Top 2023 Linebackers Who Had Breakout Seasons in 2020
The high school football season is coming to a close and the state title games will be played throughout next week. The 2020 season wasn’t what everyone expected with games being lost across the state, but there were still plenty of prospects who took advantage of the opportunity to play and made the most of it.
Here are a few standout linebackers who had big seasons, setting themselves up for a big year in 2021.
Raleigh Herbert (West Forsyth)
The fantastic sophomore was outstanding for the Wolverines this year as he held down a starting role all season and helped lead the team to one of the best in school history. The 6-foot-2 210-pounder is a tackling machine and was one of the most productive defenders in the entire region, totaling 106 tackles (9.6 per game), one sack, two interceptions, and five QB hurries. He plays fast and already has veteran-like instincts. He’s already showing leadership qualities as he helps line up the defense pre-snap. He closes well, can blitz from the inside, and he knows how to wrap up consistently. He plays like a senior and is in store for a monster junior season next fall.
Trey Hargrove (Ware County)
The South Georgia defender is one of the top underclassmen linebackers in the state. The 5-foot-11 195-pound athlete made 87 total tackles (67 solo/42 assists) with 5 sacks, 8 TFLs, and 7 pressures. Hargrove has SEC potential because of his natural athleticism. He can run, he’s physical, and he has a true nose for the football. Hargrove can cover man-to-man but also help stop the run game. He’s an exceptional edge rusher with great use of his hands. He’s also a very smart player and leader as only a sophomore. Hargrove led a very good Gator defense that allowed 30+ points only twice all season. The Gators made it to the 3rd round of the playoffs before losing to Cartersville.
[player_tooltip player_id="34020" first="Isaac" last="Hubert"] (Creekview)
Another 2023 linebacker from the metro-Atlanta are to know is the 6-foot-2 215-pounder from Cherokee County. A MaxPreps All-American in 2019 as a freshman, Hubert followed that up with a big sophomore season, making 58 total tackles, 15 TFLs 8 sacks, 12 pressures, and 3 forced fumbles. He’s a multi-sport athlete who does everything well from his linebacker position. He’s not the biggest linebacker you’ll see in the region, but he’s athletic, he’s violent, and he does his job on every play. Look for him to continue his productivity in 2021 and beyond.
Jamal Anderson (Mill Creek)
A Gwinnett County linebacker on the rise is the 6-foot-4 190-pound outside linebacker. The sophomore made 51 total tackles (31 Solo/20 assist) with one sack and three pass breakups. He has length and the frame to continue putting on good weight and muscle. He’s athletic, he moves really well, and has lots of potential to grow into a possible Power 5 prospect down the road. He made a big impact on a 7A defense as a sophomore, and that’s never easy to do. He’ll be a linebacker to know next fall.
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