Stock Risers: 2022 Linebacker Update

Earlier this week, we released our 2022 class rankings update, adding over 35 new players to the rankings and rearranging based on offseason performance and as we’ve gotten to see play in person. A few linebackers have been active on the camp scene and have seen their stock rise over the last few months. Here, we detail a few of those guys. <strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="28634" first="Jalon" last="Walker"], (No. 1 LB), 6’2 210 (Previously No. 4)- Salisbury</strong> Walker is a downhill outside linebacker with off-the-charts athleticism. He’s hearing from nearly every team in the country, but trimmed his list in the fall to Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Auburn, Ohio State and North Carolina. He plays all over the field and has a rare combination of straight-line speed, reactions and lateral quickness. He headlines a strong 2022 linebacker class in the Tar Heel state. <strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="28639" first="Torren" last="Wright"], (No. 2 LB), 6’3 210, (Previously No. 10)- AL Brown </strong> Wright is one of the more versatile linebackers in the state. In a way, it’s weird because even at this stage in his career, I’m more confident in him being a great college player than I am in what position he will be playing. I personally like him as an outside linebacker that can flex out into the slot as a big nickel and blitz on occasion, but I wouldn’t question any team that recruits him as an edge rusher. He has crazy get off, good top end speed and a great size-strength combination. He’s one of the hottest prospects in the class of 2022. <strong>32. [player_tooltip player_id="28677" first="Carter" last="Wyatt"], (No. 3 LB), 6’2 215, (Previously No. 47)- West Brunswick</strong> Wyatt made the biggest jump  among all defenders in our 2022 rankings. He’s a guy that somehow didn’t get much attention last year despite putting up 112 tackles. Wyatt is a big hitter and a sure tackler, which is a great combination for a middle linebacker. With a repeat of last year, he could see his recruitment take off. <strong>34. [player_tooltip player_id="28678" first="Albert" last="Redd"], (No. 4 LB), 6’3 210, (Previously No. 48)- Glenn</strong> Like Wyatt, Redd made a huge jump in our rankings. Like Wyatt, Redd could make another jump with a strong season. Redd played a smaller role on a loaded defense as a sophomore but after losing three teammates to early enrollments, he could be in for a huge junior year. He wins with a great combination of size, speed and strength and he’s a guy I’m tracking for one of the top spots moving forward. <strong>42. [player_tooltip player_id="107034" first="Xavion" last="Coulter"], (No. 6 LB), 5’11 220, (Previously Unranked)- Newton-Conover</strong> Coulter has seen his stock rise this offseason, but in all actuality, people are just late to the party. A hard-worker, Coulter put up great numbers as a sophomore, tallying 111 tackles and grabbing All-Conference Honors. He’s excellent at diagnosing plays from his middle linebacker spot and he moves downhill quickly and decisively. At the point of contact, he’s a sure tackler and sheds blocks well. We expect big things from Coulter this season. <strong>48. [player_tooltip player_id="106708" first="Nick" last="Beason"], (No. 9 LB), 6’ 210, (Previously Unranked)- Crest </strong> Beason wasn’t on my radar until recently, but his tape doesn’t lie. He’s the type of linebacker I love to watch -- physical, aggressive and energetic. He plays downhill and can eat up a lot of ground in a hurry. When he sees a play developing, he’s decision and immediately breaks toward the ball carrier, leading to a 94-tackle season as a sophomore. This year, he could put up even bigger numbers and if he does, colleges will come calling. <strong>49. [player_tooltip player_id="98108" first="Angeni" last="Jacobs"], (No. 10 LB), 6’2 215, (Previously Unranked)- Christ School</strong> Christ School played its season in the fall and Jacobs took advantage of the heightened exposure, living in the backfield to the tune of 24 tackles for loss. Christ School’s aggressive defense allows Jacobs to blitz often, one of the stronger parts of his game. He’s ridiculously athletic, putting up weight room numbers and field times that don’t usually go together. The private school scene is often underappreciated, but Jacobs should hear from college coaches soon.