B/R CFB Recruiting 200: Top 23 Defensive Ends
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analysts Damon Sayles, Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports composite rankings and provided in-depth analysis on each young athlete. Bleacher Report will run a position-by-position breakdown series of the best college football recruits in the class of 2016. Here we present the Top Defensive Ends.
Whether they're speed-rushing or playing contained in a zone, defensive ends can make or break a play defensively. College coaches are looking for the playmakers at the position who can not only alter a run play but also get to a quarterback to disrupt pass plays.
The 2016 class has several college-potential prospects who can be playmakers at a Power Five school. Here's our breakdown of America's top-ranked prospects at the position, including scores based on individual assessments of pass rushing, tackling, explosive strength, run defense, hands and overall motor.
23. 4-Star WDE Mark Jackson Jr.
1 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'2 ½", 221 lbs
High School: Steele (Cibolo, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 14 WDE; No. 200 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to Texas A&M on May 30, 2015
Watching Mark Jackson Jr. make plays as a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker often times is mind-blowing. He's built more like an outside linebacker but plays as well as any defensive end in the 2016 class.
A U.S. Army All-American, Jackson has a high motor and lines up each play with no fear. He committed to Texas A&M over offers from Texas, Baylor, Oklahoma and a handful of other programs.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jackson doesn't have the size of the prototypical defensive end, but he is a genuine pass-rusher and someone who can see starter's minutes because of his athleticism. He has excellent speed off the snap and is a solid tackler.
Jackson plays the game with a high IQ, and it's his intelligence that allows him to compete against larger offensive linemen. He finds alternative ways to get to the quarterback.
22. 4-Star WDE Rahssan Thornton
2 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3 ½", 225 lbs
High School: Shoemaker (Killeen, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 13 WDE; No. 195 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to LSU on June 17, 2015
As someone who has shouldered a major recruiting rise late, Rahssan Thornton went from unrated athlete to a top-200 prospect. Thornton weighed offers from Texas, Michigan and Cal before verbally committing to LSU.
Thornton's ascension hit a new high when he was selected for the Under Armour All-America Game. LSU is expecting plenty more from Thornton in the next few years, as he's a solid defensive end.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Thornton is a rising defensive end with tons of potential to be an elite-level athlete at the next level. He is a fast, strong pass-rusher who will only improve with college tutelage.
Thornton is a physical specimen who can line up as an outside linebacker if necessary. He can be a versatile and reliable option in Les Miles' defensive scheme.
21. 4-Star SDE Khalid Kareem
3 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4", 260 lbs
High School: Harrison (Farmington, Michigan)
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 SDE; No. 189 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Enrolled at Notre Dame (Committed on Oct. 23, 2015)
While at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, Khalid Kareem seemed to impress every practice day and during the actual game. He finished the game with three tackles and two fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown.
Notre Dame is expecting Kareem to be that kind of playmaker. A one-time Alabama commit, Kareem chose Notre Dame over offers from Michigan, Alabama and others. He had 37 reported offers collectively.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Kareem has good size and looks like a college-ready defensive end in pads. He plays with a mission to get better every play, and he doesn't back away from a challenge.
Kareem plays with a high level of intensity and a high motor. He uses his speed and overall energy to outplay opposing players.
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20. 4-Star SDE Amani Bledsoe
4 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'5", 263 lbs
High School: Lawrence (Lawrence, Kansas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 SDE; No. 154 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to Oklahoma on Jan. 21
Physically and at first glance, Amani Bledsoe has everything you want in a defensive end. Nicknamed "Moose," Bledsoe can be that presence to make quarterbacks' lives miserable with every batted pass. His length can help shut down one side of the field, and his deceptive quickness complements his college-ready size.
Bledsoe chose Oklahoma over Baylor, Kansas, Oregon, North Carolina State and several other programs. He had 23 reported offers.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Bledsoe's size alone makes him one to watch, but it's his desire to get better that makes him attractive to coaches. His wingspan makes him a candidate to swat multiple pass attempts in college. He has good footwork and uses his hands well against offensive linemen.
Bledsoe has good defensive end size and can bulk up to play tackle if Oklahoma chooses to use him as such. Bledsoe, additionally, is coachable. He understands his flaws and makes it a priority to correct them.
