Top Edge Rushers: Class of 2023
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Every great defense has one thing in common; it has players who can get after the quarterback. The state of Utah is staked with players who excel at applying pressure to signal callers, but these five players are the best…
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Continue ReadingEvery great defense has one thing in common; it has players who can get after the quarterback. The state of Utah is staked with players who excel at applying pressure to signal callers, but these five players are the best the class of 2023 has to offer.
- Tausili Akana Tausili Akana 6'4" | 225 lbs | LB Skyridge | 2023 State UT || Linebacker || 6’4 || 225 || Skyridge High School || 2023
Akana is a force off the edge that’s not just the top-ranked edge defender in the class of 2023 but our top player in the class of 2023. The senior outside linebacker has an impressive wingspan he uses to disrupt tackles. In addition, Akana possesses unique athletic traits that allow him to make one jaw-dropping play after another. He easily overwhelms tight ends and linemen alike with his combination of size, speed, and strength. He has a college-ready spin move and good hands to defeat an offensive lineman’s initial punch. Akana also possesses a high football IQ and always takes a moment to assume his surroundings when unblocked rather than rush up field.
2. Siale Esera Siale Esera 6'3" | 240 lbs | DL Timpview | 2023 State UT || Defensive Linemen || 6’3 || 240 || Timpview High School || 2023
Esera is an exceptional athlete who puts his physical attributes to good use. The 6’3 senior is a very fluid pass rusher who possesses excellent bend. Esera is also violent player who excels at overpowering offensive lineman. He also does an excellent job of getting under offensive linemen and ripping through them for the sack. Against the run Esera is a unrelating force who holds offensive lineman in place to plug up holes and create indecision in running backs. Esera can also toss linemen to the side as he goes and makes plays for himself. He doesn’t give up on a play and uses quick reactions to recognize what is coming. Any pulling guard will quickly realize they are running into a break wall as the Timpview product creates a pile in the backfield. Esera can rush from anywhere, with a bevy of moves in his bag and should have highly productive season in 2022.
3. Hunter Clegg Hunter Clegg 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL American Fork | 2023 State UT || Defensive Linemen || 6’4 || 235 || American Fork Highschool || 2023
Clegg possesses an excellent get-off that allows him to make play after play in the backfield. The 6’4 defensive end has a motor that never quits and all the traits of a great pass rusher. Clegg is an exactions hand fighter who can bend and rip around any offensive linemen in the state. He is an elite gap shooter who can make any play. Team often try to run to the opposite side as even double teams struggle to move the American Fork defensive linemen. If left unblocked, he has a knack for tracking down ball carries for the tackle for loss. As one of the best two-way defensive ends in the state Clegg should run roughshod through region four offensive tackles, not an easy feat. Clegg is also a strong leader who lets his play do the talking and it speaks volumes.
4. Isaac Terrell Isaac Terrell 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Lehi | 2023 State UT || Defensive Linemen || 6’2 || 240 || Lehi High School || 2023
Terrell is a quick and twitchy rusher who is extremely hard to hold in check. The 6’2 decisive end makes offensive linemen look silly as he gets by them in a split seconds notice. Terrell is a game wrecker who, if unaccounted for, can make it a long night for opposing offenses. Terrell possesses one of the state’s quickest first steps, and his relentless effort means he can make any play. He can rush from any spot along the defensive line and packs the powers to go through offensive linemen and the skill to go around them. Terrell can bend with the best of them, and his dip and rip move has gotten many offensive tackles in the state. After having a strong 2021 season Terrell has been lighting up camps and working on his craft to have an even stronger senior season.
5. Sione Westover Sione Westover 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Skyridge | 2023 State UT || Linebacker || 6’2 || 200 Skyridge High School || 2023
As if dealing with Akana isn’t enough for teams to handle, they also have to grapple with Sione Westover Sione Westover 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Skyridge | 2023 State UT . The 6’2 linebacker is a force against the run. Westover possesses the physical tools to get around or go through offensive linemen before burying ball carriers. He is a phenomenal tackler in the open field who can also hold his own in zone coverage. Westover has a great feel for the game and instincts that allow him to make the biggest plays. Skyridge is loaded with Westover understands his role and plays it to perfection. He is able to stand out and excel while also doing the dirty work that allows his teammates to shine. With Akana on the opposite side, teams have to leave Westover one-on-one where he should feast in 2022.