, and physicality show up consistently on film with this group. These aren't projection-only bodies; these are players impacting games and forcing offenses to account for them. Here's a deeper evaluation of several sophomores who set the standard last season and are trending up heading into the fall.    Smith looks the part before the ball is even snapped. He brings elite length for the position and pairs it with real edge speed. His first step threatens tackles immediately, forcing oversets and opening up counters. The athletic profile is obvious, and college programs have already taken notice with early offers from Arkansas, Houston, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and SMU. Smith is still refining his hand usage, but the ceiling is high. With continued technical development, he projects as a true difference-maker off the edge.     Jackson brings a physical edge to his game. He fires off with a quick first step, plays with good bend, and shows a relentless pursuit mentality. Against the run, he's stout and disciplined, maintaining leverage and finishing through contact. There's power in his lower half, and he doesn't give ground easily. As his pass-rush plan continues to evolve, his production should follow. Heading into the fall, Jackson is a name evaluators should keep circled.     Armstrong is a technician in the making. He plays with violent hands, good bend, and an understanding of leverage that allows him to punch above his weight. His motor runs hot, and he plays fast from snap to whistle. Production backs it up: 26 tackles and 5 sacks as a sophomore. He's already holding offers from SMU and Texas Tech, and it's easy to see why. Armstrong sets the edge well, transitions smoothly from run to pass, and consistently stresses blockers. Continued physical development will only amplify his impact.     Stauts brings rare length and explosion to the edge. He's explosive off the ball, plays with good bend for his size, and closes ground quickly once he clears the block. Against the run, he's physical and dependable, using a stiff punch to control the point of attack. His frame still has room to fill out, which makes the upside even more intriguing. With offers from Navy, Texas State, Tulane, Nebraska, Syracuse, and others, Stauts has firmly established himself as a national-level prospect early in his career.     Racey is all production and effort and that combination wins games. He finished with 7 sacks, 46 tackles, and 20 tackles for loss, earning 21-6A Defensive Lineman MVP and First Team All-District honors. He plays with a high motor, sets the edge with authority, and has the strength to shock and shed blockers consistently. Racey understands how to leverage his frame and plays with urgency on every snap. He's a disruptor by nature, and colleges need to prioritize getting eyes on him sooner rather than later.     Shittu is a traits-based edge defender whose motor immediately jumps off film. He plays the game fast, chasing from the backside and finishing plays outside his alignment. His long, lean frame gives him natural leverage advantages, and he understands how to stay active through contact rather than getting stuck on blocks. What stands out most is his disruption, he may not always be the one credited with the tackle, but he forces hurried decisions and broken plays. As he adds functional strength, expect his snap count to rise quickly. Varsity reps are coming, and his upside is clear.

Texas high school football continues to produce edge defenders earlier and earlier, and this sophomore class is already flashing traits that translate on Friday nights and beyond. Length, motor, bend, and physicality show up consistently on film with this group. These aren't projection-only bodies; these are players impacting games and forcing offenses to account for them. Here's a deeper evaluation of several sophomores who set the standard last season and are trending up heading into the fall.