TN2027 Rankings Breakdown (Edge Rushers)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Finalizing our look at the defensive side of the ball with the "Tennessee Top 300," here we breakdown the edge rusher, the guys who can make a difference getting into the backfield. It's a solid class but one that can become better after the 2026 season with several prospects making the jump in their player progressions. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Finding pass rushers from our in-state TN2027 class isn't hard as this year's crop presents several strong options that bring a unique skill set to the playing field that translates to the college game. The “Edge” position is evolving as the year's go on and becoming specialists that college coaches search for because disrupting the quarterback is priority number one for every football staff. I think we have several guys inside this class that have the talent and upside to potentially become feared pass rushers on the next level with maybe a few prospects having the ability to push things into the pro ranks one day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Tier (Inside Top 100) ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the better overall prospects within the TN2027 class resides here with the edge rushers and that's Collierville senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1310642' first='Antwan' last='Jackson']</strong>. Ranked 4th overall and 1st among the edge guys, Jackson is dripping with next level potential, sporting great overall size and natural athletic abilities that could turn this Memphis product into an All-Conference caliber player down the road. Jackson is still learning how to play off the edge but what he is turning into could be special, so it will be fun to see how he performs this Fall and how far he has come in his progression.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You have to go a little lower inside our “Top 100” to find the next edge rusher but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1357924' first='Hans' last='Emery Julien'] </strong>(50th overall/2nd Edge) is talented and quickly rising on the recruiting scene. This Baylor defender had a solid debut with the Red Raiders last year but could be in-store for a breakout senior season, especially if he has developed his game further. Emery Julien is an athletic young man with good length and a slender frame that can be formed on the next level. He shows a nice bend with closing speed that works well in college. I think he can be developed much further and be formed into a game wrecker that might be able to take his game beyond the college ranks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2147738,"width":"280px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/hejulien-crop-422x277-1773098809.jpg?w=421" alt="" class="wp-image-2147738" style="width:280px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1357924' first='Hans' last='Emery Julien']. Photo by Baylor Athletics.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we are deep into college camp season, one guy who I think is flying way under the radar is Jackson Central-Merry edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1693459' first='Jayland' last='Eckford']</strong>. Placed inside our ranking at 53rd overall and 3rd among the edge rushers, Eckford may have some of the best overall potential of anybody from this position and if he was two inches taller, his offer list would show it. The Cougars senior comes off the snap fast then uses his athleticism, bend and speed to chase down the quarterback and bring him down. Eckford does need to get bigger and stronger but the raw ability to get into the backfield is there and I think will shine brightly on the college stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holding an offer from Tulane and interest from many others, senior edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2161216' first='Devin' last='Bertram'] </strong>(56th overall/4th Edge) is still underrated by the greater recruiting community but sporting next level talent that I think can flourish on the big stage. When you turn on his film, Bertram shows a thick build with arm length and a great burst around the edge that opposing O-linemen have a tough time dealing blocking. The Blue Devils senior is physical at the point of attack along with some of the best pass rushing moves in this class. I think in time, Bertram will be fully uncovered and have some top tier programs chasing after him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our final edge rusher inside the “Top 100” recently took himself off the recruiting trail by committing to the University of Minnesota. Ranked 72nd overall and 5th among the edge guys, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580777' first='Kelsey' last='Rose Jr.'] </strong>from Jackson Christian could see his stock rise during our next update, especially if he takes that next step in his game this coming season. The Eagles senior edge rusher has&nbsp; great size with the ability to rush the backfield or drop into coverage. Rose Jr. does need to keep enhancing his agility and burst but the raw talent is in place to become a future starter with the Golden Gophers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/?position=EDGE" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/?position=EDGE">#TN2027 Edge Rusher Rankings/Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Next Tier (Inside Top 200) ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We only have four pure “edge rushers” placed inside the “Top 200” but they are four talented football players that have not just next level abilities but potential to play on the D1 stage one day. One guy that will be talked about here has already committed to a Division One program while the other three have a chance to join him with breakout senior campaigns. I actually really like all four edge rushers talked about in this section and think all four could develop into impactful players on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked 116th overall and 6th among the edge rushers, Pearl Cohn senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1847720' first='Mikhai' last='Moshay'] </strong>has tremendous long term potential but is still far off from being who I think he will be in college. The Firebirds pass rusher has the height, length combo you desire but Moshay is lacking the overall body weight right now to sustain himself upon arrival in college. This Nashville native will need time to gain the mass needed but the raw athletic abilities are there to become an excellent pass rusher down the road.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2138403,"width":"203px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/mmoshay2-e1781465194239.jpg?w=628" alt="" class="wp-image-2138403" style="width:203px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taking himself off the market recently by committing to Charlotte, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207775' first='Julius' last='Malden'] </strong>(140th overall/7th Edge) has outstanding long term potential with getting after the quarterback and I believe that's what the 49ers coaching staff saw with this Murfreesboro area senior. Malden has some of the best pure bend and speed around the edge within this class but is lacking the body weight right now to make an impact early in his career. He does have the frame to pack on more weight and when he does, Malden could develop into a multi-sack guy in college that might be able to play his way towards the pro ranks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lebanon edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932943' first='Jaden' last='Stafford'] </strong>(196th overall/8th Edge) is someone I am quite high on and think could have a breakout senior year that may warrant bigger interest. The Blue Devils senior has the physical look of a college edge rusher along with some of the best burst off the line but Stafford is lacking the body weight right now to see the two deep early in his college career. This Mid-Tennessee product will definitely need to hit the dinner table and weight room to fill out and become better equipped for the college game but the athletic tools are there to develop into an outstanding game wrecker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tall and long with a wide radius and a versatile skill set, Jackson North-Side edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1707742' first='Isaiah' last='Burton'] </strong>(197th overall/9th Edge) has the physical look and tools to carve out a nice role on the college level and even become a multi-year starter that could produce double digit sacks. The Indians senior has steadily gotten better as his career has gone on and Burton may be in-store for his best season yet. If this West Tennessee product can continue enhancing his lower half agility and burst, Burton might see a rise in his stock and his ranking during our next update.