Pace takes the #1 spot in the recent rankings, moving up from the #5 position in the pre-season rankings. James put together a dominant 2025 season for the undefeated WCAC Champion DeMatha Stags. James is a premier complete 5 tool edge rusher. Capable of winning with speed, power, bend, technique, and a relentless motor. James has the size and frame to translate to the next level right away…can see him being a yoked up 265 DE in college. That’s why hit top 8 consist of National Powers like Oregon, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio St, and Alabama.

I’ve seen James multiple times over the last few years and DeMatha coaches raved about him to me since he was a freshman. I was impressed with him from day 1 of seeing him in practice as a sophomore. In DeMatha’s first game of the 2025 season I watched him in person almost single handedly shut down highly ranked St. Joseph’s (PA). James put on a show with excellent hand work, as well as just overpowering OL running over them on his way to the QB. Pace made plays like that all year long and is a primed to be be an impact player at the next level with his ability to when multiple ways. That whole package ability is why he claimed the #1 spot and will continue to terror OL into his senior season.

Hear me out. Pace is already highly rated. Top 5 isn’t an insult. But it isn’t far-fetched to see a future where he cracks the top three as it currently stands. He’s been a dominant force thus far for DeMatha and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. At 6-4, 235 pounds, he’s very quick off the edge, physical, and just a menace to opposing offensive linemen. Pace is one of the main reasons why DeMatha’s defense is at or near the top in the state.

Pace is a one-man wrecking crew in the offensive backfield, using raw power and relentless motor to disrupt plays before they develop. His strength is unmistakable—routinely shedding blockers and collapsing the pocket with ease. But his impact doesn’t stop there. Pace is also a force on special teams, with a knack for blocking kicks and swinging momentum. At 6’4″, 235 pounds, the junior is quickly emerging as the next elite defensive line prospect out of DeMatha.

I watched James Pace III James Pace III 6'4" | 235 lbs | EDGE DeMatha | 2027 State MD multiple times during the 2024 season, and his performance against Gonzaga stood out the most. In a game featuring over a dozen Power 4 prospects, Pace was the best player on the field—blocking a punt, recording multiple tackles, hurrying the quarterback, and being an overall disruptive force.

Pace is lightning-fast off the ball and has a deep arsenal of pass-rush moves. He keeps offensive tackles off balance, using his hands well to keep them from engaging. Pace’s physical, aggressive, and relentless, making him just as effective against the run as he is in the pass rush. He takes on and sheds blockers quickly, sets the edge well, and always plays in attack mode.

Currently ranked No. 4, Pace is in the conversation for the top overall spot in the 2027 class.

Despite only being a Class of 2027 prospect, James Pace III James Pace III 6'4" | 235 lbs | EDGE DeMatha | 2027 State MD was the best recruit on the field. His early offers include Florida, Marshall, Maryland, Penn State, Syracuse, Temple, and Virginia Tech. He’s 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, so he passes the eye test from a physical standpoint. Pace’s play against Gonzaga gave a glimpse of how he can make an impact on the game from a defensive standpoint.

He blocked a punt early in the first quarter that set up DeMatha’s first touchdown. When a team is on the road, they want to set the tone as soon as possible. The blocked punt gave DeMatha early momentum that they wouldn’t surrender for the remainder of the game. Pace didn’t record a sack but pressured Gonzaga’s quarterback constantly. His quickness and ability to get into the backfield made him a constant threat in passing situations. Pace also had several tackles in run defense.

Pace is a player DeMatha coaches mentioned to me very early on last season as a player of the future to watch for. He is a great size & frame player with good lean muscle. I can see him bulking up to a jacked 240+ in no time. Pace had a good spring in recruitment adding 4 offers bringing him to a total of 6 offer with 4 of them being from Power conference schools James rotated in at DE for most of last season as DeMatha was loaded on the DL, but expect him to take off this upcoming fall and begin to dominate as a player.

James has a good natural bend with pop and explosiveness off the snap. An agile player as well, he plays on his toes and show quick twitch in hips. He is able to play the edge staying square to the line and able to re-direct quickly with nice COD speed to get to stop the ball carrier. Pass rush wise, James flashes active hands, being able to use club, swim, and rip moves. He can also beat the OT with straight speed around the edge. A high motor player as well, James chases down the play and brings it every snap. Another quality I really like of his is he plays violent. He is a strong tackler who will hit through the ball carrier and deliver a blow.

I expect a big year out of James this season and believe is can be a breakout campaign for him. He is a fast, twitchy, explosive DE who has the potential to dominate as he develops his technique and gets stronger. Looking forward to seeing him live this fall and don’t be surprised if he is a double-digit Power 4 Offer kid after his sophomore season.