Defensive ends are probably the most important position in a defense. Top notch defensive ends get to the quarterback in a hurry which ultimately helps out the secondary, stop the run and contain the outside.

An NFL 4-3 prototypical defensive end is about 6-4/6-5 and between 260lbs-280 pounds, while a 3-4 defensive end is usually heavier. They have long arms, great strength, a good first step, good instincts, show great effort and get off of blocks.

This year’s class of defensive ends in the Bay Area is not very deep, but top heavy. The player that sits at the top is Lakewood defensive end, Florida State commit, Dante Fowler. The 2012 prospect just picked up a verbal scholarship offer from Vanderbilt which has stormed the Bay Area for 2012 and 2013 prospects. Folwer is currently the #2 rated player in Hillsborough and Pinellas County and is seen as the most disruptive player in the Bay Area.