Rising Stock Linebackers 2022 (Part 1)

Ohio is fortunate to have an abundance of talent at the linebacker position in the class of 2022. Whether lined up in an outside walk position, on the line as an outside pass rusher, or as a true inside linebacker, the quickness and physicality of the linebacker position is apparent. Here are some of the linebackers in the state whose stock is rising as the season approaches. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91508" first="Derell" last="Beddingfield"]     6’2” 190     Cleveland Benedictine</strong> Beddingfield can play either inside or outside linebacker. He displays excellent timing in the blitz game along with being very sound in pass coverage. Beddingfield is one of the most versatile linebackers in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91509" first="Jonathan" last="Thompson"]     6’2” 215      Columbus St. Francis DeSales</strong> Thompson is both athletic and reactive as a linebacker that doubles as a running back. He often beats blockers with his speed and ability to accelerate at just the right time. Thompson is known to create turnovers by the physicality of contact on the ball carrier. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="120382" first="Levert" last="Jarmon"]     5’11” 200     Cincinnati Colerain</strong> Acceleration off the edge is the trademark for this outside linebacker. Jarmon refuses to be blocked as he strikes and disengages with his hands. He has the speed to run plays down from behind in pursuit. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="106898" first="Grant" last="Lyons"]     6’3” 225     Cincinnati St. Xavier</strong> This tall and intimidating linebacker runs extremely well. Like Jarmon, he is best when coming with speed from the outside. Lyons does a superb job of defeating pass blockers by working the edges of the man and not exposing his chest to the opponent. <strong>Mani Powell     6’2” 225     Canton Mckinley</strong> Powell is one of the best true middle backers around as he keeps good tempo on the ball carrier. He is instinctive in knowing when to fill the crease or maintain leverage on the football with shoulders square and knees bent. Powell is also a plus on special teams’ coverage units. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91597" first="Jayden" last="Gibson"]     6’2” 200     Toledo Whitmer</strong> Gibson is productive at any linebacker position, whether inside or outside, off or on the line of scrimmage. He loves contact and explodes through the defender when tackling. Gibson runs well and is on a seek and destroy mission every play.