Vote: Who has been the top pass rusher in Florida so far in 2023?
We are heading into the postseason part of the high school football season here in the Sunshine State and there’s no shortage of pass rushers performing at a high level heading into the playoffs.
It’s no surprise that these 15 selected pass rushers are showing out in Florida as they’ve been doing it all season long. This list of pass rushers features some of the top outside linebackers/defensive ends we’ve seen or have been in Florida. Take a look at our list and vote for who you feel has been the top performing pass rusher in Florida.
Voting closes on November 30th, 11:59 pm.
Here are this week's nominations:
Michael McClenton, DE, Ocoee: The sophomore defensive end has been without a doubt one of the top edge rushers in the Sunshine State. McClenton has tallied a state-high 31 sacks on the season. That's a crazy number and still a game left for the Knights.
Richardson Toussaint, DE, South Broward: Very next on the list when it comes to being a pass rushing menace is Toussaint, who is right behind McClenton for sacks. The Bulldogs' junior defensive end has tallied 22 sacks this fall.
Gavench Marcelin, DE, Belen Jesuit: The Florida Atlantic commitment has been solid for Belen Jesuit all season long. Marcelin, a 6-foot-2, 242-pound edge rusher, has gathered 18 sacks this season.
Booker Pickett, DE, Wharton: The rich get richer down in Coral Gables? Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes hit it big with the commitment of Pickett to Miami as the Wildcats' defensive end is one of the best at getting after the quarterbacks. Pickett has racked up 12 sacks this fall.
Kedrick Burley, OLB, St. Thomas Aquinas: Burley plays at outside linebacker for the 9-1 Raiders and is counted upon weekly to get after quarterbacks and running backs in the backfield. The linebacker has notched 18 sacks this season and has offers from schools like Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina and Fordham.
LJ McCray, DL, Mainland: McCray is an imposing figure to see playing live. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound terror can play inside and out, creating problems for offensive linemen either way. The Florida Gators' commit has notched 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks this season.
Armondo Blount, DE, Miami Central: Another future Hurricane on this list, though Blount's numbers are not where they were at a year ago, the defensive end can still get after it with the best of 'em. Blount has tallied eight sacks for the Rockets.
Antonio Henley, DT, Gaither: Not many defensive tackles can swim, bull rush you line Henley can from an interior defensive tackle position. Henley has had another solid season, tallying 11 quarterback take downs.
RoyMarr Thomas, DE, Armwood: We've got another Hillsborough County product on this list because there's plenty of good pass rushers out of the 813. Thomas has 13 sacks this season and has offers from Toledo and USF.
Khari Bendolph, LB, Naples: Bendolph is a linebacker that finds his way into the backfield and gets sacks. For the Golden Eagles, the outside linebacker/strong safety has totaled 13 sacks so far.
Ricardo Guthrie, DE, Westwood: Getting after the quarterback has been the name of the game here and Guthrie certainly can do that. For Fort Pierce Westwood, Guthrie hasn't held back, totaling 14 sacks in 2023.
Brandon Rosenthal, DL, Gulliver Prep: No matter where Rosenthal lines up, he's going to get to the quarterback. Defensive end, defensive tackle or linebacker, the senior will make it happen. Rosenthal has tallied 14.5 sacks this season.
Trevon Chisholm, DL/LB, Monarch: The 6-foot-2, 224-pound lineman/linebacker has made a strong impact in the Knights' front seven group this season. Chisholm through seven games has totaled up to 12 sacks.
Elias Williams, DE, Hudson: The Mizzou commitment has made a big impact for the 8-1 Hudson Cobras this season not only on defense, but has made some cameos on offense as well. Williams has made 37 tackles, 8.5 for loss and six sacks.
Kendall Jackson, DL, Buchholz: Jackson is another Florida Gator commitment that has been a key cog in the front seven for the undefeated Bobcats. Between 2021-2022, Jackson has racked up 19.5 sacks.
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl
