Cardinal Mooney 2026 WDE Bryce Fulda covers breakout season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Unfortunately for quarterbacks, Florida produces fantastic high school defensive ends that flat out get after it. At Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota), the Cougars are developing another weakside defensive end in Bryce Fulda (6-3.5, 225) who can do it all. After a breakout sophomore campaign, Fulda will soon be on college football recruiting boards up and down the east coast.
Through Cardinal Mooney’s 12-2 season last fall, Fulda exploded onto the scene looking like a varsity veteran. Quick off the snap, Fulda was aggressive getting into the backfield but also disciplined making the big plays. The sophomore put an end to 43 snaps with 11 tackles for a loss, six sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery.
“We ran a 4-2-stack, a nickel style defense,” Fulda said. “I was at defensive end; my job was to contain the quarterback, create havoc, and sometimes flow with the running back or with a receiver dropping back. I was reading the quarterback and not letting people outside of me.”
Getting that first varsity run, all aspects of Fulda’s game saw big improvements.
“My strength and my understanding of the game really improved,” Fulda stated. “I watch college players. I watched how they played and took it from them. A lot of the work I put in was specific d-line and strength training; that took it to the next level. Strength, smartness, and quickness off the ball were my biggest improvements.”
Fulda continued talking about the traits to his game that help him impact opposing offenses, “My motor. When the ball goes out, I am going to the ball. Even if a play is run outside of me, like on a screen, I am always trying to get to the ball. I am taking what the offensive lineman gives me and going with that. If he’s aggressive, I take their weight and use it against them. If they are playing back not using their weight, I use my speed.”
Working with the Cougars’ staff and Nomad’s Elite, Fulda covered his offseason grind.
“I am working on my strength, explosiveness, running style, pass rush, and reading my keys,” Fulda shared. “With Nomad, I am doing defensive line training and field training.”
Answering questions from the interview with passion in his responses, Fulda was asked about his love for the game.
“The aspect of family and relationships,” Fulda said. “Also, there is so much to learn. I don’t think you can stop learning about football. There is always something to do. I like to dominate and win with my team. I have been playing football since I was in kindergarten; I spend hours watching film each week.”
Plans are already being put together for a college camp circuit that will include in-state teams like South Florida and some out of state programs.