Hidden Gems: #TN2022 Linebackers
Possibly the deepest position group in the state, the linebackers of the 2022 class are talented and we have several guys that are currently lying dormant without offers but certainly have the talents to play college ball. We take a…
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Continue ReadingPossibly the deepest position group in the state, the linebackers of the 2022 class are talented and we have several guys that are currently lying dormant without offers but certainly have the talents to play college ball.
We take a look here at ten prospects that not only have the size to reach the collegiate ranks but also the smarts and talents to make an impact one day.
Linebackers – 2022
1. Jaden Perry Jaden Perry 6'3" | 195 lbs | LB Haywood | 2022 TN (6’3 195) – Haywood HS
– A diamond in the rough with high upside, Perry is an unfinished product that screams potential with his size, physical traits and natural athleticism that fits well into the college game. The Tomcats rising senior is an explosive guy that flows fast to the ball and punishes the back when he makes contact. Highly instinctive with tons of range, Perry can run and make the kind of plays that others can not. His quick feet along with his flexible lower body allows him to move easy to the ball and get to the spot before the rest of his defense. Perry does need to pack on more weight but he has the frame to do so. Offers are not there yet but the more coaches evaluate Perry and his talents, the higher the chance opportunities will come his way.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12768760/5fce4f6b9a9c4d09e05541ee
2. Zach Shannon Zach Shannon 6'2" | 215 lbs | ATH Anderson County | 2022 State TN (6’2 215) – Anderson Co. HS
– Shannon cracks this list as one of the only guys that could play multiple roles on defense, including playing with his hand in the dirt at defensive end. A strong and rangy guy, Shannon plays a physical brand of football that is awesome to watch on film but it also translates well to the next level. The East Tennessee product is strong against the run, knowing where the ball is on a consistent basis then finishing the play in a punishing fashion. Shannon is football smart. He is a guy you lean on to be in the right place at the right time because he is a strong worker and knows that his job is. College coaches will eventually see these traits and extend the offers he is working very hard for.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11293390/5f7a44a2066af40774e43c5a
3. Braden Kaiser Braden Kaiser 6'3" | 225 lbs | LB Siegel | 2022 State TN (6’2 225) – Siegel HS
– One of the top returning producers at linebacker we have in the state, Kaiser is a tackling machine that has yet to see that first offer arrive but that has to change very soon. A big, thick and powerful backer, Kaiser plays a physical brand of football that opponents feel on every tackle and remember who the Stars stud defender is after the game is over. Kaiser is someone that is hard to take off the field simply based on his effort, football smarts and knack for always being around the ball. He is working non stop at developing his overall agility and athleticism to show coaches he can play in space, covering receivers down field. Kaiser will be a steal for whoever eventually offers and signs this Middle Tennessee product.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11078392/5f94c73ea018b603d4e52d88
4. Aaron L Crowder Aaron L Crowder 6'0" | 240 lbs | LB McCallie | 2022 TN (6’0 230) – McCallie
– Crowder is a guy that has been on the recruiting scene for a few years now but has yet to break out with offers or earn the respect his game warrants. A thick, stocky and powerful guy, Crowder is built like a fire hydrant that is hard to stop when he is moving downhill. When the Blue Tornados linebacker see’s the ball, he explodes towards it, sheds the block and punishes the ball carrier. A true middle backer, Crowder is a passionate player that plays all out and gives everything he has on every snap. He provides not just production at linebacker but also strong leadership qualities that plays well both on and off the field. I fully expect to see offers come his way before we get deep into the summer months.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9716883/5fdaa3986e82be06e47e3d6b
5. Seneca Bradley, Jr (6’3 215) – Rossview HS
– Hailing from the Clarksville area, Bradley, Jr is an unpolished, potential filled prospect that has his best football days certainly ahead of him. An athletic guy with great physical traits, Bradley, Jr is an explosive player that finds the ball quickly and attacks with sudden speed. The Hawks rising senior plays fast off the edge, showing off traits as a pass rusher while also chasing down the ball from sideline to sideline. Bradley, Jr also plays with a certain intensity that is wanted at the linebacker position. He is a punishing hitter that plays with an aggressive mindset that screams college abilities. The offers have not come yet but the Hawks star linebacker has the talents to make his way into the college game.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12633481/6012dae664e94c09f81a3541
