PRZMD Poll: Top 2027 Edge Defenders in MD/DC

The Class of 2027 features plenty of talented edge defenders across MD/DC who are ready to make an impact this season. Before the first snap, we want to know who you believe deserves to be the preseason favorite for Edge Defender MVP.

Note: I did not include more than one teammate from each team (e.g. , St. Frances Academy)

No. 1 overall prospect James Pace III James Pace III 6'4" | 235 lbs | EDGE DeMatha | 2027 State MD | 6-4 | 235 | DeMatha Catholic

Pace III is an Auburn football commit.

No. 2 overall prospect Anthony Sweeney Anthony Sweeney 6'4" | 220 lbs | EDGE St. Frances Academy | 2027 State MD | 6-4 | 220 | St. Frances Academy

Sweeney is a Texas Tech football commit.

No. 6 overall Cahron Wheeler Cahron Wheeler 6'5" | 235 lbs | EDGE St. Paul's | 2027 State MD | 6-5 | 235 | St. Paul's

Wheeler is a Florida football commit.

No. 9 overall Rion Jackson Rion Jackson 6'5" | 215 lbs | EDGE Annapolis | 2027 State MD | 6-5 | 215 | Annapolis

Jackson is an Auburn football commit

No. 36 overall Josiah Ampofo Josiah Ampofo 6'3" | 265 lbs | DL/EDGE St. John's College | 2027 State MD | 6-3 | 265 | St. John's College

Ampofo is a Wake Forest football commit.

Quick thoughts on the candidates

I've seen James Pace III James Pace III 6'4" | 235 lbs | EDGE DeMatha | 2027 State MD and Anthony Sweeney Anthony Sweeney 6'4" | 220 lbs | EDGE St. Frances Academy | 2027 State MD play in person at least three times each over the past few seasons. I think Pace has been the most dominant player on this list. Sweeney is at St. Frances Academy now and will be playing on what is probably a slightly bigger stage. If he continues to dominate this season, he can make his case to take the No. 1 spot. With that being said, Pace is truly a beast, and I expect him to go out on a strong note for his senior year.