Shabazz’s run to the state championship featured several impact defenders, and Adekunbi Adetayo Adekunbi Adetayo 6'2" | 245 lbs | DL Shabazz | 2027 State NJ was a significant part of that success. At 6’3”, 225 pounds, he brings versatility that immediately stands out on the edge.

Adetayo can rush the passer from multiple alignments. He’s effective standing up or with his hand in the dirt, pairing solid explosion with developing pass-rush technique. He understands how to use his hands, mix moves, and stay disruptive without freelancing. Against the run, he holds the edge well, stays disciplined, and finishes tackles in one-on-one situations.

What raises his value even more is his positional flexibility. With his size, athleticism, and instincts, Adetayo projects as a defender who can fill multiple roles. As he continues to develop, there’s even potential for him to slide into an off-ball linebacker role if his body composition changes at the next level.

Add in his ability to contribute on kickoff return, and Adetayo checks boxes across multiple phases of the game. With another offseason to refine his craft, he’s positioned to attract Division I interest and emerge as a true impact defender moving forward. He currently has two offers from Wofford and Delware State.

For reigning North II champion Shabazz, Adekunbi Adetayo Adekunbi Adetayo 6'2" | 245 lbs | DL Shabazz | 2027 State NJ is a baaaaaad man in the trenches. Adetayo has a very good get off, which he weaponizes to generate force and momentum that he maintains as he runs through the body of ball carriers when tackling. His “plus plus” get off allows him to threaten with speed, while he also understands how to use his natural length well to wreak havoc. For instance, when stunted inside, Adetayo’s rip with his long arms make him an extremely difficult assignment to block. I would, however, like to see him work his hips around when pass rushing and bend the corner flatter. For as great as he is pass rushing and disrupting by slanting inside, his film would benefit from instances of him squeezing and establishing a new line of scrimmage.

Adekunbi Adetayo Adekunbi Adetayo 6'2" | 245 lbs | DL Shabazz | 2027 State NJ from Malcolm Shabazz is a name to circle heading into the season. The 6’2”, 245-pound edge rusher brings serious juice off the ball. His first-step explosiveness is elite, and it’s often too much for offensive linemen to handle. He thrives as a run-game disruptor, using quick hands and excellent timing to shoot gaps and cause chaos in the backfield.

Adetayo’s ability to consistently win one-on-one and finish as a sure tackler stands out. He also flashes the ability to neutralize blocks, giving him even more upside. What makes him intriguing is his versatility. He can play off the edge, stand up as an outside linebacker, or kick inside as a gap-shooting interior lineman. While he’s more of a penetrator than a true block-eater inside, the flashes of power show there’s more development coming.

With a recent offer from Wofford and the trajectory he’s on, more schools will come calling. Expect a big leap from Adetayo this year as he builds his case as one of the most versatile and disruptive defenders in the state.