Stat Monsters: Top Returning Ohio Sack Leaders Heading Into 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Football season in Ohio kicks off this week, and we take a look today at the top players in total sacks from last season in Ohio as we head into the 2026 season. These four players are must-know names as they enter the fall season, and big things are expected of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note: all statistics are courtesy of MaxPreps. Prospects who have social media and Hudl film are eligible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2337751"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a84609147118"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">East Columbus Class of 2027 edge Mar'qwez Mattox led all returning players last season with 20 sacks, flashing a quick first step, legitimate edge speed, and ability to elude blockers and rush the passer. Plays with good bend, leverage, and is hard to contain one-on-one. His status for this season remains unknown: while researching players for this article, we learned Mattox survived a shooting over the offseason, and all of us at Prep Redzone wish him a quick and speedy recovery.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622887"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a84609147158"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We've been high on Darby edge Logan Krooner for a long time. Krooner, who is committed to Ohio University, is a high-motored defensive end who can collapse the pocket and takes great angles to the quarterback. He has a good combination of size and speed. Can take on multiple blockers, pursue and chase, and is very physical. He finished last season with 11.5 sacks, 43 total tackles, five forced fumbles and 32 QB pressures with two blocked punts. Also a tight end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1851119"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8460914717b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dre'Keim Abercrombie is a very good edge player. He plays within his frame, takes great pursuit angles and wraps up. He has great acceleration to the ball, good closing speed, takes on the double team effectively and flashes a very good spin move. I love Abercrombie's effort, motor and hustle. He has very good edge speed and very good use of hands, very active feet and hands and hard to neutralize. Finished last season with 13 sacks for East Liverpool.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2128933"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8460914719b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aaron Rapp leads all returning sophomores in Ohio in sacks, with 13 in 2025. Earning defensive player of the year honors, Rapp is a strong pass rusher who can spin off blocks, plug the middle v. the run and rush the QB. Very tough defensive lineman who can hold the point of attack, wrap up and be stout v. the run and pass. Occupies the double team and allows teammates to clean up the play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->