LB Stock Risers for the MO Class of 2022

Heading into the 2020 season, players and teams had multiple question marks. "Would the season be played? Can we get a full season in? How will all of this affect college recruiting?" The following players were able to get games in and by doing so, raised their stock in the eyes of the Prep Redzone scouts and college coaches. LB [player_tooltip player_id="37551" first="Christopher" last="Skiljan"], DeSmet Jesuit (Preseason 2020 ranked No. 31 overall, now No. 25 overall. Was the No. 3 ranked LB, now No. 1) Skiljan has a unique skill set in that he can play off the football with ease and yet put his hand in the ground and be an effective pass rusher. The junior was <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/11/mvps-from-friday-11-20-missouri-football-playoffs/">dominant in the playoffs</a> and used that momentum to garner scholarship offers heading into 2021. The hard-hitting junior should have an exciting recruiting period. LB [player_tooltip player_id="37597" first="Nate" last="Ruble"], St. Pius X (Festus) (Preseason 2020 ranked No. 77 overall, now No. 32 overall. Was No. 8 ranked LB, now No. 2) Ruble took on the 2020 season with a fire and a want-to-win attitude and that drive showed. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/09/missouri-hs-football-mvps-week-3/">Playing both sides of the football</a>, Ruble lead his team with fire and toughness. Colleges will be recruiting the two-way player as a linebacker due to his ability to decipher, stick and shed with awareness. The still-growing player has a bright future. LB [player_tooltip player_id="96259" first="Connor" last="Lair"], West Plains (Preseason 2020 Watch List LB, now No. 42 overall and No. 4 LB) Lair is another player who plays running back on offense and linebacker on defense. He is a wrecking ball, scoring machine with the football in his hands. In every game, Lair played bigger than his competition and was a man among boys in some instances. Lair is a name to watch as recruiting picks up due to his natural feel for the game and his ability to play hard every snap. LB [player_tooltip player_id="96266" first="Nathan" last="DeGuentz"], Duchesne (Preseason 2020 Watch List LB, now No. 43 overall and No. 5 LB) Playing on a team with a handful of rising players, DeGuentz stood out as a leader. The junior was all over the field, making plays sideline to sideline and bringing energy to the squad. DeGuentz has a nose for the football. With some speed work, there is a very good possibility the junior could end up as the top LB in the 2022 class. LB [player_tooltip player_id="37547" first="Dylan" last="Keogh"], Cuba (Preseason 2020 Watch List as DE, now No. 69 overall and No. 8 LB) Keogh can line up in multiple positions for a defense but his best college spot will be as a linebacker. He is a heady, hard-nosed player who is instinctively attuned to the game. He can rush the passer, is powerful as a tackler, and grinds every snap to get in on the tackle. Keogh is an ascending player if he continues to work on his quickness and speed as a linebacker.