The Madison Area's Best DL and Edge Rushers

*Use code Johnson30 for 30% off an annual Prep Redzone subscription*   We continue our deep dive into the immediate Madison area by flipping to the defensive side of the ball. We start in the trenches and on the edge. This is a group that offer a variety of skills, builds, and ways of winning and making impacts in the trenches and off the edge. The Madison area is home to several game wreckers on the DL and the edge and that includes athletes who I believe will commit to every level from the FBS level to the D3 level. So let's dive into the group and make sure coaches have these kids on their radars!    [player_tooltip player_id='1628031' first='Azindo' last='Takoro'] of Edgewood High School is the cream of the crop when it comes to the DL group coming out of Madison. The 2028 is a mammoth of a man at 6'3" 300 lbs, and it is a strong and explosive 300 lbs that has been built in the weight room. Azindo doesn't just stand out with his sheer size. It is the way he can burst off the line with an explosive first step. The way he can collapse the interior of the pocket with his overwhelming power and force from his hands to his feet. The big man also demonstrates elite body control while shedding blocks or splitting double teams. The big man is a special talent that is only going to get bigger and stronger going forward.      [player_tooltip player_id='1620332' first='Deangelo' last='Clay'] of Monona Grove is the epitome of explosive athleticism and disruption. Nobody creates more backfield havoc and chaos than the 2027 DL. His first step at the snap is outstanding, giving him a major advantage right from the jump. That burst and his overall acceleration makes him a nightmare to try and get a lineman in front of within the first few steps off the line from Clay. The kid's motor matches his burst and disruption too. The kid never stops from the first snap to the final whistle. His ability to bend, dip, or make a counter move is so natural for the athletic DL. This is a disruptive force that you want on your trenches.      When it comes to playing the edge there are a few key traits I want to see jump off the tape. A couple being how explosive and how much ground your first step covers and how effective of a pass rusher you are. Waunakee's [player_tooltip player_id='2103497' first='Sam' last='Follen'] passes both of those with flying colors. The DE/Edge launches out of his stance and is able to get up field in a hurry. While doing that the 2027 maintains the agility and balance to be able to counter or cut back across the face of his OT. The 2027 edge defender is also excellent when it comes to his hand use. He does a great job of maintaining separation, getting hands down, and shedding OTs and getting into the backfield clean. From there he has the range and speed to close quickly and get the QB on the ground. I believe the 6'2" 220 lbs athlete could attack from a two point stance at the next level with his traits. You need to check out his highlights.      Will just recently published a new highlight tape from the 2025 season and it is impressive stuff. The '27 edge is a long, 6'4" prospect. I love the speed and overall range he brings to the position, easily chasing down the ball from behind or lining up very wide and still getting to the QB because of that burst and speed. I love this kid's motor too. So many of his highlights having him covering a good span of ground to get to the ball and he still is able to make stops behind the line of scrimmage. The athletic Edge has also shown that he can take on a block, shed it, and make the tackle on the edge. The tools are intriguing.      Reed is a bit of a different type of athlete at the edge position. He doesn't have the typical length and instead has more of the ILB build. However, turn on the tape and not only is he on the edge but also playing with his hand in the dirt. Reed surprises you with the power he can play with while setting the edge. He can take on the big OL, hold his ground and even shed and make the tackle without giving up yardage. Then you also see that he can flash some speed and bend while engaged with the OT rushing the edge. The physicality, effort, and tenacity are well worth looking into here.      Henry is one of the more impressive two-way athletes coming out of the Madison area. The 2027 shines at both TE and on the edge on defense. Henry brings physicality and strength to the field loaded up in his 6'3" 220 lbs frame. The '27 has that special ability to not only have the athleticism to fly around the field to beat angles or chase down the ball, but do it with every movement backed by power. Henry is always ready to end his play with a violent tackle, lowered shoulder to run through a tackle attempt, or forceful block or block shed. I love his versatility too. Not only as a two way player but with the variety of alignments you see from him on defense. Henry is one of my favorite new additions to my radar. I highly recommend checking out his dynamic highlights.

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