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Just Outside the Top 200 …….</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Going beyond the top 200 prospects in this class, the edge rusher group starts to show its depth in this section with a large group of seniors that have next level potential but need to show a few things throughout the coming season to boost their overall stocks. Some guys here need more time in the weight room while others need time on the field to enhance their games. I do see several guys in this section that I believe could have bright futures on the college stage as long as they progress and take the next proper steps in their development.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joining Malden on the other side of the Riverdale defensive line, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588087' first='Gael' last='Lara'] </strong>(201st overall/10th Edge) is a versatile defensive piece that I could see working off the edge or occasionally playing off the ball linebacker, when the time calls for it. The Warriors senior defender shows flashes on film off excellent pass rushing upside but must continue to develop his skill set to become more formidable on the next level. Lara is a physical competitor with strong hands that helps him get into the backfield along with deceptive speed that I think has higher levels to go.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Undersized but active with a strong work ethic, Hardin Valley edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1986108' first='Chance' last='Sharp'] </strong>(216th overall/11th Edge) has long term potential written all over him as someone that could become a specialist, someone that simply gets after the quarterback on the college level. The Hawks senior displays nice bend and a solid burst around the edge along with closing speed that can get a tick or two faster. Sharp will need time to gain more mass while enhancing his game play but he has raw abilities about himself that screams rushing the passer in college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2103284,"width":"219px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.8469923927535096","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/114-Chance-Sharp.png?w=703" alt="" class="wp-image-2103284" style="aspect-ratio:0.8469923927535096;width:219px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White Station senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2057229' first='Jalen' last='Bryant'] </strong>(239th overall/12th Edge) could see a big rise in our next updated rankings with a strong senior campaign that shows increased burst and speed around the edge along with enhancing his overall athleticism. Bryant could be considered more of a power rusher right now that sets the edge versus the run but the potential is there for the Spartans senior to become more equipped at getting after the quarterback on a consistent basis.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sitting way under the radar but someone I know about due to seeing him at several camps and 7v7 events, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1635440' first='Marjaveon' last='Whitelow'] </strong>(256th overall/13th Edge) is a prospect to keep eyes on this Fall to potentially breakout and earn himself plenty of college interest. Transferring from Shelbyville to Oakland for his senior season, Whitelow has the raw athletic abilities to become a game wrecker off the edge that could not only get after the quarterback but also set the edge versus the run. The Patriots senior is well put together physically too, so Whitelow is someone to watch as a potential Fall stock riser.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New to Whites Creek High School this Fall season, edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2158322' first='Santana' last='Box'] </strong>(286th overall/14th Edge) has finally started to grow into his body and by doing so, you can see a future for him on the college level. The Cobras senior defender brings a versatile skill set to the field where he can rush the backfield, set the edge or drop into coverage. His natural athletic abilities allow him to do these things but Box must continue getting bigger and stronger while developing his game much further to become an every down college starter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more interesting edge rushers we have in this class is Pope Prep senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1529629' first='DeVaughn' last='Cantrell']</strong>. Standing 6 '3 210 pounds, the Knights defensive prospect has good size, arm length and the build to be grown much further but is still far from a finished product that will need time to develop. Cantrell (287th overall/15th Edge) has floated between multiple positions throughout his high school career but he looks to have finally grown into an edge defender, a versatile guy that can provide a good pass rush while also working in coverage. Watching how he has progressed and performs this Fall will go a long way in many factors for Cantrell moving forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/">Tennessee Top 300</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming over to Alcoa from William Blount for his senior season, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705068' first='Jace' last='Boyd'] </strong>(288th overall/16th Edge) has the physical tools and traits you look for (6'4 230) but must enhance his athleticism, burst and speed to garner more college interest. I think coming over to the Tornadoes football program should help with that as he will be expected to perform at a high level. Boyd is considered more of a power rusher right now that can provide the occasional pass rush but is more suited to set the edge.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another new offseason transfer in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1871036' first='Elijah' last='Valentine'] </strong>(293rd overall/17th Edge) that came to Sevier Co. from Gatlinburg-Pittman rounds out the edge rushers inside our “Tennessee Top 300” with the potential to move up in our next update with a standout senior season. The Smoky Bears senior is built more like a power rusher, an edge setter right now that does show flashes of bend and speed coming around the tackle. Going to the next level in his game is something Valentine must do to increase stock and force more college coaches to look his direction.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is more long term potential about this year's edge rushers more than anything. There are a few high level products at the top but most of the guys above still need a lot of development before they are capable of becoming an every down starter on the collegiate gridiron. This coming Fall football season will be critical for many in this article to not just help their teams win but produce and take themselves to new heights with their games and recruiting profiles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1687313,"width":"197px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.6669960474308301","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/61-DeVaughn-Cantrell-rotated.jpg?w=684" alt="" class="wp-image-1687313" style="aspect-ratio:0.6669960474308301;width:197px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->