A 6’4, 260 pound defensive end currently ranked among the top 350 juniors in Pennsylvania. He looks to have added an inch since we last updated his profile and has been consistently tagging me in single game cutups throughout much of the season.

He received game day invitations from both Pitt and Penn State, with the latter coming in mid September. Through his first four games, he recorded three sacks, 13 quarterback pressures and six tackles for loss. He has also been consistently uploading new film to Hudl, giving me plenty of opportunities to track his development.

I wanted to check back in on his midseason tape, which features production from his first four games, to get an updated evaluation on where he stands.

His first rep has him aligned with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end in a four down defensive front. He looks comfortable operating in a 4-2-5 scheme, and his opening rep is a fantastic example of his ability as a pass rusher.

He explodes out of his stance, executes a double swipe to knock away the offensive tackle’s hands and immediately throws the blocker off balance. This allows him to capture the edge and create a clear path to the quarterback. He closes quickly, finishes the rep and forces a fumble.

This is exactly the type of rep I want to see from a defensive end prospect looking to prove he can consistently rush the passer at the next level. His hand usage, initial burst and ability to finish all come together on one play.

Interestingly enough, at 260 pounds, I wonder if he might be even more effective playing closer to 250. There could be some additional explosiveness and flexibility available to him at a slightly lighter weight. Regardless, this is a phenomenal opening rep to put in front of college coaches.

His second rep showcases an entirely different way of winning. Rather than relying on his hands and ability to capture the edge, he wins with pure power, driving an offensive tackle nearly 10 yards off the ball before releasing inside and finding himself in the quarterback’s lap.

Another sack, this time generated through strength and physical dominance. I love seeing a defensive end demonstrate multiple ways to win, especially when those methods are as different as what he shows in his first two reps.

His third rep is almost a carbon copy of his first. Again, he uses a swipe move to defeat the offensive tackle’s punch, gain leverage and work around the edge. He clearly understands how offensive tackles are attempting to engage him and does a nice job using their aggression and hand placement against them.

There is solid bend here, along with a developing understanding of pass rush technique. He isn’t simply trying to overpower every blocker he faces. He recognizes opportunities to win with his hands, understands how to attack an offensive tackle’s outside shoulder and has enough flexibility to turn the corner once he gains an advantage.

His motor is another positive. Even when his initial pass rush doesn’t succeed, he continues working toward the football. That effort carries over into his run defense, where he remains active and willing to pursue plays beyond his immediate responsibility.

Between his production, improved physical profile, pass rush versatility and consistent effort, I think he is beginning to outperform his current ranking. There is legitimate Division I potential here, especially if he continues refining his technique and developing his ability to win against different types of offensive tackles.

I would love to see him in person sooner rather than later. For now, his first four games have given me plenty of reasons to reconsider his placement among Pennsylvania’s 2028 defensive linemen, and I’m excited to see how much further he can elevate his stock before our next update.

Jakil Dawson Jakil Dawson 6'3" | 262 lbs | DL McDowell | 2028 State PA is an explosive edge defender in the 2028 class. He has good size (6’4″), strength and explosion. His ability to get off the ball and attack offenses is impressive. He has good fundamentals which him get of his stance so quickly. Then he has a motor that doesnt quit. I like how he chases plays all over the field. He shows good ability to get off blocks by using his hands. Dawson is a talented player in the 2028 class.