BREAKOUT CANDIDATE

Jefferson has another high-impact defender in 2028 EDGE Isiah Simmons-Kelly, who looks ready to take on an even bigger role this fall. After flashing as a sophomore, Simmons-Kelly gives the Cougars an athletic presence off the edge with the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. His combination of size and natural pass-rushing ability provides Jefferson with another weapon along the defensive front as it looks to replace several key seniors. With another offseason of development behind him, Simmons-Kelly has all the tools to become one of the breakout defenders in Class AAAA this season.

2028 Jefferson EDGE Isiah Simmons-Kelly is a player I have wanted to get film of for quite some time, and I was finally able to do so this offseason. He first landed on our radar a couple of years ago as a potential WR prospect, but a lot can change in two years. Simmons-Kelly has grown into a 6’1 215 EDGE defender with a lot of potential. He flashed several encouraging traits as a sophomore, as a natural athlete who can create havoc. Jefferson uses him as a traditional defensive end quite a bit, but his upside as a stand-up edge rusher is high. Simmons-Kelly is still developing the finer points of the position, but his athleticism and natural pass-rushing tools give him plenty to build on moving forward.