8 Midstate Edge Rushers to keep an eye on:

Tim Swift September 29, 2026 @ 03:32 PM

<h1 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1909562' first='Fred' last='Ntumba'] Antioch:</h1>   <p><br>The junior edge rusher has off the charts athletic ability and agility that pops on tape. Ntumba has had an incredible impact on the Antioch defense this year with 9 sacks and countless pressures. Despite the fact that he's fairly new to football, he's learned quickly and shown himself to be one of the leaders of the Bear defense. His production and potential have turned into several Power 4 offers over the last few weeks. NC State, Indiana, Mississippi St, Wake Forest and Arkansas are just some of the schools that are in on Ntumba.</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2395955' first='Elijah' last='Carter'] MTCS:</h1>   <p><br>A late bloomer with all the traits in the world. Carter stands at 6'7 220lbs with a 7ft wingspan, that can have him snatching ball carriers down with one arm. You can see where his basketball background has made its way to the gridiron. He has a good first step with excellent agility and good chance of pace in small spaces. Carter has 6 sacks on the year and has been one of the most productive edge rushers in the state. Gaining more reps can only mean big things for the MTCS defender.</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2372838' first='Daniel' last='Baseswa'] Antioch:</h1>   <p><br>Excellent athlete who's undersized for the position but has been one of the most productive pass rushers in the state with 8 sacks. Baseswa's pure speed and pursuit angles make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. He also does a great job closing down ball carriers in the run game, even when they run away from him. There might be a position change in his future but for now Baseswa has been a terror on the edge for the 6-0 Bears.</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2206375' first='Connor' last='Sullivan'] Page:</h1>   <p><br>Excellent frame and length with real power in his hands when he strikes an offensive lineman. That power allows him to stack and shed to pursue ball carriers quickly. He has no problem taking on double teams and doing the dirty work to free up teammates. Sullivan has a true "run to the ball" mentality and is never out of a play. He's a big part of the Page defense that's only given up 8 points a game. Sullivan currently holds offers from West Georgia and Eastern Kentucky.</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='932943' first='Jaden' last='Stafford'] Lebanon:</h1>   <p><br>Athletic edge rusher who can get up the field in the hurry. Stafford has shown a real strength at the point of attack in the run game. He has a solid frame but needs to put on some weight to be effective at the next level. His biggest strength could be his ability to disengage off blocks and chase down ball carriers. Stafford currently holds offers from UVA Wise and Cumberland (TN).</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2206403' first='Tomarco' last='Vereen'] Kirkwood:</h1>   <p><br>Long and lean edge rusher with real burst and length who is coming into his own and understands the physical tools he has. He's uses length to shed blockers and can reach and grab quarterbacks who are trying to escape the pocket. If he can develop a few more pass rush moves and add weight to his frame the sky is the limit for the junior edge rusher.</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2089358' first='Tony' last='Suong'] James Lawson:</h1>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2089358' first='Tony' last='Suong'] plays both 3 and 4 tech for the Lighting and is one of the most physical edges in the midstate. He has the ability to make plays in the run game while being blocked. He also shows an excellent motor on film and is never out of play. At 6'2 250lbs Suong has the size and speed combo that schools are looking for.</p>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Lawrence Patterson Jr James Lawson:</h1>   <p><br>Physical and imposing edge with real strength as a run defender. Patterson has burst and fires off the ball at the point of attack with real force. He's improved as a pass rusher with more sophisticated moves to get to the quarterback. At 6'3 245lbs he has college level size and physicality. Sheds his blocks quickly in the run game and has been a big part of a Lawson defense that's only given 13 points per game.</p>   <p></p>