Names to know for 2023: Linebackers

Even with two high school seasons remaining in their careers, a set of 2023 names are starting to get looks in recruiting circles around the Southeast. Let’s take an early look at some linebackers from the class of 2023 that you need to get familiar with. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/travis-posey-jr/">[player_tooltip player_id="106768" first="Travis" last="Posey Jr"]</a> | Ridgeland Posey is far from the fastest or biggest guy on the field, but he simply goes and makes plays. As a Sophomore, playing in arguably the toughest division in the state, he played a vital role defensively which he will be expected to improve upon in the coming year. Posey is framed to be a long term linebacker as he continues to grow. Makes plays in part due to his impressive football IQ. Easily gets into position to make tackles successfully. At his best playing downhill while still having value from sideline to sideline. Obvious raw potential. Posey is the type of guy that will have his name explode over the summer and into his Junior season. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/alex-sanford/">[player_tooltip player_id="106769" first="Alex" last="Sanford"]</a> | Oxford Oxford is known for pumping out D1 athletes year in and year out and they appear to have another in waiting for the class of 2023 with Sanford. At 6"2, 220, the Charger inside linebacker looks physically ready to step on a Power 5 field and compete today, as only a rising Junior. Sanford, with his 100+ tackles on the year, helped lead an Oxford team to the 2020 state title game against Oak Grove. Sanford takes consistently great angles to the football with an athletic skillset to combat. Active with hands. Easy mover. Stretches plays out sideline to sideline. Simply makes tackles, typically with a big lick. Always appears when games get tight and in big situations. Currently has an Ole Miss offer but has plenty more Power 5 offers well on their way. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jacquavyian-carter/">[player_tooltip player_id="106770" first="Jacquavyian" last="Carter"]</a> | Clinton Carter is the poster child of a head hunting linebacker. Carter’s film screams potential as a next level outside linebacker. The rising Clinton junior does a great job on the outside in run defense as well as picking up receivers out of the backfield. Carter isn’t the most agile guy on the field but has enough athleticism to get the job done. Technician of sorts as a defender. Physical player who likes to play tough. Makes plays. Impressive understanding of the game and his role as a defender for his age. Talent is a bit raw in areas but no doubt that it will come together over the course of the next two seasons. Definite apparent upside, just scratching surface of what he can be. Group of 5/fringe Power 5 projection for now.