Josh Sweat recruit scouting report: Explosive defensive end

Josh Sweat, a weak-side defensive end out of Oscar Smith High School (Va.), is one of the top defensive prospects in the country.

Sweat, who is 6’5, 230 pounds (and growing), is rated by the 247 composite as the 33rd best player in the 2015 class. He is also listed as the fourth best weak-side defensive end and the second-best player from Virginia. The recruiting analysts at 24/7Sports think very highly of Sweat, slotting him as the sixth best player overall in their top-247 list. ESPN and Rivals list Sweat as a four-star prospect in their top-100 lists.

Sweat has pulled in scholarship offers from schools all over the country, including Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech. Despite only being a junior, he has already received upwards of 25 offers.

You can check out some highlights of the big fella in action here, courtesy of Hudl.

What makes Sweat such a desired prospect?

First, Sweat has the desired size for a weak-side defensive end. At 6’5 and 230 or so pounds, Sweat has the length teams are looking for, and yet has room to add 20 pounds of muscle so that he won’t be a liability against the run.

But what really stands out about Sweat is the ridiculous, incredible burst that most great weak-side pass rushers possess. He explodes at the snap and overwhelms blockers with his speed. Defensive ends either have this or they don’t. And Sweat does.

And it’s not just the speed. Sweat converts speed to power quite well. That’s because he plays with solid bend and lean, driving through his hips and extending his arms. As Sweat matures as a pass rusher, he’ll be able to work better counter moves off that power and speed, swimming back to the inside.

I also like Sweat’s determination to fight through blocks and hustle, cleaning up some trash plays. He seems to have good football instincts, and breaks down well when making tackles.

Sweat is exactly what colleges want at weak-side defensive end. He projects as a multi-year starter at a major school and a potential NFL player.