2023 Linebackers Ready for the Big Time: Part 2

Earlier this week, we evaluated the top half of the linebackers who are currently ranked in our Indiana Class of 2023 state rankings. But the state shows remarkable depth at that position for the soon-to-be Junior and Senior classes. Indiana is replete with stalwarts in the engine room of the defense. The players we will be discussing today have everything that a college coach could want. If you’re looking for someone to take away the middle of the field in the passing game, these guys can do that. If you want somebody that can fly around the field and wreak havoc on an offense’s running game, well, look no further. With college recruiting staffs beginning to take pay more attention to the Class of 2023, these are prospects at the linebacker position that they cannot afford to pass on. [player_tooltip player_id="107289" first="Carmell" last="Perry"], 6’2, 220 pounds, Speedway [player_tooltip player_id="107289" first="Carmell" last="Perry"] has the instincts and the fundamental discipline to be a great linebacker at the next level. Perry does a very good job keeping his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage on run plays. He shows great instincts and flows well to the football. Perry tracks the play well and can put his foot in the ground and attack. Perry is a great tackler and he also finishes the play. He has a great nose for the football. Once the tackle is secured, Perry looks to go for the ball and create a turnover. [player_tooltip player_id="107289" first="Carmell" last="Perry"] is also a contributor on special teams for Speedway. [player_tooltip player_id="107202" first="James" last="Bryant"], 6’0, 200 pounds, Warren Central [player_tooltip player_id="107202" first="James" last="Bryant"] has the aggressiveness that any coach would want. When defending the run, Bryant wastes no time at all attacking the line of scrimmage. He has the vision to see where the hole is opening up and he can shoot the gap. Bryant also possesses great speed. This speed will serve him well in the passing game as he will be able to handle any assignment. Bryant can also play special teams as he has covered kickoffs before. This further adds to the value that he can bring to a team. [player_tooltip player_id="107293" first="Alfonso" last="Salinas"], 5’11, 195 pounds, Andrean When teams line up to play against Andrean this season, without question they will be on high-alert for [player_tooltip player_id="39070" first="Drayk" last="Bowen"], who is currently the top-ranked linebacker in the Class of 2023. But they will need to keep a close eye on Bowen’s teammate [player_tooltip player_id="107293" first="Alfonso" last="Salinas"]. Salinas has really good speed. Not only does this help him when defending the pass, but he is able to chase down run plays and get pressure on the quarterback when blitzing. Salinas shows relentless determination to make the play. Salinas has great coverage skills and he can play the ball very well. [player_tooltip player_id="107293" first="Alfonso" last="Salinas"] is a prospect that I believe will take a huge step forward this upcoming season. All three of these student-athletes have a lot of potential. Junior year often serves as a year of growth and development, and I think that is what we will see out of these three elite prospects in the fall. All three have the physical and mental tools to play linebacker at a high level. I can definitely see big things coming from each of these players this season. College coaches need to get these prospects on their radar as soon as possible.