2025 DE's Who Deserve More Recognition

In Alabama's high school football landscape, talented defensive ends (DEs) are often the backbone of strong defensive units, applying relentless pressure on opposing offenses. While some edge rushers have garnered widespread recognition, there are numerous athletes flying under the radar, showcasing remarkable skill, athleticism, and work ethic deserving of more attention. This report shines a spotlight on DEs who have consistently made an impact on the field yet remain underrated in recruiting circles. Whether it's their ability to disrupt the backfield, set the edge, or drop into coverage, these players are proving that they have the potential to succeed at the next level.    Wells is a relentless edge rusher who combines speed and power to disrupt opposing offenses. His ability to maintain leverage against bigger linemen allows him to control the edge effectively. He excels at collapsing the pocket and forcing quarterbacks into hurried decisions. Wells has a high motor, often making plays downfield despite his position on the line. His consistency and determination make him a standout who deserves more attention.     Copes is a versatile defensive end with great lateral quickness, making him a problem for offensive tackles in pass protection. He has strong hand technique, which helps him shed blocks efficiently. Copes also has a keen sense of anticipation, often timing his jump off the snap perfectly. His ability to defend both the run and the pass makes him a key player in any scheme. His athleticism and technique should attract more recognition from scouts.     Nixon brings a rare blend of size and speed to the defensive end position, making him a nightmare matchup for opposing tackles. His explosiveness off the line allows him to get into the backfield quickly, disrupting plays before they can develop. Nixon's strength in run defense is equally impressive, as he often sets the edge with authority. His ability to bend around blockers and get to the quarterback is his hallmark. He has flown under the radar but is poised to rise quickly in the ranks.     Little is a dominant edge rusher known for his quick first step and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. He excels at using his hands to create separation and disengage from offensive linemen. His closing speed is a major asset, as he rarely lets quarterbacks escape the pocket once he gets free. Little's ability to disrupt passing plays consistently makes him an asset in any defensive scheme. He deserves more attention for his overall playmaking ability.     Tubbs is a physically imposing defensive end with a knack for overpowering offensive linemen at the point of attack. His strength allows him to set a solid edge in the run game while also collapsing the pocket with ease. Tubbs shows impressive agility for his size, often beating blockers with his combination of speed and power. His relentless motor ensures that he's a factor on every down. With more exposure, Tubbs has the potential to gain significant recognition.     Sellers is a highly athletic defensive end who excels at using his length and speed to disrupt both the run and pass. His ability to bend around the edge and get to the quarterback sets him apart from many of his peers. Sellers is also a disciplined player, rarely over-pursuing and staying in position to make plays when the opportunity arises. He's a hard worker who consistently improves, making him a player to watch moving forward. More attention should be given to his standout play.

In Alabama's high school football landscape, talented defensive ends (DEs) are often the backbone of strong defensive units, applying relentless pressure on opposing offenses. While some edge rushers have garnered widespread recognition, there are numerous athletes flying under the radar, showcasing remarkable skill, athleticism, and work ethic deserving of more attention. This report shines a spotlight on DEs who have consistently made an impact on the field yet remain underrated in recruiting circles. Whether it's their ability to disrupt the backfield, set the edge, or drop into coverage, these players are proving that they have the potential to succeed at the next level.