1A/2A Edge Rushers To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're in the middle of a series highlighting the top players at smaller public schools around the state. Even with the recent move to eight NCHSAA classifications, there's a ton of future college talent at the 1A and 2A levels. Here, we're breaking down five edge rushers at the 1A and 2A level that you should know in 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five 1A/2A Edge Rushers to Know in 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: Check out our other 1A/2A pieces:</em><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-quarterbacks-to-know/">QBs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-rbs-to-know-cameron-clem-leads-strong-class/">RBs</a></strong><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-wide-receivers-to-know/"><strong>WRs</strong><br></a><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/small-school-offensive-linemen-to-know/">Small-School OL</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-interior-defensive-linemen-to-know/">IDLs</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dmarcus-powell/">D'Marus Powell</a></strong> | North Edgecomb</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A two-way player, Powell broke out in a big way as a sophomore. Not only did he put up eight sacks, putting him in the top 5 of the 1A class, but he also averaged over 20 yards per catch on offense. Because of his length and frame (6'6", 210 pounds), he's a high-upside edge rusher, and if he puts it all together, he's likely to be one of the top prospects in North Edgecomb's history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2229653' first='Tremaine' last='Horton']</strong> | Southeast Collegiate Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Horton has flown under the radar despite putting up back-to-back six-sack seasons. He can play outside, inside, or off the ball, and Southeast Collegiate will line him up where he can get the most favorable matchup. His motor is excellent, which helps him make plays all over the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717322' first='Steven' last='Elliott']</strong> | Perquimans County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Statistically, Elliott took a slight step back in 2025 after 10 sacks as a sophomore in 2024. That's largely due to game script, schedule, and opponent, though, and Elliott actually improved as a run defender last year. He's an aggressive, high-motor pass-rusher who can make tackles on the opposite side of the field or pressure quarterbacks even if his initial pass-rushing move fails. One of the top pass-rushers in the lower classifications, we're fans of Elliott's game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1353067' first='Jesiah' last='Fields']</strong> | Corvian Community</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the highest-ranked small-school prospects in the state, Fields is a future Power Four defensive lineman, perhaps on the interior. In high school, though, he plays off the edge, where he can fire off and beat tackles with both speed and power. He's still developing as a true technician and tends to win with athleticism over moves. As he develops, though, he should get closer to hitting his high ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2148890' first='Jayden' last='Lindsey']</strong> | Holmes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Consider this an upside pick. While Lindsey did have four sacks as a freshman, he's not exactly a household name. But the Holmes coaching staff thinks they have a budding star off the edge, and given the depth chart this year, we think Lindsey could break out as a sophomore. He has a good first step and excellent lateral movement skills. He might fly under the radar, but Holmes has another good one off the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Our preseason coverage is just getting started. Coaches, if you want your team featured in a team preview,&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=118251332469799088451">fill out our survey</a>.&nbsp;Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Help them get 30% off their first billing cycle with promo code Helms30.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->