Player Watch: Paul Fitzgerald – EDGE

The Player Watch, highlighting Edge Rusher Paul Fitzgerald.

• Paul Fitzgerald
• Position: Edge Rusher
• In the Transfer Portal
• 6’3” 240 lbs

Who is Paul Fitzgerald?

Paul Fitzgerald was a 3⭐️  in the composites. He attended Thunder Ridge High in Idaho and was first-team all-state as a Senior. His final season in high school consisted of 31 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, two blocked punts and a pass deflected. Fitzgerald initially committed to BYU after attending a camp at BYU. He would later decide to open his commitment and the Utah State Aggies would offer him a scholarship. Fitzgerald would sign his letter of intent and become an Aggie. In the composites, Fitzgerald was a late riser in the process. Originally he was unranked before becoming a three-star recruit. Fitzgerald was part of the 2022 recruiting class.

As a true freshman, Fitzgerald would redshirt, learn the system, and be in the strength and conditioning program. He made an impact from spring to fall camp and would be named a starter. There, he would help anchor that front four.

Fitzgerald would finish the season with 46 tackles (23 solo), 8 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass deflected. Fitzgerald would lead the team in sacks and tackles for loss. He made an immediate impact for the Aggies who could rely on him to take care of his side of the front four. Oftentimes during Mountain West play, opposing offensive lines would team up and call on a back to chip Fitzgerald. The Aggies as a whole, struggled on defense but Fitzgerald was the bright spot on the team. He ended the season on a high note, with three sacks in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl against Georgia State.

Potential Outlook

Paul Fitzgerald played 700 snaps last year with 34 total pressures, including 26 hurries. He did miss 7 tackles, but as a young player, that is expected. Fitzgerald lined up as an edge 694 times and was used as linebacker on four snaps with 22 snaps in coverage last year. He played a season-high 87 snaps against New Mexico. Without a doubt, all of those snaps will benefit him.

This offseason, Fitzgerald can become a workout warrior, and be an even better version of himself for the upcoming season. He will be a locked-in starter on one side as an edge rusher where ever he goes. He was a one-man band last year as the Aggies really struggled defensively. 

Strengths

Paul Fitzgerald is a quick and twitchy defender. He has an explosive first step and an array of moves to get by offensive linemen. He brings a good combination of speed and power. Fitzgerald generates a good bull rush and can overpower his blocker to get a pass rush going. Not just a pure pass rusher, he is very good against the run.

Fitzgerald can read run plays, keep his blocker in front of him, and will toss him aside to go make a play with gap integrity. He plays with a high motor and never gives up. He will chase down a runner on the opposite side of the field and is determined to make the play. He’s also coachable; his tape as a senior in High School to this past season is remarkably improved. Fitzgerald is still learning the position and isn’t even a finished product yet.

Areas of Improvement & Concerns

With a full offseason, I would like to see Paul Fitzgerald add on another 10 pounds and play at a range of 250 pounds overall. At that weight he could be an absolute force with his strength and speed. Offenses consistently look to double team him, and adding weight could give him the power to win those reps more frequently.

2024 Outlook

I expect Paul Fitzgerald to have a breakout season, attaining double digit sacks and becoming a true force on defense. Fitzgerald is simply too fast and strong for the majority of offensive linemen. If he can find a way to thread a double team or combine his power and speed to get out of the double team, Fitzgerald could very well be an All-American next year.