IL Rising Stars: Class of 2025 Edge Rushers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2025 in the Land of Lincoln is loaded with talent at every position. Below are some Class of 2025 edge rushers who burst onto the scene last season. As they prepare for their senior seasons, keep an eye on these rising stars at the EDGE position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["830840"],"_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_0_evaluation":"McClendon is a 6'2, 245 lb edge rusher / defensive end out of East St. Louis. The Class of 2025 playmaker possesses all the intangibles that elite pass rushers have. He boasts a long frame, quick first step, and understands how to uses his hands to get off of blocks. McClendon's size projects him as a stand up edge rusher at the next level. However, his tape also shows off his strength and ability to rush the passer and stuff the run from a 4i technique. His combination of speed, athleticism, and power make him a lethal threat when rushing the opposing quarterback. As McClendon heads into his senior year, look out for this game wrecker on Friday nights next fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["325422"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Habermehl is a high motor edge rusher out of Collinsville. The 6'2, 225 lbs pass rusher is relentless in his pursuit of the opposing quarterback. He possesses fantastic bend and refuses to be blocked in passing situations. When facing heavier offensive tackles, Habermehl's athleticism and polished hands allow him to defeat blocks. When matched up 1-on-1 against running backs in pass pro, his power takes over. Opposing quarterbacks beware, as Habermehl will be crashing a pocket near you next fall.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["831103"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Stec is a 6'3, 225 lbs edge rusher out of Brother Rice. He showcases the ability to dominate in both the run and pass game. Stec plays with low pad level, has long arms, and a powerful lower half. He can defeat blockers in a variety of ways. In the run game, Stec's quick first step allows him to fly off the ball and get penetration in the backfield. In the pass game, he relentlessly pursues the quarterback, often fighting off multiple blocks to get pressure. This do-it-all edge rusher is a rising star within the Land of Lincoln.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["471631"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"White is a highly athletic edge rusher out of Homewood Flossmoor. The 6'1, 220 lbs Class of 2025 prospect is as solid as it gets in both the run and pass game. He plays low and physical against the run, shedding blockers with his strength and extension while making stout tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage. In the pass game, White plays with an extremely high motor and utilizes polished pass rushing technique and bend to get to the opposing quarterback. A well-rounded player, keep an eye on White as he heads into his senior campaign.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["832144"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"While his season was cut short due to injury, Walsh burst onto the scene in 5 games last season. The 6'3, 230 lbs pass rusher possesses elite athleticism and physicality that allows him to make opposing quarterbacks extremely uncomfortable in the pocket. His signature move, a speed rip around the edge, showcases his ability to get to the QB in the blink of an eye. Walsh plays with a high motor and uses a deadly combination of speed and hands to create pressure. One of the more underrated pass rushers in the Land of Lincoln, keep an eye on Walsh as a rising star next season.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b3f12ca97ec"} /-->