2022 Defensive line & Linebacker Watchlist

We take a look on the defensive side of the ball and look at the top senior linebackers and linemen in the state. These are prospects whp earned their way on our rankings and are worthy of keeping an eye on for this season. &nbsp; &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="58776" first="Eric" last="Smith"] | 6’6" 260 lbs | DL | Fairmont Senior | 2022 Eric is a beast on that defensive line. At 6’6" he moves very well for a big guy his size and will be special to watch this season. He plays both sides of the ball and is proficient on both sides of the ball. I envision him playing offensive line at the next level or maybe even tight end. That’s how athletic this young athlete is. https://twitter.com/ericsmithwv/status/1397359279364055041?s=20 &nbsp; &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="58805" first="Anthony" last="Casto"] | 6’3" 285 lbs | DL | George Washington | 2022 Anthony can plus up that defensive line and is a strong interior defensive linemen who can make some plays happen. He shows the good pursuit of the ball and decent speed. He has some areas of improvement he could get better at but he should be special this season. &nbsp; &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="58784" first="Caiden" last="Davis"] | 6’2" 250 lbs | LB | South Charleston | 2022 Caiden is an explosive linebacker and one who can fly to the ball. He is a bit overweight for a linebacker and looked more like a strong defensive end flying into the backfield. I think he could be very versatile on defense and play on the defensive line or at linebacker. Either way, he is one of the top players in the state and definitely one to keep an eye out for. &nbsp; &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="103617" first="David" last="Bradshaw"] | 6’1" 200 lbs | LB | Huntington | 2022 David is a tough and physical linebacker who shows terrific pursuit to the ball carrier. He is one of my favorite linebacker prospects in his class and I think if he could add some more mass to his frame he could be a prominent prospect. &nbsp; https://twitter.com/David_Bradshaw5/status/1328413270177353728?s=20 &nbsp; <h4>Honorable Mentions</h4> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="113056" first="Colin" last="McBee"] | 6’1" 220 lbs | LB | University | 2022 &nbsp; &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="113073" first="Donald" last="Brandel"] 6’2" 220 lbs | LB | University | 2022 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;