Updated Look at SC’s Top 5 Linebackers

Josh Buchanan

December 14, 2020 @ 09:28 AM

Updated Look at SC’s Top 5 Linebackers   Here is a look at the top linebackers in the state heading into signing day this week. <ol> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59314" first="Deshawn" last="McKnight"], Sumter, 6’2, 225</li> </ol> The Sumter all-star is our top rated linebacker due to his physical tools and ability to make plays in a lot of different ways. McKnight can blitz or drop and cover as well as be a fullback if you need him to. He also filled out from 215 to 225-230 range for his senior year and kept his speed. He finished his senior season with 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one pick, two breakups, and a fumble recovery. He is committed to sign with Appalachian State this week. <ol start="2"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59323" first="Camden" last="Gray"], Chapman, 6’3, 225</li> </ol> Our #2 linebacker is a big kid who was productive for Chapman. He can stop the run inside the box very well using his strength and instincts. He also has good enough speed to get to the edge and make tackles from sideline to sideline. He should be a big time player at the FCS level as he gave a verbal to sign with Wofford over offers from Air Force, Navy, Army, Campbell, Elon, Furman, Georgia State, Liberty, and others. <ol start="3"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59333" first="Bailey" last="Carraway"], Hartsville, 6’3, 235</li> </ol> We almost flipped Gray and Carraway because this kid is a big, explosive player who can blow up the run in the backfield or disrupt the pass as a blitzer and in coverage. This was very close as we think Carraway can be a solid college player. He not only has size but good length, can run, and is strong. The lack of long offer list is surprising with only Georgia State as reported and interest from several FCS programs. Keep an eye on where he lands. <ol start="4"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59339" first="Gregory" last="Johnson"], Northwestern, 5’11, 205</li> </ol> Johnson was perhaps the best player on the Northwestern defense as he led them with 75 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and five pass breakups. He is an undersized inside linebacker who runs well and plays physical. Our #4 rated linebacker is committed to play for Army. <ol start="5"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="59352" first="Jayleal" last="Fuller"], Lakewood, 6’2, 225</li> </ol> Fuller plays on the edge for Lakewood as a standup and 3-point stance rush end who makes a lot of plays as a blitzer. He can bend the edge and has a good get off. His speed and motor allow him to make plays backside and play side. Fuller accumulated several FCS and D2 offers but committed to Morgan State in November.