Underrated Linebackers: Part 1

A few weeks ago, we took a look at the top five linebackers in Indiana for the Class of 2022. As noted then, I want to take a look outside of the state’s top five and discuss the less-heralded stalwarts in the middle of the defense. These are guys who have a chip on their shoulder attitude to go along with their elite talent. Let’s take a look at five exceptional Hoosier state linebackers who are preparing to have standout Senior seasons in the fall. Ben Davis High School has an outstanding linebacker who comes in at number 46 overall in our Class of 2022 rankings: [player_tooltip player_id="39059" first="Keoke" last="Toomer"]. Toomer is an extremely instinctive linebacker. He knows where the hole is going to be and where exactly he needs to fill in order to blow up the play. This could explain his total of 99 tackles a season ago. Toomer demonstrates a tremendous ability to cover from sideline-to-sideline. He can also get after the quarterback as shown by his seven sacks last year. Toomer is a smart linebacker who has the qualities to lead a defense for an entire career at the next level. Our next top-level linebacker prospect comes to us from Indianapolis. Roncalli’s [player_tooltip player_id="98065" first="Tyson" last="Garrett"] is ready for a breakout season for the Rebels. Garrett has the outstanding versatility required to play both inside and outside linebacker. He shows great lateral quickness that is matched with the ability to get off blocks. He flows to the football extremely well and finishes plays. Last year, Garrett had over 100 tackles. Garrett has great athleticism and he routinely makes plays all over the field. [player_tooltip player_id="98065" first="Tyson" last="Garrett"] is poised for big things ahead as he and his Roncalli teammates will attempt to build off of the 13-1 season that they achieved in 2020. As we have discussed so far, being versatile is key. However, it takes a special level of versatility to be successful in both a 3-4 or a 4-3 scheme. That is exactly what we have in Michigan City’s [player_tooltip player_id="98028" first="Cornell" last="Branch"]. Branch has the ability to play as a stand-up outside linebacker or a hand-in-the-ground defensive end. Branch gets off the ball extremely well and he does a great job of setting the edge in the run game. [player_tooltip player_id="98028" first="Cornell" last="Branch"] has every tool necessary to dominate in the box at the next level. From the northeastern portion of the state, we next take a trip down to central Indiana and Zionsville High School where [player_tooltip player_id="98029" first="Aiden" last="Krein"] is excelling for the Eagles. Krein can play both linebacker and safety. Krein also plays offensively as he is an excellent tight end for Zionsville. Krein’s wide array of abilities makes him the perfect fit to play at the next level as he will be able to fill a variety of needs on the defense. He is 6’5 and 220 pounds which allows to be a great tackler and run defender. His length at 6’5 also makes him a formidable pass defender. [player_tooltip player_id="98029" first="Aiden" last="Krein"] is the perfect fit for multiple positions on the defense. The last linebacker that we will take a look at today is Lawrence North’s [player_tooltip player_id="98032" first="Josh" last="Noble"]. Noble also plays quarterback, but when he is not playing under center he shows an incredible ability to make life difficult for those who are. At middle linebacker, Noble shows great ability to shoot the gap when stopping the run. He also shows great discipline and he flows to the football very well. Noble had 83 tackles as a Junior last year with 58 of those tackles being solo. [player_tooltip player_id="98032" first="Josh" last="Noble"] is a very sound linebacker who will be a defensive coordinator’s dream at the next level. This linebacker class is not just loaded at the top. The entire talent pool at the position is incredibly deep this year. Later this week, I will cover the rest of the linebackers in our rankings and later this offseason I will spotlight other great players who are flying under-the-radar. Great linebackers are one of the most fundamental elements of a championship-caliber defense. The road to building that elite defense starts here in the Crossroads of America.