Relentless pressure on the quarterback is key to building a championship-contending football program. With that in mind, I wanted to take a look at some of the more under-the-radar pass rushers in the state.
Included is a star-in-the making in Coppell, a versatile defensive lineman in Tomball, and an eye-catching, double-digit sack artist in Coldspring.
<strong><em>EDGE Chrishun McGowen – 6’2</em></strong><strong><em>″</em></strong><strong><em> 260 / Coldspring HS — @Chrishun_UpNext</em></strong>
Junior Stats: 63 tackles, 12 TFL, 10 sacks
McGowen’s first step is off the charts. He’s a quarterback’s nightmare that offensive tackles have a tough time with and the kind of edge rusher you can build a defense around. On film, he does a nice job of extending his long arm, ripping through, and getting into the backfield on a regular basis. Recently competed at the McNeese camp. Division 1 potential.
Currently has no offers.
<strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16288550/61a774de4797670b8020f167">Chrishun McGowen Junior Season - Hudl</a></strong>
<strong><em>DE Cole Vedder – 6’4</em></strong><strong><em>″</em></strong><strong><em> 255 / Tomball Memorial HS — @ColeVedder2023</em></strong>
Vedder lines up at both DE and NT in the Wildcat’s 3-4 scheme. In the throw game, he consistently gets pressure on quarterbacks, and against the run, he wins with a quick first step and inside hand placement. Very nice ability to chase down runners sideline-to sideline as well. Recently competed at the University of Houston.
<strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11617259/62a9268e9a9c1f0ed0067114">Cole Vedder Junior Season - Hudl</a></strong>
<strong><em>LB Ike Odimegwu – 6’2" 210</em></strong><strong><em> / Coppell HS </em></strong><strong><em>—</em></strong><strong><em> @IkeOdimegwu</em></strong>
Junior Stats: 92 tackles, 8 TFL, 3 sacks
When the ball is snapped, Ike is shot out of a cannon. His junior tape is impressive, but one look at his spring ball film below, and you’ll see how much he’s improved from a season ago. Does a great job of keeping offensive tackles off balance and getting them to over-extend. A big senior season will have him in the sights of Division 1 programs.
Has recently competed at TCU’s camp. Currently has no offers.
<strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11761708/62885cad7bd33d09bc8e7d93">Ike Odimegwu Spring Ball - Hudl</a></strong>
<b><i>LB Kiki Adejuyigbe - 6’3" 235 / Cibolo Steele HS <strong><em>—</em></strong><strong><em> @KikiAdejuyigbe</em></strong></i></b>
Junior Stats: 5 tackles for loss, 4 QB hurries
Has prototypical size and frame for a 4-3 defensive end. Will easily get up to 255 in college. Plays with a relentless motor, flashes major ability against the run, and gets sideline-to-sideline with ease. I’d like to see violent hands more often in his pass rush and a touch more explosion. If he can put these things together and have a monster senior season, could work his way into some FCS offers.
No offers yet. Currently receiving FCS interest from Yale, Columbia, and Davidson.
<strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13647212/619c8240041d7804e0c9778a">Kiki Adejuyigbe Junior Season - Hudl</a></strong>
<strong><em>LB Will Monroe – 6’1</em></strong><strong><em>″</em></strong><strong><em> 210 / Del Valle HS </em></strong><strong><em>—</em></strong><strong><em> @AstroMonroe13</em></strong>
Monroe is a nice developmental prospect for a small college program. Gives 100% effort on every play, and maximizes every rep. He’s solid versus the run, fills his gap nicely, and plays with a tenacity that every coach would love to have. Has recently competed at Lamar and West Texas A&M camps.
<strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15317876/622bee8cb3d28608b4f36b7d">Will Monroe Junior Season - Hudl</a></strong>
