Who's Next 252 Top Returners DL/Edge

It all starts and ends in the trenches, and the 252 is loaded with difference-makers up front. This group of returning defensive linemen and edge rushers made a major impact last season, consistently disrupting offenses and showing up in big moments—including state title runs and MVP performances. What stands out even more is the youth, with several freshmen stepping in and producing early, setting the tone for a unit that will be dominant for years to come.    [player_tooltip player_id='1853840' first='Zalik' last='Cannady']'s career couldn't have started any better. The freshman defensive lineman put together a dominant debut season, totaling 85 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks—elite production from the trenches at any level. He saved his best for the biggest stage, earning Defensive MVP honors in the state championship game. Heading into his sophomore year, Cannady is already the unquestioned leader of the defense and firmly on the radar as a future Power 4 prospect.     [player_tooltip player_id='1884222' first='Zakari' last='Woods'] is the No. 3 ranked freshman edge rusher in our NC database, and it's easy to see why. At 6'2”, over 200 pounds, he brings a strong combination of size and speed off the edge. He finished his freshman season with 61 total tackles and 3.5 sacks, showing consistent production and impact. With more opportunities this upcoming season, those numbers could easily take a big jump. A two-sport athlete, Woods is a true competitor with the athleticism to continue rising as one of the top young edge prospects in the state.     [player_tooltip player_id='1712746' first='Travion' last='Melton'], a junior out of Greene Central, is one of the most physically imposing defenders in the 252. Primarily playing on the edge now, his 6'3”, 270-pound frame projects him to the interior at the next level. What separates Melton is his rare combination of size and athleticism—he can run exceptionally well for his build, with strong hands and impressive closing speed. Nearly impossible to handle one-on-one, he's a constant disruption up front. He finished last season with 54 total tackles and 5.5 sacks, and his upside continues to trend upward as a dominant trench presence.     [player_tooltip player_id='1159168' first='Jordan' last='Matthewson'] is a true up-and-coming prospect with Power 4 potential. At 6'4”, over 200 pounds, he's a do-it-all athlete for Martin County, impacting the game in every phase. Whether it's powering in a 30-yard QB run, taking a short slant the distance, or chasing down quarterbacks on the defensive side, his versatility and explosiveness stand out immediately. A super elite athlete with rare range and playmaking ability, Matthewson is a name that will continue to rise quickly.     Chase Everette, a junior edge rusher out of Hertford County, put together an impressive season and is quickly emerging as one of the more intriguing under-the-radar prospects in the state. Standing at 6'5”, 200 pounds, Everette brings elite length and natural pass-rushing upside to the edge. He finished the year with 52 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks—production that jumps off the page and shows his ability to consistently disrupt offenses.   Heading into his senior year, Everette is a sneaky FCS prospect with a high ceiling. His frame leaves plenty of room for added weight, and with continued development, he has the tools to become a real problem off the edge at the next level.     Steven Elliot, a junior edge rusher out of Perquimans, is one of those under-the-radar prospects that continues to show real upside. An extremely athletic two-sport standout, Elliot brings versatility and range that translates well on the defensive side of the ball. At 6'1”, just under 200 pounds, he totaled 72 tackles and 7 sacks last season—production that reflects both his motor and playmaking ability.   Projecting forward, Elliot looks like a natural fit at outside linebacker at the next level, where his athleticism can really be maximized in space. He's the type of prospect that programs at the FCS level and beyond should keep a close eye on. With continued development, he has the tools to be a great find for a program looking to land a high-upside defender flying under the radar.     [player_tooltip player_id='901324' first='Mekhi' last='Chavis'] put together a dominant breakout junior season, leading Warren County through one of the best runs in program history. At 6'2”, 250+ pounds, Chavis established himself as a force on the interior—combining power, explosiveness, and relentless effort snap after snap. His production speaks for itself, finishing with over 50 tackles for loss and consistently living in opposing backfields.   Chavis has all the traits of a top interior defensive prospect in his class. He plays with violent hands, strong leverage, and a motor that doesn't stop, making him extremely difficult to contain one-on-one. Heading into his senior year, he's a name that should be firmly on recruiting boards across the FCS level and beyond, with the potential to rise even higher as his game continues to develop.     [player_tooltip player_id='2110733' first='Tollie' last='West'] may not get the same attention as some of his teammates at powerhouse Northern Nash, but the sophomore quietly put together a highly impactful season. With nearly 10 sacks and 46 total tackles, West proved he can be a consistent disruptor off the edge.   Standing just under 6'2” with long arms, he brings ideal length and leverage to the position. What stands out most is his ability to impact both phases—he's not just a pass rush specialist, but also holds his own against the run. West shows a natural feel for getting after the quarterback, making him a true sack producer with upside.   As he continues to develop physically and refine his technique, he has the tools to emerge as one of the next standout defensive prospects coming out of Northern Nash.     [player_tooltip player_id='1660795' first='Cayden' last='Harmon'], edge rusher out of South Central, is an absolute problem off the edge and one of the more physically imposing defenders in the region. At 6'5”, over 200 pounds, he brings a rare blend of size, length, and speed that immediately stands out on film. With long arms and strides, he covers ground quickly and creates constant pressure on opposing offenses.   Harmon backed it up with production, finishing with over 70 total tackles and 5 sacks last season—numbers that reflect his impact beyond just rushing the passer. He's a terror in pursuit, disruptive against the run, and flashes the kind of upside that translates to the next level.   With continued development, Harmon has clear Power 4 ability and projects as a high-level prospect who could see his recruitment take off heading into his upperclass years.

It all starts and ends in the trenches, and the 252 is loaded with difference-makers up front. This group of returning defensive linemen and edge rushers made a major impact last season, consistently disrupting offenses and showing up in big moments—including state title runs and MVP performances. What stands out even more is the youth, with several freshmen stepping in and producing early, setting the tone for a unit that will be dominant for years to come.