Film Room: Lorenzo Cowan

Kentucky closed down a long recruitment during an official visit over the weekend. Savannah (Ga.) Jenkins EDGE Lorenzo Cowan decided to shut things down on the trail on Sunday when he committed to the Big Blue before returning home.

The Wildcats are now up to 17 commits in the class of 2024 with three EDGE prospects in the fold. Defensive backs coach Chris Collins recorded his third high school recruiting win this cycle. Kentucky has been focusing on traits and athleticism in this defensive class. Cowan checks both of those boxes.

Kentucky’s latest commit will add speed, length, and an intriguing pass rush package to Brad White’s position room. Added mass will be needed, but this is another high-ceiling prospect at a premium position.

Let’s check out the tape.

Quick pass rush wins

One of the bigger underlying themes of this recruiting class is that Kentucky is looking for pass rush upgrades. Powell (Tenn.) High senior Steven Soles Jr. is a highly productive edge rusher who wins with first step and bend. St. Louis (Mo.) DeSmet senior Caleb Redd is another stat-sheet stuffer (21 sacks as a junior) who owns a good blend of speed and power, but setting the edge may ultimately be his greatest strength at the next level.

Lorenzo Cowan could be a nice happy medium of Soles and Redd for defensive coordinator Brad White. The Peach State native has a similar athleticism profile to the former and size somewhat similar to the latter. Cowan shows burst and bend off the edge as a rusher.

Whether winning on a swim move or showing strain to defeat an offensive tackle, Cowan has high pass rush potential. The class of 2024 prospect has the speed and athleticism to win off the edge but is fluid enough to build out counter moves and flashes enough physicality that should only be enhanced in a strength and conditioning program.

This is a raw prospect that will need some development, but Cowan has the required physical traits to project his as a true edge bender as a pass rusher. That is something the Kentucky defense is missing right now.

Not just a pass rusher

The first thing that jumps off the screen when digging into the tape for Lorenzo Cowan is the pass rush potential, but this is a player that can do some other things on the field. Most notably, the latest Kentucky commit plays with a very good motor and looks the part of an SEC front seven athlete.

Even when not getting home on a pass rush, Cowan flashes his basketball background with great leaping ability allowing him to record a havoc play. As an edge setter in a run fit, the outside linebacker diagnoses quickly and then flashes a twitched-up burst that results in a safety. Cowan can also play with some point-of-attack power and has the gas to chase down a ballcarrier in support.

This is a prospect that checks many boxes. The pass rush potential is the first thing that jumps off the screen, but Lorenzo Cowan is an effort player who plays with good football IQ and flashes a willingness to play through contact and to sprint after the football.

Lorenzo Cowan is another high-ceiling defensive prospect

Kentucky’s coaching staff is taking some big swings on traits in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Most notably, the Wildcats are looking for players with high-ceiling potential who own unique traits that can be developed at the next level. Jiquavious Marshall, Quaysheed Scott, Antwan Smith, and Steven Soles Jr. all fit this description. Lorenzo Cowan can be added to the bunch.

The Georgia native owns potential as a bendy edge rusher who can win quickly off the edge. Add in a strong athletic background, there are many reasons to think that Cowan will eventually turn into a well-rounded front seven defender that can impact the game in multiple ways. However, some physical development is needed.

Most notably, Cowan must add good weight to his long-limbed frame. If this prospect can get up near 250 pounds while maintaining his athleticism, there is much to like about his future. He projects as a Jack linebacker who could give Kentucky an upgrade as an edge pass rusher, but development will be needed.