19. 4-Star WDE Brandon Bowen
5 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'5", 227 lbs
High School: Byron Nelson (Trophy Club, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 12 WDE; No. 146 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to Baylor on Jan. 1, 2016
Baylor started the year off right with a New Year's Day commitment from Brandon Bowen. The versatile defensive end chose the Bears over offers from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Arkansas, Michigan and a few other programs.
The Bears are known for having tons of talent on the offensive side of the ball, but Bowen's commitment definitely will help a defense that is looking for more playmakers.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Bowen, with his 6'5" frame, can cover a lot of turf because of his length and speed. He is an athlete who can shut down his side of the field with his lateral movement and energy.
With his size, Bowen can be considered an outside linebacker at the next level. He plays the game with a high level of intensity, and he wants to get better each day.
18. 4-Star SDE Isaiah Chambers
6 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3 ½", 258 lbs
High School: MacArthur (Houston)
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 SDE; No. 129 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to TCU on Sept. 25, 2015
A Semper Fidelis All-American, Isaiah Chambers expected to shine under the tutelage of TCU coach Gary Patterson and his staff. Chambers chose TCU in September over offers from Texas A&M, Houston, Baylor and several other programs.
Chambers is a rising athlete who gets better each day. He has 28 reported offers but is solid on putting on a Horned Frogs uniform next season. Chambers is a driven athlete who will work to become one of the names to watch in the Big 12.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Chambers is fearless when he steps to the line. He loves the competition of the sport and learns with every play. He has a high motor and plays with a respectable level of intensity.
Chambers plays with a desire to be considered among the best. The defensive ends ranked ahead of him serve as motivation—and he's a motivated athlete.
17. 4-Star WDE Breland Brandt
7 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3 ¼", 209 lbs
High School: Windward School (Los Angeles, California)
247Sports Ranking: No. 11 WDE; No. 125 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to UCLA on Oct. 5, 2014
Breland Brandt is another defensive end who looks more like a linebacker or, perhaps, a safety. His pass-rushing skills, however, will tell otherwise. Brandt is a solid pass-rusher, and his ability to get to the quarterback won over the UCLA coaching staff.
A U.S. Army All-American, Brandt committed to the Bruins and chose to play for Jim Mora over offers from USC, Alabama and Miami. Look for UCLA to add bulk to Brandt but also keep his speed off the snap where it is.
Bleacher Report Analysis
The speed and versatility of Brandt make him a player to keep an eye on. He's listed as a defensive end but could be the classic outside linebacker in UCLA's system.
Brandt's lateral movement and overall ability to make the tackle are among the reasons why he's a respected college football recruit. He has a nose for the football.
16. 4-Star WDE Chauncey Manac
8 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3", 250 lbs
High School: Clinch County (Homerville, Georgia)
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 WDE; No. 114 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Georgia on Sept. 27, 2014
A Georgia commit since fall 2014, Chauncey Manac has gotten bigger and stronger, putting on muscle mass and preparing for life as a college athlete. Manac physically no longer looks like a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker, but he still has the skills to do so if necessary.
Manac chose to play for Georgia over offers from Tennessee, Auburn, Clemson and several other schools. He currently has 13 reported offers.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Manac doesn't fit the mold of the average defensive end, which is far from an insult. His streamlined frame meshes well with his power, and it all becomes a major issue for larger, slower offensive linemen.
Manac's ability to make plays from sideline to sideline gives him an opportunity to see early playing time, regardless of his size. He may see time at outside linebacker before defensive end, but expect him to be around the ball wherever he plays.
15. 4-Star WDE Auston Robertson
9 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'5", 260 lbs
High School: Wayne (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 WDE; No. 101 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to Michigan State on June 7, 2015
Michigan State is looking forward to the future, as it has a solid 2016 class. Auston Robertson is expected to be one of the players to watch in Mark Dantonio's defense.
Robertson chose Michigan State over offers from Ohio State and Notre Dame, among others. He is a playmaker who the Spartans feel can be an all-conference player early in his career. Robertson was a big get and someone who will be called on to keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Robertson looks like the prototypical defensive end. He is a tall, strong athlete with a good skill set. He poses a problem for offensive linemen because he's either taller than or as tall as those he lines up against, and he's able to use his technique to outplay opponents.
Robertson's quickness off the line is one of his primary advantages. He is a solid speed-rusher and someone who could see legit minutes early in his college career.
14. 4-Star WDE Xavier Kelly
10 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4 ½", 240 lbs
High School: Wichita East (Wichita, Kansas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 WDE; No. 98 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Clemson on July 24, 2015
One of the most athletic players in the 2016 class, Xavier Kelly has emerged into one of the top defensive ends in the country. Kelly also is a standout basketball player, but he will take his athleticism to Clemson and focus on strengthening Dabo Swinney's defense.
Kelly, a U.S. Army All-American, chose Clemson over offers from Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, Florida State, Oregon and a few other programs. Collectively, Kelly had 31 reported offers.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Kelly is one of those players who shock a college coach with their overall athleticism. He is fast and lightning-quick for a guy his size, and he's versatile enough to cover receivers and tight ends in passing situations.
Kelly's leaping ability allows him to bat down passes. He has good hands, which allow him to grab interceptions. He also moves well laterally, which is a plus against run-oriented offenses.
13. 4-Star SDE Josh King
11 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'6 ½", 245 lbs
High School: Hinsdale South (Darien, Illinois)
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 SDE; No. 96 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Michigan State on June 5, 2015
The followers of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl saw Josh King make plays. It was enough to satisfy the Michigan State faithful. King, who has been committed to the Spartans since last summer, is expected to be a major contributor for Mark Dantonio early in his career.
The top-ranked player in Illinois, King chose Michigan State over offers from schools like Michigan, Penn State, USC and Notre Dame. He could be a household name in the Big Ten Conference in a couple of years.
Bleacher Report Analysis
King is a good-looking defender who will only get bigger and better as he prepares for college. He is a tall, streamlined athlete who could bulk up and not have it affect him negatively in regard to speed or agility.
As a speed-rusher, King is a valuable asset. He's a long defender who can disrupt passes off the edge by batting down attempts. He is expected to force a lot of fourth-down situations for offenses.
12. 4-Star WDE Janarius Robinson
12 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4 ¾", 236 lbs
High School: Bay (Panama City, Florida)
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 WDE; No. 85 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Enrolled at Florida State (Committed on Sept. 21, 2014)
A player like Florida State early enrollee Janarius Robinson is always fun to watch. He can be dominant, but he is never in a position where he doesn't want to learn. Robinson plans on using the tutelage in the upcoming spring drills to become a contributor in the ACC.
Robinson stayed committed to the Seminoles for more than a year, but until recently he always kept his recruiting door ajar. Alabama and Florida were two schools that had good shots of flipping Robinson, but he ultimately decided to end his process and stick with Florida State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Robinson came to The Opening noticeably bigger, but he didn't appear to be slower. That's something Florida State coaches will love.
Robinson, a U.S. Army All-American, is motivated by the recent success of the defensive linemen to come through Florida State. He has the tools to be the next big thing in Jimbo Fisher's defense.
11. 4-Star WDE Terrell Hall
13 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'5", 250 lbs
High School: St. John's College (Washington, D.C.)
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 WDE; No. 64 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Maryland, UCLA, Ole Miss and Penn State
Since the spring, Terrell Hall has watched his recruiting stock rise significantly. He went from a top-150 player to a top-80 player in the 2016 class, and he's now up to 32 reported offers. The former Ohio State commit is now looking for a college home.
Hall visited Florida State in December, and he has January official visits set up to Maryland, Alabama and Ole Miss.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hall's length is an asset, but it's his overall versatility that makes him an intriguing player at the next level. He has good instincts and plays with solid pad level.
Hall uses his height and lateral movement to disrupt offenses. He is quick off the ball and seems to be around the ball every play.
10. 4-Star SDE Justin Madubuike
14 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'2 ¼", 250 lbs
High School: McKinney North (McKinney, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 SDE; No. 56 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to Texas A&M on Sept. 18, 2015
A U.S. Army All-American, Justin Madubuike has seen his stock consistently rise since the spring. He was an impressive athlete during his senior year, and he's expected to be a player to watch when he enrolls at Texas A&M.
