By Platform Scout: Marc Henry @marchen44
The edge rusher position has changed the game on the defensive side of the football. They attack offenses from all directions, with the ability to hold their ground against the running game and rush the passer causing havoc in the backfield. Edge rushers have become one of the heavily recruited positions at the collegiate level. For this article we spotlight several edge rushers in the class of 2026 in Texas who are getting attention on the recruiting trail.
Alijah Lash | Haslet Eaton High School | @IamAlijah_
Lash has a lean, athletic frame with an extended wingspan and he uses his length to shed blockers at the point of attack. He has an explosive first step with excellent bend that allows him to push the pocket to make plays in the backfield. He plays with excellent leverage, keeping his chest from being exposed and this allows him to close on the ball carrier quickly. Lash has the versatility to be effective from the two point stance or with his hand in the dirt. He had a disruptive sophomore year for Eaton, registering 11 sacks with 15 quarterback pressures and was selected District 4-6A New Comer of The Year. Alijah has seen offers come in from UNLV, Coastal Carolina, UTEP, North Texas and UTSA.
Cameron Melvin | Lancaster High School | @CameronMelvin26
Melvin has a powerful, stout frame and he is strong at the point of attack. He has an explosive first step off the ball, which gives him an advantage against his opponents at the snap of the football. Cameron has violent hands that enable him to deliver a stiff blow at impact and his ability to shock and shed blockers helps him free himself to make plays in the backfield. Melvin is a disruptive force in the trenches who has excellent closing speed to the ball carrier. He had active spring over at Lancaster after making the move from North Carolina to Texas and will be a key defensive player for the Tigers in 2024. I had a chance to see Melvin up close at two camps this spring and left more impressed with his game each time. Melvin picked up an offer from North Texas recently. He is a prospect on the rise and Melvin is a player to keep an eye on heading into the 2024 season.
Julian Hugo | Cibolo Steele High School | @Ju1ianHugo
Hugo is strong at the point of attack, he has an explosive get off with a quick first step and he has superb closing speed to the ball carrier. At 6 foot 4 and 240 pounds, Hugo has great length that he uses well to shed blockers and he flows to the football with excellent closing speed. He has violent hands at impact that enables him to shock and shed blockers at engagement. This enables him get free to make plays in the backfield. Hugo has a high motor and he plays through the whistle. Julian has a tremendous upside and college programs have taken notice. Hugo has seen his stock rise this spring, with offers from UTEP, Hawaii, Arizona, North Texas and UNLV all coming to the table with offers. Hugo returns as one the top defenders for a Cibolo Steele team that made it to the state semifinals. Expect his offer sheet to move into the double digits this fall.
Landon Barnes | Duncanville High School | @LandoB26
Barnes is explosive off of the edge with an elite first step and he closes on the ball carrier swiftly but under control. He has great bend that enables him to run the arch with great speed. Barnes has a stout, powerful frame at 6 foot 3 and 230 pounds and he uses his extended reach to stun his opponents at impact. Landon has violent hands that allows him to swat, swim and attack blockers early at engagement. His superb technique in close quarters enables him to free himself to make plays in the backfield. I have had the opportunity to see Barnes this spring at several camps and he has shown that he is a dominant force off the edge. Barnes has seen his stock rise on the recruiting trail with offers coming in from Arizona State, Houston, North Texas, California and Nevada.
Errol West | Denton Ryan High School | @ErrolWest6
West is a disruptive force off the edge with ability to dip, bend and explode to the ball carrier. He has an explosive first step that he uses to get the jump on blockers and his closing speed to the quarterback allows him to cause havoc. He is stout against the run, he plays with excellent leverage and his ability to hold his ground at the point of attack enables him to stuff his opponents at the line of scrimmage. West plays fast but under control and he has a high motor that allows him to be disruptive. Errol had a phenomenal sophomore season, totaling 32 tackles for loss with 12 sacks. West has offers from North Texas and Texas State. He is a key returner for a Denton Ryan team expected to make a deep playoff run in 2024.
