Ottawa-Kent Conferences: Top Linebackers

The linebacker position in the Ottawa-Kent Conferences features several difference-makers who can impact the game by stopping both the run and pass. Below I’ll break down the nine of the best linebackers in the area. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="29563" first="Austin" last="Roon"], Byron Center 2021"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9879329/5dce019f9a914e11189d4dd9" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Austin is a physical presence who controls the middle of the field for Byron Center. Rarely does he have problems with initial blocks from running backs and has a knack for shedding blocks with efficiency. Austin takes good angles to passes out of the backfield and can make up ground when the ball is on the other side of the field. <em>Committed to Syracuse University</em> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="29665" first="Daniel" last="Masek"], East Grand Rapids 2021"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9713327/5e0ed5398cd5940ff066d478" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Daniel attacks the line of scrimmage with aggression and wraps up ball carriers at the point of attack. He does a good job of keeping his head on a swivel in zone concepts and isn’t often caught cheating. Daniel keeps his feet chopping through contact and finish plays through the whistle. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="30082" first="Isaiah" last="Hicks"], Grand Rapids Catholic Central 2021"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9299480/5e166e25e97ab111a82b8a07" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Isaiah is a versatile athlete who moves fluidly from sideline to sideline. Isaiah is an aggressive hitter who makes contact with great pad level. He has a natural ability to force fumbles at the point of attack but doesn’t risk missing tackles by doing so. He is the type of athlete that can play multiple positions where the defense most needs him. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="30118" first="Aidan" last="Bremer"], Grand Rapids Christian 2021"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11348202/5e90b07a8cd3d70e8483df4b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Aiden has good field vision and anticipates plays well. His poise lends well to stopping veers and reap-options. Aiden has a might motor coming off the edge and can make up ground in a hurry. Doesn’t give up on plays and has a knack for making tackles coming across the field. <h5>Ben Tadych, Rockford 2021"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10609884/5dc9b8fc688ef90ffc0b6ad3" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Ben earned First-Team All-Conference honors in the OK Red as a junior. Ben accelerates well and can change direction on a dime. He’s nimble enough to shed a cut block and keep the play in front of him. Ben has great burst in blitz packages and often gets home. Expect Ben to once again be one of the premier linebackers in the OK Red. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="30138" first="Tag" last="Bonnema"], Zeeland East 2022"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11208442/5de5d29d664bbc10a0e1c2e7" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Tag is a solid 6’4" 220 lbs and is still growing into his frame. Tag has swift hips and can evade a block efficiently without getting into a shoving match. He has good acceleration and reacts well to misdirection out of the backfield. Often makes up ground and assists on tackles when he’s away from the action. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="30202" first="Tyler" last="Weaver"], Forest Hills Central 2022"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11166142/5dc313fd6e8b9e037c6bfe15" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Tyler has a natural ability to locate the ball in misdirection situations. This is a vital asset when going up against predominantly run-heavy offenses. Tyler is fundamentally sound when making tackles and has great pad-level at the point of attack. Tyler has good speed and should only get faster as he continues to develop. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="30303" first="Da’Torian" last="Roberts"], Northview 2022"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11558119/5de9d1ac4deb130ae4caa06f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Da'Torian is physically developed for his age and should continue to add mass before he graduates from Northview. He is a solid run-stopper who comes off the edge with good burst. Da'Torian accelerates quickly to the play and is a sure bet to make the tackle. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="30306" first="Javeon" last="Lyons"], Godwin Heights 2022"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11452727/5dca10fee985850d4481f637" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Javeon is a cerebral player, especially for an underclassman. Always finds himself in the right place at the right time. Javeon anticipates the play well and reacts accordingly. Hits with great pad level and plays through the whistle with his feet chopping until the ball carrier is down.