Film Study: Evaluating Some of GA’s LB Talent
Following a very strong season for multiple teams, as well as prospects throughout the state of Georgia, we wanted to take some time to break down some of the leading statistical LB’s throughout the state of Georgia. While this list…
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Continue ReadingFollowing a very strong season for multiple teams, as well as prospects throughout the state of Georgia, we wanted to take some time to break down some of the leading statistical LB’s throughout the state of Georgia. While this list is based off of their high level of tackles this season, each totaling more than 100 tackles for the year, it should also be noted that the consistency in these tackles also contributed to some key defensive stops for their teams this season. While there are plenty of players who made a name for themselves as LB’s throughout the state, one should especially take note of the few we listed below. Here’s what we noticed about them on tape.
Colby Cooper- Locust Grove
While one may notice right away that Cooper is a bit of a raw prospect, one thing that stands out about his ability to play the LB position is his high motor, and ability to find ways to get to the football. He not only takes decent angles to reach the ball carrier, but he has displayed the ability to be effective in coverage as well. While he may not have that great of a sink and bend, he does not allow it to hinder his ability to gain leverage at times, and change direction properly in pursuit. With this, he has also shown that he can read the offense well, and that he can explode to the ball.
Asmar Hasan- Duluth
Asmar Hasan, who has been a force for Duluth this season, has been a powerful hitter against opposing offensive players. Not only does he show an explosive lower body when he creates a “pop” on contact, but he often times finds himself in great position to make defensive stops and plays. Along with this, while he is not the fastest, he has shown efficiency in his ability to make plays in pursuit. While we are not completely sold on his ability to perform at a high level in pass coverage, he has also shown that he can cause turnovers with his ball skills as well. Due to this, even despite his raw movement skills and size, we think that he can play, and perform well for a smaller program.
Zachariah White- Chapel Hill
If one things pops off of the screen from watching White’s tape, it’s his ability to play instinctive football. He constantly puts himself in place to meet the ball carrier in the hole. With this, he also plays well laterally, despite the inconsistency in his drop steps. Regardless, White shows his ability to be very productive, in both the running game, and in coverage, which ultimately creates pressure for opposing QB’s. Because of this ability to play defensive football, it comes as no surprise to us that he has racked up more than 100 tackles this season.
Jake Cieply- Georgia Force Christian
While we have covered Cieply before, it should be noted that he has continued to improve as the season has continued, leading the state in tackles with over 140. While Cieply has always shown the ability to be quick, his ability to be lighter on his feet, and to get to the football has improved throughout the duration of the season. With this, while his drop steps may still be raw, he finds ways to get to the football quickly, creating key stops for his team. One thing he will need to continue to work on is his ability to bend, and move fluidly. If he continues to do so, he will only become a more fundamentally sound football player.
Jayoland Threat- Central Gwinnett
What has been very impressive to watch about Threat is his ability to not only take good angles and flip his hips if needed, but his ability to cause turnovers as well. Despite the fact that he does not have the ideal size and frame that college programs are looking for, his ability to be quick and display decent footwork has been crucial for him at the high school level of play. As Threat goes to make tackles, he finishes plays well, which puts his defense in a great position. Some of these tackles come for a loss, or minimal gain. While many programs may not take a shot at him at the next level, one thing Threat can rest assured with is that he has continued to leave it all out on the field for his team.