Tennessee Vols predicted to land 2026 edge rusher with a 'high ceiling'
On3's Steve Wiltfong predicted on Sunday that the Tennessee Vols will be the team that lands a fast-rising 2026 edge rusher from New Jersey. Wiltfong has the Vols winning the recruiting battle for 2026 three-star edge rusher CJ Edwards. Edwards, 6-foot-5/215 lbs from Metuchen, NJ, is rated by On3 as the No. 62 edge rusher […]
On3's Steve Wiltfong predicted on Sunday that the Tennessee Vols will be the team that lands a fast-rising 2026 edge rusher from New Jersey.
Wiltfong has the Vols winning the recruiting battle for 2026 three-star edge rusher CJ Edwards.
Edwards, 6-foot-5/215 lbs from Metuchen, NJ, is rated by On3 as the No. 62 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 9 player in the state of New Jersey.
Michigan, Boston College, Duke, and Syracuse are also in the mix for Edwards with more teams expected to soon join the recruiting battle for the fast-rising edge rusher.
Edwards' recruiting ranking (for now) isn't very impressive. But he has the ideal length for a pass rusher, along with plenty of room for physical growth, that gives him the potential to be a dangerous defender down the road.
The talented edge rusher recently compared himself to former Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
"I definitely compare myself to (South Carolina's) Dylan Stewart, (Georgia's) Mykel Williams, that sort of explosive, long, fast, athletic edge rusher that could set the edge as well as rush the passer," said Edwards to 247Sports earlier this month when asked to describe himself as a player. "Sort of a James Pearce Jr. type of guy. For a scouting report I'd definitely say high motor, loves to get to the ball, always around the ball. Physical player, loves to hit, loves to be in the mess, loves to be in the action. If I was a scout, that's definitely what I'd say about myself."
Edwards is scheduled to take an official visit to Tennessee later this summer. The New Jersey native could end up being one of the biggest "hidden gems" in the 2026 recruiting class.
