Top Returning Pass Rushers in 1A — 2027 Class

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='2152912' first='William' last='Grinage'] – DE, Orlando Christian Prep Height/Weight: 6'3", 245 lbs Season Stats: 38 tackles, 14 sacks, 18 TFL over 11 games. Offers: 4 Division 1 offers   Scouting Report: Grinage is a long, explosive pass rusher with a sudden first step and the ability to bend the edge. He consistently collapses the pocket and finishes with violent hands, dominating opposing tackles on his way to 14 sacks and 18 TFL in just 11 games.   Analysis: Grinage projects as a high-upside defensive end with proven pass-rush production. His size, burst, and existing D1 offers position him as a dangerous edge threat at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1671125' first='Anthony' last='Cavallaro'] – DE, Indian Rocks Christian Height/Weight: 6'5", 240 lbs Season Stats: 60 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 25 TFL, 26 QB hurries over 11 games Committed to Florida State University   Scouting Report: Cavallaro is a towering, athletic defensive end who uses his exceptional length and leverage to disrupt offenses. He combines power with quickness off the edge, relentlessly pressuring quarterbacks with 12.5 sacks, 25 TFL, and an impressive 26 hurries.   Analysis: As a class of 2027 player and Florida State commit, Cavallaro projects as a premier edge prospect. His rare combination of size, production, and athleticism makes him a high-impact player ready for major college football.   Kayden Pinder – OLB/Edge, North Florida Educational Institute Height/Weight: 6'0", 205 lbs Season Stats: 49 tackles, 9 sacks, 13 TFL, 8 QB hurries over 10 games. 3.8 GPA   Scouting Report: Pinder is a twitchy, high-motor edge rusher who plays with outstanding quickness and relentless effort. He gets after the quarterback with speed and bend, while also showing the discipline to drop into coverage and make plays all over the field.   Analysis: Pinder projects as a versatile, athletic edge defender with strong production. His motor, sack numbers, and high academics make him an appealing multi-tool prospect.   Julius La Rosa – DT/DL, University Christian High Height/Weight: 6'2", 270 lbs Season Stats: 59 tackles, 7 sacks, 17 TFL over 13 games. 3.3 GPA Committed to NC State University   Scouting Report: La Rosa is a powerful, disruptive interior lineman who commands double teams and collapses the pocket from the inside. He shows strong hands, quick feet for his size, and the ability to penetrate the backfield consistently.   Analysis: As a class of 2027 player and NC State commit, La Rosa projects as a stout, productive defensive tackle. His size, interior disruption, and commitment to a Power conference program highlight his college-ready traits.   Gavin Craig – DE, University Christian High Height/Weight: 6'0", 210 lbs Season Stats: 49 tackles, 20 TFL, 8 sacks, 1 INT, 2 blocked punts over 13 games. 3.3 GPA Offers: Warner University   Scouting Report: Craig is an active, high-effort defensive end who excels at disrupting plays from multiple angles. He shows excellent pursuit, the ability to affect the passing game, and special teams value with two blocked punts and an interception.   Analysis: Craig projects as a high-motor, versatile edge player. His all-around production and consistency over a full season give him strong upside.   [player_tooltip player_id='1824723' first='Caden' last='Harrell'] – DE, Maclay High Height/Weight: 6'4", 220 lbs Season Stats: 77 tackles, 6 sacks, 25 TFL over 12 games. 1st Team All-District/All-Big Bend, 3.4 GPA Offers: Upper Iowa   Scouting Report: Harrell is a long, physical defensive end who plays with great leverage and pursuit. He consistently sets the edge, sheds blockers, and creates havoc in the backfield, leading to 25 TFL and earning 1st Team All-District honors.   Analysis: Harrell projects as a tall, productive edge setter with strong length. His high tackle volume and all-district recognition show his reliability and physical style.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140166' first='Vance' last='Sanger'] – DE, Melbourne Central Catholic Height/Weight: 6'0", 240 lbs Season Stats: 68 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles over 11 games. 3.5 GPA   Scouting Report: Sanger is a stout, physical defensive end who plays with heavy hands and strong run defense. He excels at setting the edge, pressuring the quarterback, and forcing turnovers with active hands and relentless effort.   Analysis: Sanger projects as a tough, run-stopping defensive end with good production. His physicality and ability to create turnovers make him a dependable defender.   Cesar Agard – DT, North Florida Educational Institute Height/Weight: 6'2", 250 lbs Season Stats: 66 tackles, 5 sacks, 7 QB hurries over 9 games. Offers: Florida Memorial, Erskine University   Scouting Report: Agard is a quick, active interior defensive lineman who penetrates gaps and creates pressure up the middle. He shows good burst off the snap and the ability to affect both the run and pass game in limited action.   Analysis: Agard projects as an athletic defensive tackle with disruptive potential. His tackle production and college offers show his ability to impact games from the interior.

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.