QB Hunters Reloaded: 4A’s Top Pass Rushers

Florida has long been a hotbed for high school football talent. Year after year, the Sunshine State produces some of the nation's most electric prospects. From game-breaking speed to next-level agility and pure, raw athleticism, Florida athletes consistently set the tone on Friday nights, and college coaches across the country take notice.   With the 2025 season now in the rearview, we're turning our focus to the players whose stock is rising across the state. Every athlete on this list has the tools to play at the next level. Some already hold multiple offers, while others are just beginning to gain traction, but all possess the ability to compete in college football in the right fit.   This group features a mix of nationally regarded standouts and under-the-radar sleepers who deserve serious attention from college programs. Simply put, this list is loaded with difference-makers.   Prep Redzone Florida will continue to support and spotlight these athletes as they chase their goal of playing college football.         [player_tooltip player_id='2138790' first='Jadell' last='Carter'] – Edge/DE, South Fort Myers High Height/Weight: 6'5", 206 lbs Season Stats: 128 tackles, 20 TFL, 17 sacks over 11 games. Committed: NC State University     Scouting Report: Carter is a long, rangy edge defender with exceptional height and athleticism. He uses his length to keep offensive tackles at bay, then explodes through contact with physicality and closing speed, racking up an eye-popping 128 tackles and 17 sacks in just 11 games.     Analysis: As a class of 2027 player and NC State commit, Carter projects as a high-level, game-changing edge rusher. His rare combination of size, production, and athleticism makes him one of the top prospects in his class.       Fred Ards – DE, Jones High Height/Weight: 6'5", 231 lbs Season Stats: 80 tackles, 13 TFL, 11 sacks over 15 games. Offers: 23 Division 1 Offers     Scouting Report: Ards is a towering, long-limbed defensive end who uses his exceptional height and reach to disrupt offenses. He sets a strong edge in the run game, sheds blockers with violent hands, and consistently creates pressure in the backfield, posting 80 tackles and 11 sacks over a full 15-game season.     Analysis: Ards projects as a high-upside, physical edge defender with major college interest. His rare length/athleticism, durability and 23 Division 1 offers highlight his strong potential at the next level.       [player_tooltip player_id='1419103' first='Kaden' last='Henderson'] – EDGE, Jesuit High Height/Weight: 6'2", 215 lbs Season Stats: 49 tackles, 13 TFL, 9 sacks, 20 QB hurries, 4 passes defensed over 10 games. Offers: 50 official scholarship offers     Scouting Report: Henderson is a twitchy, explosive edge rusher who plays with outstanding quickness and football IQ. He generates constant pressure with a variety of moves, shows the ability to drop and cover, and forces defenses to adjust with 20 QB hurries and 4 pass breakups.     Analysis: Henderson projects as a high-upside, versatile edge defender. The massive interest (50 official offers) reflects his elite athleticism and playmaking ability.       [player_tooltip player_id='1707658' first='Johnny' last='Duckett'] – DT, ED White High Height/Weight: 6'1", 250 lbs Season Stats: 80 tackles, 20 TFL, 9 sacks, 40 QB hurries over 12 games     Scouting Report: Duckett is an active, high-motor interior lineman who penetrates gaps and creates chaos in the middle. He shows excellent quickness for his size, relentless effort, and the ability to affect both the run and pass game with an impressive 40 QB hurries.     Analysis: Duckett projects as a disruptive, high-effort defensive tackle. His high tackle total and interior pressure numbers make him a valuable anchor on the defensive line.       Jay'shawn McCloud – MLB/ATH, Clay High Height/Weight: 6'3", 250 lbs Season Stats: 75 tackles, 18 TFL, 8.5 sacks, 19 QB hurries, 1 INT over 9 games. Offers: 10 Division 1 offers     Scouting Report: McCloud is a massive, athletic linebacker/defensive lineman hybrid who brings rare size and movement skills. He uses his power to shed blockers and his athleticism to chase plays, while also showing the ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage.     Analysis: McCloud projects as a versatile, high-upside front-seven player. His size, production, and 10 D1 offers highlight his potential to play multiple roles at the next level.       Jaden McCray – DT, Columbia High Height/Weight: 6'1", 295 lbs Season Stats: 49 tackles, 12 TFL, 8 sacks over 12 games. Offers: 6 Division 1 offers     Scouting Report: McCray is a thick, powerful interior lineman who occupies blockers and collapses the pocket. He shows strong leverage and the ability to push the line of scrimmage, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates with consistent disruption.     Analysis: McCray projects as a stout, run-clogging defensive tackle with pass-rush upside. His size and existing D1 offers make him a solid interior prospect.       Ji'koi Highsmith – DE/OLB, Archbishop McCarthy High Height/Weight: 6'1", 215 lbs Season Stats: 67 tackles, 19 TFL, 10 sacks, 29 QB hurries, 1 INT over 13 games. 2nd Team All-Broward Offers: 13 Division 1 offers     Scouting Report: Highsmith is a versatile, high-motor edge player who excels at rushing the passer and making plays all over the field. He generates constant pressure with 29 QB hurries and shows the range and instincts to contribute in coverage as well.     Analysis: Highsmith projects as a dynamic, multi-positional edge defender. His production, All-Broward honors, and 13 D1 offers show his well-rounded ability.       [player_tooltip player_id='2194614' first='John' last='Immerfall'] – OLB/DE, Okeechobee High Height/Weight: 5'10", 205 lbs Season Stats: 24 tackles, 8 TFL, 7.5 sacks over 9 games. 4.0 GPA     Scouting Report: Immerfall is a compact, quick-footed edge rusher who plays with tremendous acceleration and effort. Despite his shorter stature, he shows elite burst, strong hands, and the ability to finish plays, putting up efficient sack and TFL numbers.     Analysis: Immerfall projects as a high-motor, twitchy edge defender with strong academics. His efficiency and relentless style give him solid upside.

Florida has long been a hotbed for high school football talent. Year after year, the Sunshine State produces some of the nation's most electric prospects. From game-breaking speed to next-level agility and pure, raw athleticism, Florida athletes consistently set the tone on Friday nights, and college coaches across the country take notice.