25 NCAA players that could appear on a future Madden NFL cover
By Roje Smith
21. Rashan Gary – DT – Michigan Wolverines
As the top overall prospect for the class of 2016, Rashan Gary was an unstoppable force on the defensive line in high school. He played mostly at the weakside DE position, registering 27.5 sacks over two years. The difference between him and most elite high-school defensive ends is his 6-foot-4, 293-pound frame. After being recruited by every major program in the country, Gary decided to sign with Michigan, and stands to play a significant amount of snaps for them as a true freshman.
There is already speculation that Gary could be a top pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Additionally, he has received comparisons to Jadeveon Clowney in terms of athleticism. The only difference is that Gary weighs significantly more than him. By the time that he’s draft eligible, Rashan should weigh over 300 pounds, while still maintaining his flexibility and agility. Scouts expect him to arrive in the NFL as a dominant nose tackle that will disrupt offensive lines for years.
There has never been a defensive lineman on the cover of Madden NFL. As a matter of fact, only three defenders have received the honor. Warren Sapp is the only defensive lineman to appear on the cover of a major sports game, gracing the front of ESPN NFL Football which released in 2003. If Gary lives up to his hype, he will make a strong case to be the first DL to get the Madden treatment.
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