On3 Top 20 2024 Countdown: No. 7, EDGE Elijah Rushing

As the 2024 class is just finishing their first or second season of varsity football, their skill sets — and ultimately evaluations — will change drastically in the next two years. The physical transformations that happen in between sophomore and junior season are the biggest at any point in the recruiting process. That makes it challenging to nail down the truly elite prospects that deserve five-star status.

As such, On3 has given out just three of those honors in its second full ranking of the 2024 class. There are, however, a number of players vying to break into that group over the next 12-18 months. Within our most recent rankings release, we’re counting down the top 20 sophomore prospects in the country. Checking in as the No. 7 prospect in the Class of 2024 is Tucson (Ariz.) Salpointe Catholic EDGE Elijah Rushing.

The 6-foot-6, 226-pounder has fielded offers from across the country, including Oregon, Notre Dame, USC, Florida, Texas and more.

With the 2023 cycle about to hit a fever pitch, much of the attention around the recruiting world is on the rising senior class. But the recruitments of the country’s best 2024 prospects are taking off as well. Schools across the country are already in the thick of things with the sophomore class. And top-end prospects already racking up double-digit offer lists and a few already committing. Those players won’t be able to sign for another year and a half. But getting in early on their recruitment is becoming a bigger priority than ever.

Elijah Rushing Scouting Summary

“Tall, rangy pass rusher with projectable tools. Has a big frame for a rising junior, checking in at 6-foot-5.8, 224 pounds prior to his junior season. Had a good sophomore year, tallying 7.5 sacks while primarily playing defensive end in a three-man front. Shows disruptive qualities both as a pass rusher and pursuit defender. Plays with good bend, particularly for a taller prospect. Posted encouraging athletic testing marks in the combine setting. Will need to continue to add functional strength as he fills out his frame and progresses as a player.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings