Vote now: Who is the top returning defensive end in Florida for 2023?

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best returning defensive ends in high school football for the 2023 season in the Sunshine State.

Our list includes some of the best in the country and players who proved to be invaluable to their teams last season in making key sacks in crucial moments of the game, delivering big hits or helping lead the defense as the top tackler.

There are plenty of worthy names on this list, so be sure to vote in our poll for who you think will be the top returning defensive ends for the upcoming Florida high school football season. Voting will close on August 31, just in time for the start of the regular season. 

Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. This poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player that may not be mentioned in our poll.

Armondo Blount, Miami Central: Transferring over from Dillard over the off-season, Blount is arguably the best player of the 2025 class and for good reason. Blount in 2022 racked up 30 tackles for loss and 16 sacks for the Panthers. Blount according to many recruiting analysts figures to play more within the interior on the defensive line. 

Booker Pickett Jr., Wharton: The now-senior is one of the most feared edge rushers in the entire country. Pickett Jr. last season for the Wildcats piled up 56 tackles, 16 went for loss and notched 30 sacks. 

TJ Capers, Columbus: There’s no shortage of universities across the country when it comes to the pursuit of Capers. It’s because of his relentless motor that his stock is up as Capers had 40 tackles and five sacks for the Class 4M state champions. 

Andrew Zock, North Marion: Northern Central Florida’s top edge rusher made quite the name for himself in the 2022 season. Zock had 58 tackles, 28.5 for a loss and 19 sacks for the Colts. 

Elias Williams, Hudson: After the 2022 campaign, Williams’ stock soared through the roof. Because of his size and speed off the edge, Williams has turned into one of the state’s most priced recruits at defensive end. Holds offers from Miami (FL), UCF and USF among his suitors. 

Logan McCloud, Newberry: Just a sophomore last season, McCloud made plenty of noise along the defensive line for the Panthers. The edge rusher had 76 tackles, 17 for a loss and 18 sacks. 

Peter Pesansky, Jesuit: Pesansky can play inside and out, but will see more time at the defensive end position. The senior last year posted statistics of 99 tackles, 10 for a loss and 17 sacks as he’s seen an influx of offers roll in. 

Gavench Marcelin, Belen Jesuit: In Marcelin’s junior season, he had a solid campaign for the Wolverines. Marcelin had 99 tackles, 32 for a loss and 18 sacks. 

Adam Kissayi, Palm Bay Heritage: As a 6-foot-6, 230-pound edge rusher, Kissayi has made a name for himself as one of the best in the state. In 2022, the defensive end had 33 tackles, 8.5 sacks and has Mississippi State, Nebraska and Rutgers after his services. 

Javion Hilson, Cocoa: Just a sophomore for the Class 2S state champion Tigers, Hilson was a force at defensive end. Hilson notched 36 tackles, nine for loss and 9.5 sacks in 2022. 

Solomon Williams, Carrollwood Day: At 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, Williams already has the ideal frame to play at the next level. Williams in his junior season had 32 tackles for loss and collected 15 sacks. 

Amaree Williams, Benjamin: As a sophomore for the Buccaneers, Williams had himself a nice 2022 season. Williams made 40 tackles, 14 for loss and 15 sacks. 

Zach Crothers, Chaminade-Madonna: Playing for the Class 1M state champion Lions’ defense is one thing as Crothers played with a slew of stars. He produced though on the field in 2022, notching 60 tackles and 15 sacks a year ago. 

Elias Rudolph, Deerfield Beach: The 6-foot-4, 205-pound defensive end is one of the best down in South Florida and he’s got a long list of colleges coming after him. Michigan, Ohio State and Miami (FL) are among the teams after his services. 

Dylan Stephenson, Columbus: Playing alongside Capers, Stephenson was the other defensive end for the Explorers that caused havoc to opposing backfields. Stephenson totaled five sacks along with 20 tackles in 2022. 

Jeremiah Marcelin, Miami Norland: Marcelin was a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles. On one of the better defenses in Dade County, Marcelin flourished and had 62 tackles, 9.5 sacks last season. 

Camden Hardy, Atlantic Coast: The Stingrays’ top player had a non-stop motor on defense and his stats showed that. Hardy in his junior season had 52 tackles, 9.5 for loss and 7.5 sacks. 

Josaiah Knight, Gadsden County: Though the Jaguars didn’t have their best season on the field, Knight was a bright spot for the team. Knight chased down quarterbacks and got to them six times along with 56 tackles. 

Tyclean Luman, Miami Norland: Already committed to Rutgers and coming over from Miami Jackson, Lyman will add another talented pas rusher to the Vikings’ stout defensive line. 

Tylon Lee, Pace: Lee stood out for the Patriots last season and could stake the claim as the best on the Panhandle. As a sophomore, Lee tallied 88 tackles, 10 for loss and 3.5 sacks. 

Sam Hayward, Providence School: Coming off a solid sophomore campaign, Hayward returns as one of the best rushers in the 904. Hayward notched 37 tackles, 12 for a loss and 4.5 sacks. 

LJ McCray, Mainland: Last season for the Class 3S state runner-up Buccaneers, McCray was a stalwart on the defensive line and is one of the top ends in the state. McCray totaled 44 tackles, 17 for a loss and three sacks. 

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.