On3 5-star Countdown: No. 4, EDGE Damon Wilson

On3 has updated its 2023 On300 after a summer filled with camps and 7-on-7 tournaments. The No. 4 overall prospect in the 2023 cycle and earning five-star status is Venice (Fla.) EDGE Damon Wilson. Wilson moved up from No. 21 in the previous rankings.

The summer before senior year is one of the most important periods in the recruiting cycle. Prospects start taking their official visits and many narrow down their options — some all the way down to one. Camps such as Elite 11 and Future 50 take place with standout players getting a chance to prove themselves against the best of the best.

But with summer camp season over and high school football season around the corner, the top of the 2023 recruiting class is starting shape into form.

The class has already produced some of the most engaging and unique stories on the recruiting trail in recent memory thanks to high-quality prospects, the advent of NIL and the introduction of the new era of college football.

The latest edition of On3’s 2023 rankings features 21 players with a coveted five-star rating, up from a previous 15 five-star players. There are also six new prospects who earned their coveted fifth star after this latest round of evaluations.

Damon Wilson Scouting Summary

“Disruptive pass rusher with one of the best first steps in the 2023 cycle. Bursts off the snap and is often in the backfield before opposing offensive linemen are out of their stance. Owns a solid build, checking in at nearly 6-foot-4, 230 pounds prior to his junior season with plus length for the position. Tests as a good athlete in the combine setting but plays quicker than his times indicate. Shows the ability to bend and dip around the edge, in addition to the outstanding first step. Plays for a top high school program in Florida. Turned in strong production with 15 sacks as a junior. Has added strength and checks in as one of the strongest EDGE defenders in the class in terms of weight room numbers. Highly technical and polished with his hands. Has few holes in his game and looks like one of the highest floor defenders in the cycle to go with substantial upside.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings