Ohio’s Most Underrated Junior Pass Rushers

Today's piece dives into some of the most underrated 2023 pass rushers in the state. The group features a few five techniques, a standup edge rusher, a nose tackle, and even a 4-3 mike linebacker. Each prospect was extremely productive for their respective program this past fall and should only better their recruiting outlook by hitting the weight room hard this off-season. Here's who you need to know! <hr /> <em><strong>Travis Merrill, 6'3", 240, Elyria Catholic</strong></em> Merrill plays as a head-up nose in an odd-front but will probably kick outside at the next level based on his god-given size. Travis is quick off the snap and can get skinny through blocks. He holds his own against double teams and will anchor down when need be. He has a non-stop motor and is relentless when it comes to finding the quarterback in pass-rush situations. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14003841/61a4d9054bb31b0accf44a21" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Mekhi Bradley, 6', 225, Mansfield Senior </strong></em> Mekhi is a true inside linebacker prospect that is a special blitzer. His mixture of burst and acceleration give opposing offensive linemen fits. He displayed violent hands and the ability to win in 1 on 1 pass-rush situations. He's a little on the smaller side in terms of vertical stature, but to me, it shouldn't deter college coaches; he has all the physical tools you look for in a division one linebacker. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13445828/618d2a88578d0b03e0233914" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Stan Heuler, 6'3", 220, Rocky River</strong></em> An athletic five-technique who can run the hoop as a pass rusher and will retrace if he can't get to the quarterback. Heuler can fight off blocks in the run game and will get his hands up if he can't make a play on an opposing signal-caller. He knows how to use a push-pull on blockers who lunge and has a plethora of pass rush moves in his toolbox. He could even play tight end at the next level and showed soft hands &amp; a tough running style after the catch. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13012396/61a905673df5110e5cc4c9a1" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Alex Kisley, 6'2", 215, Chardon</strong></em> Kisley is swift, twisting through b gaps, and uses raw power to muscle his way to the quarterback. He's a talented bull rusher with good knee bend and a strong lower half. He's explosive off the snap, dipping and ripping with a low pad level through opposing tackles pass blocks. This kid plays hard and doesn't let his size phase him in the slightest. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14842555/61b280f617635008a48fc7b2" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Nesta Owens, 6'2", 235, Chaminade-Julienne</strong></em> A twitched-up stand-up outside linebacker with fantastic closing speed. Nesta showed a great first step and plenty of bend when working off the edge. He times up the snap well and can mix in a bunch of different rush tempos to confuse opposing offensive linemen. He's sporty too and has no issues putting his hand in the dirt and working as a true five-technique. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12845382/618734fb23477f031c5a7022" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>