6. Alex Mitchell Alex Mitchell 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Riverdale | 2022 State TN (6’1 225) – Riverdale HS
– A thick and powerful thumper that has a knack for being around the ball and making big plays, Mitchell is a multi talented linebacker that is still waiting for his first offer but it’s not from a lack of talent. The Murfreesboro native has been a very productive guy over his career with the Warriors and is poised for a big senior year that hopefully leads to college offers. Mitchell plays all over the field, meaning wherever the ball is, he finds it. A deceptive athlete with improving foot speed, Mitchell fits best inside playing against the run while disrupting any passing plays that come his way. He is a strong leader as well that gives his all every game and every play. College coaches need to get on this guy sooner than later.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11277605/5fbacdadda50b108188441e6
7. Cole Becker Cole Becker 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Father Ryan | 2022 State TN (6’2 225) – Father Ryan
– Becker is an under the radar, true middle linebacker that put together a very productive junior season and is poised for another one this Fall. The Nashville native sports the size, frame along with the physical game play that fits well into the college game. A broad shouldered guy that sheds blocks well, Becker plays a downhill, no nonsense type of a ball that is hard to stop or slow down. The Fighting Irish rising senior also shows good speed and the ability to chase the ball sideline to sideline. He does need to keep improving in this area but he is a worker and someone willing to do what it takes to get better. College camp season would be huge for this guy but over time, Becker will see the offers come.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9611692/5fb5dbbd688fbe0a44f3be4c
8. Blake Johnson (6’2 210) – Ooltewah HS
– Johnson is a guy that has already burst onto the scene this offseason with a strong performance at the #NCEC Nashville Combine earlier this year where he displayed big time athleticism along with the upside, potential to become a future college football player. The Southeast Tennessee product is just now realizing how good he can be and what he can do with his future as he is talented with tons of room to grow. Johnson plays hard and fast. He diagnoses the play early then attacks without hesitation. The Owls star linebacker also has range, so he can chase down the ball wherever it may be. No offers yet but Johnson will see them arrive over time.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11109929/601200e9d45ed6034c43608a
9. Cade Apple Cade Apple 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Cookeville | 2022 State TN (6’1 210) – Cookeville HS
– Aggressive with tons of passion for the game of football, Apple is a warrior that gives his all on every snap and does not know the words stop or quit. The Cavaliers stud backer plays with the type of intensity and physicality you look for along with the football smarts to be your quarterback on defense. Apple is a relentless tackler that can play sideline to sideline. He is a good athlete that can improve in that area along with having a well toned body that can take on more weight. Apple will not be outworked. He is determined to play college football. The offers have yet to come his way but in time they will. Apple doesn’t stress about recruiting as all he is worried about is getting better in any way possible.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7897470/5fbade5ea022d80b24c492a4
10. Pierce Scholato (6’3 215) – White House HS
– If you are looking for a true under the radar, hidden gem linebacker, Scholato is your guy. A big, physically built young man that is far from his maximum capabilities, the Blue Devils rising senior sports all the physical traits and tools to place himself into the college football world. Scholato flows to the ball with ease as he has excellent feet and the instincts you want in a tackling linebacker. He can run and shows the range to play sideline to sideline. Scholato does need to keep improving his overall agility but he is not far off from where he needs to be. Once his 1st offer arrives, it should bust the door open and force others to get involved as well.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14605341/5fad8fd7bd6afc04d04f5fdd
Ten Others to Know: Kane Smith Kane Smith 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB McCallie | 2022 TN (6’1 205) – McCallie, Javen Edmiston (6’2 215) – Summertown, Phillip Mason (6’2 205) – East Hamilton, Ben Lucas (6’0 210) – ECS, Jacob Berven Jacob Berven 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Oak Ridge | 2022 State TN (6’0 215) – Oak Ridge, Cooper Lomax (6’0 210) – Houston, Corbin Frith Corbin Frith 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Ravenwood | 2022 TN (6’1 215) – Ravenwood, Khaden Walker Khaden Walker 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Jackson North Side | 2022 State TN (6’2 225) – Jackson North-Side, Brayden Hoy (5’11 210) – Maryville, Drew Fisher Drew Fisher 5'11" | 210 lbs | LB Rhea Co. | 2022 TN (6’0 210) – Rhea Co.
Rebels Sr (LB) Brayden Hoy