Stock Risers: 2022 Linebackers

We released our postseason rankings update for the class of 2022 Monday, adding over 50 new players and updating the rankings of the 90 players we had ranked before the season. In this series, we’ll take a look at a few guys at each position that have moved up our rankings. Specifically, the linebacker class in loaded, with 21 ranked players at the position. Here, I’ll break down a few of the hottest prospects on the board. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="107034" first="Xavion" last="Coulter"], 5’10 220, Newton-Conover (No. 7 LB, No. 50 overall)</strong> Coulter has been on our radar for a while as one of the top inside linebackers in the state, and solidified his ranking with a strong junior campaign. His closing speed is exceptional and he does a great job filling gaps against the running game. He plays well both as a downhill linebacker and sideline to sideline. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="122674" first="John" last="Balas"], 6’2 215, Providence (No. 14 LB, No. 85 overall)</strong> Balas has great size and good speed for the outside linebacker position. He reads and diagnoses plays well and always seems to be in the right place to make a big play. He has good recovery speed to make tackles from behind when needed and flows well sideline to sideline. His ability to react against the run is impressive, especially when he often plays very near to the line of scrimmage. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="141437" first="Antonio" last="King"], 6’2 200, Pamlico County (No. 15 LB, No. 97 overall)</strong> King is a punishing linebacker that takes on blockers well and loves playing the run. He excels at shedding blockers and getting into the backfield. King has long arms that help him both as a pass rusher and in coverage. Perhaps the best part of his game is his ability to get downhill when he sees a lane open up for opposing running backs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="141359" first="Jaden" last="Gaither"], 6’2 210, Salisbury (No. 17 LB, No. 118 overall)</strong> Gaither can be a forgotten man on Salisbury’s defense, playing next to our top linebacker, [player_tooltip player_id="28634" first="Jalon" last="Walker"], but he’s the guy that makes it all go. Gaither makes a lot of tackles from his middle linebacker position, without missing many in the process. Gaither is a big body that moves well for his size and reads plays well, especially in the running game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="119502" first="Panos" last="Burlos"], 6’1 190, South Meck (No. 19 LB, No. 128 overall)</strong> Burlos is a talented 2-way player that doesn’t yet have a lot of film at linebacker. That being said, I like what I’ve seen from him on the defensive side of the ball. Burlos only played four games this year due to injury, but showed good burst off the edge when healthy. He has room to grow in terms of learning to read opposing offenses, but he offers quite a bit athletically and with a full offseason at the position, I think he could have a big senior season.