Indiana Class of 2022 Linebacker Preview

As spring practices begin to wind down and many college players get set to begin their summers, right now it is more important for coaching staffs and their recruiting staff to ramp up their efforts on the recruiting trail. Fortunately, for defensive coordinators who are searching for the stud, centerpiece linebacker to anchor their defense for the next four years, Indiana is a recruiting oasis for those ambitions. This year, the Hoosier state promises to deliver a class replete with top-tier linebacker talent. With the class of 2022’s time in the spotlight approaching quickly, let’s take a look at some of the top linebacker recruits in the state of Indiana as they prepare to put on a show in their upcoming senior campaigns. We start off with Dominick Moon from Fort Wayne Snider. At 6’2 and 215, Moon has the size characteristics that make him a perfect fit for big-time college football. Adding to that is the competitive situation he has thrived in as a high school student-athlete. Moon is at a Snider program that has a reputation for sending talent to the Division 1 level and he is due to be the next. Playing in a highly-talented Fort Wayne area and excelling the way that he has makes Moon a can’t miss prospect. For another home run in your defense, look no further then [player_tooltip player_id="97818" first="Dh’Mari" last="Wright"]. Wright heads up a strong Andrean defense. At 6’4 and 215 pounds, Wright becomes a perfect fit both in stopping the run as well as playing the pass. Being a little bit taller should make him a great pass defender in one-on-one situations as he will have the length to make plays on the ball. Quarterbacks, receivers and running backs are going to have a difficult time dealing with [player_tooltip player_id="97818" first="Dh’Mari" last="Wright"]. Indiana’s third highest-rated LB is [player_tooltip player_id="98003" first="Jeffrey" last="Utzinger"]. Utzinger comes from one of Indiana’s most storied programs, Indianapolis Cathedral. To say that Utzinger has been tearing it up in Indy would be a massive understatement. While Utzinger is a little bit smaller than both Mason and Wright, his resume against, arguably, the state’s best competition speaks for itself. Utzinger has all the tools needed to be not just a good linebacker, but a four-year staple for a big-time college program. Our next standout comes from Center Grove, [player_tooltip player_id="98056" first="Shane" last="Bennett"]. The length that Bennett possesses at 6’4 allows him to play the pass extremely well. Any quarterback is going to have to place a ball perfectly when he positions himself in coverage. Bennett is also 225 pounds, which, combined with his athleticism, promises to give offensive linemen fits at any level of football. The promise of physicality and athletic ability makes Bennett a coach’s dream. Our look at the top-five linebackers in the state concludes with Concord’s [player_tooltip player_id="98006" first="Zaven" last="Koltookian"]. Koltookian fits the mold for a program like Concord being a rugged, blue-collar player. But this blue-collar player is also a blue-chip prospect. Koltookian enters the late spring as the state’s 32nd-ranked player. He has what it takes to stop the run and play the pass. Any college program looking to kick-start their defense ought to take a trip up north to Concord on Friday nights this fall. The linebacker group in the Hoosier state runs deep this year. I’m going to go further in-depth on this linebacker class later this offseason and include more playmakers to watch out for. The hope is that the Class of 2022 will be able to showcase their skills at camps and tournaments this summer. Regardless, this group is going to put in the time and work necessary to make it to the highest level.