Senior Defensive Ends looking to dominate in Sac-Joaquin section
The Sac-Joaquin Section features good talented student athletes at the defensive end position. Critical pass rushers that can get to the quarterback can set the defense up well on the backend of pass coverage. With these senior pass rushers all…
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Continue ReadingThe Sac-Joaquin Section features good talented student athletes at the defensive end position. Critical pass rushers that can get to the quarterback can set the defense up well on the backend of pass coverage. With these senior pass rushers all performing at a high level last season, their tape and statistics can instantly turn some heads to take a look.
Christian Threadgill – 6’4, 185 lbs – Sierra – Senior
Twitter: @1DayCloser_
The tall and slender frame of Threadgill registered 19 sacks last season and helped his team reach an 11-4 record. A defensive end in a wide receiver’s body, Threadgill is a bit of a raw talent. He still has some learning to do in regards to the position and all it entails. However, he was able to be at the right spot at the right time and used the correct shoulder on incoming blocks with offensive lineman. When engaged, he cross-faced well to peak the ball carrier and constantly used his dip move to beat opposing offensive tackles. A kid with a good motor along with long arms can make it easy for him to chase down running backs and quarterbacks that look to be out of range for the average defensive end. If he can add more weight to him along with the measurables that he possesses, he can be a dream to work at the college level.
Samari Russo – 6’3, 220 lbs – Buhach Colony – Senior
Twitter: @blacktalian02
Having already great size, Samari Russo checks the stat sheet as well with 12.5 sacks and 31 QB hurries during his junior season along with his intangibles. Russo has 3 great traits on film that will work well for him down the road. Has great effort, never gives up and is disciplined, which all 3 equates to a coaches’ love. His pure effort allowed him to have a knack for chasing down ball carriers without giving up on a play. Unfortunately, he would pop up a little too high at times which did not give him enough leverage, but he still made plays regardless just by being the better athlete and staying within the system by being in the right gap. It was also nice to see Russo use a couple pass rush moves such as the swim and swipe. That in itself, is another quality of his that will help him in recruiting, as some coaches will appreciate the effort to use techniques that can be addressed and harped more on at the college ranks. Furthermore, in addition to his size, possessing weight room strength can make him an enforcer of a run stopper with having a 400+ lbs squat and deadlift. Receiving an offer from Eastern New Mexico University, Russo’s attention may start to grow sooner rather than later.
Dylan Shaw – 6’1, 205 lbs – Casa Roble – Senior
Twitter: @dylangshaw32
There is a lot to appreciate when reviewing Dylan Shaw, and Lewis and Clark University had no hesitation as they have offered him to play for them at the division 3 level. Instantly, I noticed that he has no false step in his get off and has good back incline posture on first engagement with a lineman. He, like Russo and Threadgill has a motor that makes him compete throughout the play. Shaw is a good secure tackler already and is smart on the field at understanding offensive concepts. His football recognition was on display when staying home on plays away and defending the popular zone read concept. Other quality assets that he showed off was his will to keep his feet moving on tackles and blocks and using his hands for good hand placement to shed off blocks. He played all over the defensive line and is not afraid to stick his nose in the middle and create havoc at the line of scrimmage.
Jalen Bryant – 6’2, 250 lbs – Inderkum – Senior
Last year, Jalen Bryant was one of the top performers at his position in his section. Finishing his junior campaign with 88 tackles and 7.5 sacks, Bryant displayed his ability to run well, initiate power, effort and a good defensive end’s frame. He showed his disruption on run plays on his first step but he also had moments where he had a slow get off. In addition, he is more strong and solid than twitchy as a defensive end but needs to drive his feet more when engaged with an offensive lineman and be a bit more aggressive with overall engagement at the point of contact. But to his benefit, he did show good moments when he did bring his feet with power. I did see good pad level, defeating multiple blocks and even double teams. Lastly, Bryant does have a burst of a 2nd gear when he is after the quarterback, brings with him functional strength, and can be a sturdy defender (who can be a force if he is more consistent) who can definitely play college ball.