Film Analysis: Zion Grady Has Top EDGE Tools

2025 four-star edge rusher Zion Grady (Enterprise, Ala.) has scheduled an official visit with the Tennessee Volunteers. We went to the tape to evaluate his game.

Enterprise High School edge rusher Zion Grady has become a new name in Tennessee recruiting circles. The Vols don't have a defensive lineman committed in the 2025 cycle, though the track record of defensive line coach Rodney Garner would say they have big things in store for this signing period.

Grady has set up four summer official visits: Georgia, Florida State, Miami, and Tennessee. He plans to see Auburn on an official visit and could schedule one with Alabama. Grady plans to be on campus in Knoxville, Tennessee, during the spring prior to returning on his official visit. He then will likely make a decision after the summer trips.

He ranks as the No. 44 prospect in the 2025 class, according to the 247Sports' Composite Rankings. Grady tallied 11 sacks during his junior season and committed to Alabama before reopening his recruitment when legendary head coach Nick Saban retired. Volunteer Country reviewed the tape to see what makes him a priority for these major programs.

5⭐️ EDGE Zion Grady backed off his pledge to Alabama and has set 4 OVs, including one with the #Vols.

A high ceiling for the No. 1 edge rusher in the 2025 cycle. Measures in at 6'5" and 235 pounds with athleticism and versatility. 🧵

➕ Bend
➕ First punch
➕ Long arms pic.twitter.com/crqBMSiI9E

— Evan Crowell (@evanvcrowell) February 29, 2024

Bend

Grady measures in at 6-5 and 235 pounds; he probably will make his living chasing after the passer. He operated all along the line of scrimmage during his junior season but had his best moments lining up as a 5-technique. He's got strong ankle flexion that allows him to capture the corner on opposing offensive tackles, and can shift his weight laterally to get back to the inside shoulder if he must. Grady survives contact well when struck and doesn't let it deter him from finding the most efficient, violent path to the quarterback.

First Punch

While Grady must put on some weight in college to continue his linear growth, his first punch could allow him to stay on the field on early downs as a run-defender. Grady reset the line of scrimmage several times on tape and deterred running games from scheming toward his side of the field. He varies his strikes from high to low and gives offensive tackles a new challenge on each rep. Also made multiple plays off the snap on field goal block, sending a few kicks the wrong direction during his junior year.

Long Arms

Garner has established a track record over the past few years when recruiting edge rushers. James Pearce Jr. and Jordan Ross have exceptional arm length that allows them to initiate contact with their matchup before being touched. That's a major advantage when deciding how the rep will begin. Grady has that same type of wingspan - it allows him to fight when bending the corner and get the aforementioned first punch off. 

Tennessee's 2025 Recruiting Class

• George MacIntyre, QB
• Justin Baker, RB
• Joakim Dodson, WR
• Jack VanDorselaer, TE
• Dylan Lewis, CB
• Tyler Redmond, CB

You Might Also Like:

• Tennessee Learns Date For SEC Media Day
• CFB's "Next Wave of Superstars" Includes Nico Iamaleava
• The Good, Bad, and Ugly: Tennessee vs. Auburn

Join the community:

• Follow Evan Crowell on Twitter: @EvanVCrowell
• Follow Caleb Sisk on Twitter: @CalebSisk_

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @VolunteerCountry & follow us on Twitter at @VCountryFN.