Madubuike, who has 26 reported offers, chose the Aggies over offers from Texas, Baylor, TCU, Ohio State, Alabama and other programs. He is versatile enough to not only play defensive end but also see time inside at defensive tackle.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Madubuike plays with a high motor as if he doesn't have an off switch at times. His energy on the field will be a positive in Kevin Sumlin's defense. Madubuike is quick off the line and aggressive with offensive linemen. He competes through the whistle.
Madubuike is a good-looking athlete with a high ceiling. He plays with a purpose to be the best on the field, regardless of the position.
9. 4-Star WDE Brian Burns
15 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4 ½", 209 lbs
High School: American Heritage (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 WDE; No. 51 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Florida, Florida State and Georgia
More and more people are becoming believers in what Brian Burns can do on the football field. He doesn't have the prototypical size to be a college defensive end, but he plays the position as well as anyone in the 2016 class.
Burns showed his skills over the summer at The Opening and shined against some of the nation's top offensive linemen. He then put on a show as a U.S. Army All-American. With 25 reported offers, Burns is looking at Florida, Florida State and Georgia as final destinations for college.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Burns possesses a high motor, and he's athletic in run and pass plays. He's not the biggest defensive lineman, but he plays with a chip on his shoulder. It's his level of intensity that makes him an attractive recruit to college coaches.
Burns has the size of a skill-position player, but his quickness and power allow him to effectively line up against larger offensive linemen. He's lightning-quick off the snap and a menace off the edge to defend.
8. 4-Star WDE Shane Simmons
16 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4", 221 lbs
High School: DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Maryland)
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 WDE; No. 41 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Penn State on July 30, 2014
As a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker, Shane Simmons is easy to root for, primarily because of his high motor and his fearlessness in lining up against offensive linemen who often outweigh him by 100 pounds.
Look for Simmons, an Under Armour All-American, to be a contributor for James Franklin and the Penn State coaching staff. Simmons, who has 26 reported offers, chose Penn State over Maryland, Florida State, Ohio State and a host of other programs.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Simmons doesn't have the girth of a prototypical defensive lineman, but his length and overall passion for the game are what Penn State coaches hope to use to their advantage. He has long arms, which allow him to be disruptive in passing situations.
Simmons is a classic speed-rusher, someone who can consistently beat an offensive tackle off the ball. What he doesn't have in size, he makes up for with speed.
7. 4-Star WDE Jonathon Cooper
17 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'2 ¼", 234 lbs
High School: Gahanna Lincoln (Columbus, Ohio)
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 WDE; No. 32 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Enrolled at Ohio State (Committed on Nov. 14, 2014)
The more Jonathon Cooper showed at The Opening, the more positive things people said. He didn't disappoint at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl either. Cooper was impressive in his final game as a high school athlete.
The early enrollee at Ohio State now prepares for an opportunity to get playing time for Urban Meyer and his staff. Cooper committed to Ohio State more than a year ago and remained solid with his pledge.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Cooper is one of those athletes who, as good as he is, hasn't reached his peak but sells people on potential alone. He's built more like a linebacker than a defensive end, but his ability to rush the quarterback makes him a primary asset on the defensive line.
Cooper has a frame that will allow him to gain 15 to 20 pounds and not have it hurt him. The sky is the limit for him, and Ohio State is excited about the future.
6. 4-Star SDE Marlon Davidson
18 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4", 260 lbs
High School: Greenville (Montgomery, Alabama)
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 SDE; No. 29 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Enrolled at Auburn (Committed on Sept. 4, 2015)
Auburn scored a major get when Marlon Davidson committed to Gus Malzahn and the program. The Tigers won an in-state recruiting battle with Alabama in landing Davidson, an Under Armour All-American with 19 reported offers.
Davidson is a big, strong defensive end who can beat an offensive lineman with power or finesse. He could see plenty of opportunity for starter's minutes at Auburn.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Davidson has the quickness of a speed-rusher and the size of someone who could dominate as a run-stopper. He has a level of confidence that coaches love, and he uses that confidence to his advantage on the field.
Look for Davidson to be a big-time playmaker in college. In the right system, he has the tools to be a star player early in his career.
5. 4-Star WDE Antonneous Clayton
19 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3", 218 lbs
High School: Dooly County (Vienna, Georgia)
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 WDE; No. 26 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to Florida on Oct. 28, 2015
The Florida Gators won a huge recruiting battle in October when Antonneous Clayton gave his verbal commitment. An Under Armour All-American, Clayton chose Florida over Auburn, Tennessee, Florida State and a number of other programs.
Clayton, who has 39 reported offers, consistently made plays on the defensive side of the ball at the Under Armour All-America Game. He's a player with tons of upside and someone who can be an all-conference standout early in his college career.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Clayton is a blossoming presence in college recruiting, and he's someone who has the potential to be dynamic at the next level. Part of the intrigue stems from his notable athleticism and versatility.
Clayton doesn't have prototypical defensive end size, but he is a long athlete who will put on weight and be even more of a specimen. He also can line up as an outside linebacker if necessary.
4. 5-Star SDE Jeffery Simmons
20 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3 ½", 277 lbs
High School: Noxubee County (Macon, Mississippi)
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 SDE; No. 19 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Alabama and Tennessee
The race for Jeffery Simmons will come down to the wire, as he has January visits scheduled at Mississippi State, Alabama and Ole Miss. Simmons, who already has visited Tennessee, is expected to make a decision on national signing day.
The winning school will get a player who has been on a steady rise in the 2016 rankings. A U.S. Army All-American, Simmons has gone from a top-125 player to a top-40 player since the summer.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Simmons is a big-bodied athlete who uses his hands well to outplay offensive linemen in one-on-one situations. He's a strong athlete who moves well from side to side, and when he's not rushing the quarterback, he serves as a solid run-stopper.
At 277 pounds, Simmons already has the size of a college-ready defensive end. What coaches like is that he plays the game with a lot of emotion.
3. 5-Star SDE McTelvin Agim
21 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'2 ½", 268 lbs
High School: Hope (Hope, Arkansas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 SDE; No. 18 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to Arkansas on Sept. 5, 2015
The top-ranked player in Arkansas, McTelvin Agim didn't disappoint over the summer while competing at The Opening. He also showed his worth at the Under Armour All-America Game. In fact, Agim may have improved his stock with his play in Orlando, Florida.
Agim is a playmaker, and Arkansas picked up an athlete who can be very good very quickly for Bret Bielema and his staff. He chose Arkansas over Baylor, Ole Miss and Texas A&M.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Agim plays the game with a high level of intensity and a sense of pride. He uses solid technique to outplay offensive linemen. He is the kind of player who can shut down an entire side of the field because of his deceptive speed and level of energy.
In addition, Agim is coachable. He understands that he's going to win some and lose some, but when he loses, he makes it a priority not to make the same mistake twice.
2. 5-Star WDE Oluwole Betiku
22 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3 ½", 240 lbs
High School: Junipero Serra (Gardena, California)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 WDE; No. 16 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Enrolled at USC (Committed on Dec. 25, 2015)
The needle for Oluwole Betiku continues to go only one way, as he trends upward each day. Betiku, an Under Armour All-American, made a statement with his play at The Opening over the summer and hasn't slowed down since.
Betiku gave USC a Christmas present of sorts when he announced his commitment. He chose the Trojans over Notre Dame, Florida State, Texas A&M and several other schools.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Betiku is a problem for offensive linemen because of his quickness and brute strength. He's fast off the end and has a high motor, which results in hard hits every play. Add in the fact that he has said multiple times that he plays the game with the mission to do better for his family, and it's easy to see his determination with every snap.
Physically, Betiku looks like the prototypical football player. He is chiseled from head to toe, and he has the athleticism to go along with the build.
1. 5-Star SDE Nick Bosa
23 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'4", 265 lbs
High School: St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 SDE; No. 8 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Committed to Ohio State on July 23, 2015
Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa declared for the NFL draft before the start of the new year. Ohio State is now preparing for little brother Nick Bosa to arrive on campus—and fans expect Nick to pick up right where Joey left off.
Nick Bosa is a special talent worthy of every offer he has received. He chose Ohio State over offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Clemson, Notre Dame and other programs.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Bosa brings toughness and tenacity to the football field. He's a big, strong athlete who plays with a high level of intensity. He also has a mean streak that makes him an intriguing player.
Bosa already has the mindset of a college athlete; now it's simply a matter of getting him on the field. He's a solid speed-rusher and someone who will make it frustrating for offenses trying to set up run plays and pass plays.
All prospects scouted by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Damon Sayles. Players are ordered by appearance in 247Sports composite rankings.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
