Eight Preseason Names to Know: 22′ OLB
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Next up on the Preseason Names to know series we’re taking a look at eight OLBs from the class of 2022. These athletes have had an extended offseason because of covid and look to show how they’ve developed during that…
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Continue ReadingNext up on the Preseason Names to know series we’re taking a look at eight OLBs from the class of 2022. These athletes have had an extended offseason because of covid and look to show how they’ve developed during that time. They have been putting in the work with this extended offseason and are going to showcase their improvements come March 19th. Here are eight OLB names to know heading into the spring season.
Tayo Idowu Tayo Idowu 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Richards | 2022 State IL 6’2 220 Richards HS Twitter Highlights
Starting off we’re taking a look at Mr. Idowu from Richards HS. He fills holes in run support, gets in the backfield quickly, and is a hard hitter. He’s a physical player who drives players to the ground and makes open-field tackles. Overall, Idowu is on a talented Richards team that looks to do damage during this shortened spring season. Look for Idowu to make plays for this defense and improve his recruiting stock in the process.
Ethan Gallagher 6’4 187 Lockport Township HS Twitter Highlights
Next up is Mr. Gallagher from Lockport Township HS. He is a hard hitter that can blitz off the edge and gets pressure on the QB. He takes pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield and uses his hands to shed blocks. Gallagher is on a talented Lockport Township team that has weapons on both sides of the ball. Overall, once Gallagher is able to showcase his development during this spring season look for his recruitment to gain traction.
Hunter DeVena Hunter DeVena 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Galesburg | 2022 State IL 6’2 205 Galesburg HS Twitter Highlights
Mr. DeVena is from Galesburg HS. He gets pressure on the QB, holds contain, and gets off of blocks to make the tackle. He has quick acceleration which comes to light in his closing speed and in his pass rush. Overall, DeVena looks to showcase his skillset come March 19th and get his name on coaches radars.
Jared Badie Jared Badie 6'4" | 210 lbs | LB Oswego East | 2022 State IL 6’2 215 Oswego East HS Twitter Highlights
Mr. Badie is from Oswego East HS. He gets pressure on the QB, gets in the backfield quickly, and sheds blocks to make the tackle. He diagnoses plays quickly which goes hand in hand with his aggressive playstyle and he doesn’t give up on plays. Overall, getting this Junior film will only reiterate how dominant a player Badie is and help gain more offers as well.
Luke Woodson 5’11 190 Deerfield HS Twitter Highlights
Mr. Woodson is from Deerfield HS. He gets hands-on when pressing, fills holes in run support, and gets pressure on the QB. His quick acceleration is showcased with his closing speed where he covers sideline to sideline and once he diagnoses the play he attacks. Overall, this spring season will be big for Woodson because all he’s missing is his junior season film. Once he gets this expect offers to come his way.
Trey Maranda 5’8 164 Moline HS Twitter Highlights
Mr. Maranda is from Moline HS. He gets in the backfield quickly, gets QB pressure off the edge, and takes pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield. His heavy-hitting ability is showcased when he makes open-field tackles and when he fills holes in run support. Overall, Maranda has been putting in work this offseason and looks to showcase how he has developed on March 19th.
Aaron Carl Aaron Carl 6'5" | 235 lbs | TE Galesburg | 2022 State IL 6’5 225 Galesburg HS Twitter Highlights
Mr. Carl is from Galesburg HS. He fills holes in run support, isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder, and gets pressure on the QB off the edge. He also takes pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield. Overall, Carl has the size and skillset to play at the next level. All he’s missing is his junior film and getting exposure.
Quin Wieties Quin Wieties 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Fenwick | 2022 State IL 6’3 230 Fenwick HS Twitter Highlights
Mr. Wieties is from Fenwick HS. He gets pressure on the QB, holds contain, and is quick of the line of scrimmage. He gets in the backfield quickly by using his hands at the point of attack and gets his hands up to deflect passes. Overall, once Wieties gets his junior film under his belt expect him to gain traction in the recruiting process.
These OLBs are in similar boats needing their junior year film before their recruiting takes off. Each of these players has the potential to play at the next level, the only thing that’s missing is the updated film from the spring season that’s starting March 19th.