Rankings Breakdown: Top 5 LBs of 2022
In this article:
Every good defense needs a LB that is able to take control and become an “on-field coordinator”. Luckily the 2022 class in Mississippi has guys that fit that mold. Let’s take a look at the top 5 LB prospects in…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingEvery good defense needs a LB that is able to take control and become an “on-field coordinator”. Luckily the 2022 class in Mississippi has guys that fit that mold. Let’s take a look at the top 5 LB prospects in the state for the class of 2022.
Stone Blanton Stone Blanton 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Madison-Ridgeland Academy | 2022 State MS
The offer sheet for the two sport star from Madison, MS is as impressive as any in the state. Blanton splits his time between the baseball field and the gridiron but that has not slowed his development as one of the top LB’s in the state. Elite football IQ combined with athletic tangibles like a 4.8 40 yd dash time, make him attractive to all college programs. Blanton gets from sideline to sideline smoothly and navigates thru the trenches. He plays extremely well downhill in the run game while still being sufficient when having to cover the pass as well. Film shows that he is in control of the defense and goes and makes the plays that an inside linebacker needs to. The sky is the limit with this one.
JD Stewart JD Stewart 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Greenville Christian School | 2022 State MS
Stewart may have the most upside of any LB in the state for this class. Stewart began his high school career at Greenwood High School before transferring to Greenville Christian for the 2020 season, due to Greenwood canceling football due to the pandemic. Simply put, Stewart is the best player on the field every time he suits up right now. Although raw as a prototypical LB, his athleticism makes up for it as well as his frame. Stewart plays with good leverage and makes plays everywhere he lines up from, no matter if it’s in the run or pass game. As the maturation process continues expect to see the recruitment of Stewart take off. He currently projects as a Power 5 inside LB.
Zy Ford Zy Ford 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB East Webster | 2022 State MS
Elite athletic ability jumps off the tape of Ford, who is quite possibly the most under-rated recruit in state at this time. A lack of size, specifically height and length, are the only intangibles that keep Ford from being one of the top prospects in state currently. Ford plays with violent energy and should be categorized as a head hunter. He makes the game look easy and is gracious in his movement and change of direction. Ford has good eyes and is quickly able to accelerate to what he sees. Ford is a real issue for opposing defenses due to his production in both rush and pass defense. His game translates well to the next level due to his ability to “go” and make plays. Expect to see some Power 5 offers come in before this recruitment is over.
Kendall Isaac Kendall Isaac 6'3" | 190 lbs | LB McComb | 2022 State MS
The ability to play well in space and get into tackling opportunities is ever apparent with Isaac. Although his frame is currently more thin that would be wanted at LB, he appears to have an opportunity to add mass going into his senior year, which could be a game-changer. Isaac has above average athletic ability and wins situations due to his understanding of how to use that. He changes directions very well and gets from sideline to sideline with ease. Isaac sees the game well and produces when defending the pass. Although currently projected as a LB he could have an opportunity to produce in a strong safety type moving forward. Isaac should see Group of 5 level offers in the future.
Mario Wilbourn Mario Wilbourn 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Lafayette County | 2022 State MS
Wilbourn was the Region 1-5A defensive player of the year in 2020 after attaining 119 tackles and 8 sacks. Strength protrudes through his compact frame, which is evident as he takes on blocks from offensive linemen. Wilbourn doesn’t “wow” with athletic ability but he does a great job getting into position to make tackles and finishing with technique when he gets there. Downhill play and run game support is where he shows the most production. Wilbourn simply makes the plays that you expect inside linebackers to make. Expect to see Wilbourn receiving Group of 5 level offers in the future.