2023 “Under The Radar” Linebackers To Know In 2021

If you’re looking for linebackers, the state of Georgia is where they’re found. The 2021 class is led by some of the nation’s best in five-stars [player_tooltip player_id="33661" first="Barrett" last="Carter"] (Clemson signee) and [player_tooltip player_id="33651" first="Smael" last="Mondon"] (UGA signee). The 2022 class is also loaded at the linebacker position with Cedartown’s [player_tooltip player_id="33869" first="CJ" last="Washington"], a Georgia Bulldog commit, and Marietta’s [player_tooltip player_id="33863" first="Daniel" last="Martin"]. The peach state turns out Power 5 linebackers every year and the 2023 class is no different. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34037" first="Dwight" last="Johnson Jr."] (Dutchtown) </strong> If you’re in middle Georgia, the standout linebacker from Hampton at Dutchtown high school is a player to know. At 6-foot-0 205-pounds, Johnson Jr. is a heat-sinking missile at linebacker who appears to be one of the best linebackers in his region. Just a sophomore, Johnson Jr. has the genetics as his father is a former NFL player, and his uncle is former All-Pro defender Derrik Johnson. The Dutchtown star plays like his relatives, showing great instincts, sideline to sideline speed, and the ability to tackle. He’s strong, but he knows how to wrap up properly and bring the ball carrier to the ground. Look for him to see some offers to come his way sooner than later. &nbsp; <strong>Grant Godfrey (North Gwinnett)</strong> Th son of NFL Randall Godfrey filled in for [player_tooltip player_id="33661" first="Barrett" last="Carter"] when the elite inside linebacker was injured and performed very well in his absence. He’s a tall, athletic linebacker who has a very bright future in North Gwinnett’s well-coached defense. The 6-foot-3 190-pounder is a good tackler and was able to get plenty of experience last fall as a sophomore. He showed great instincts for a young player and knows how to wrap up properly. He was productive when on the field and should have a breakout junior season in 2021. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="94017" first="Dee" last="Crayton"] (Denmark)</strong> The former middle-school running back turned safety turned linebacker had an outstanding season for the Danes last fall. He’s a hard hitting hybrid defender who will likely stay at linebacker moving forward. He runs well and knows how to get the ball carrier down. He's great against the run and became one of the top linebackers in the region as the season went on. The 6-foot-2 205-pounder could see plenty of offers coming his way this offseason. He’s athletic, knows how to hit, and has a full year of experience as a starter in 7A. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="94020" first="Detravious" last="Laney"] (Terrell County)</strong> The 6-foot-0 190-pound outside linebacker had an extremely productive season as a sophomore, making 111 total tackles (62 solo/49 assists) with 11.5 TFLs and 3 sacks. He’s not the biggest or fastest linebacker in South Georgia, but he has great instincts, he’s strong, has above-average speed, and he’s a great all-around defensive player. He was as productive as it gets for any defender in the region and is expected to have another monster season if he continues to develop and add more weight in the off-season. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34013" first="Shakai" last="Woods"] (Douglas County)</strong> Not only was Woods one of the more productive linebackers in the 2023 class, he was one of the most productive across the state. His job was made easy all year by an excellent Douglas County defensive line thanks for four-star UGA signee [player_tooltip player_id="33669" first="Jonathan" last="Jefferson"]. He gave Woods the ability to move around total 146 tackles last fall as a sophomore. The 6-foot-1 225-pounder is strong with great instincts who happens to be a reliable tackler. He doesn’t miss many and led the Tigers to a successful season defensely. Look for Woods to be one of the state’s leading tacklers as a junior this fall. &nbsp;