2022 Class Rankings Breakdown: South Georgia Linebackers

As we continue to break down the 2022 class rankings, this story takes a look at some of the top linebackers in the state, but specifically, some of the top-ranked linebackers in South Georgia. It’s an area of the state that breeds toughness and physicality, and linebackers in the area have to be able to tackle well and defend the run against lots of run-heavy offenses. These defenders need to be strong, fast, and be able to make a big tackle either in the open field or in the trenches. Here are some of the top-ranked South Georgia linebackers in the 2022 class... &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95146" first="Jaron" last="Willis"] - Lee County</strong> One of the more versatile defenders in the entire state, Willis is a hard-hitting defender at 6-foot-2 220-pounds who can play as a big safety or at his natural linebacker spot. He’s tough, runs well for his size, and can be a very intimidating defender in the middle of the field. In the passing game, Willis can cover big tight ends in the middle of the field, and in the run game, he has no problem sneaking up into the box and dishing out some punishment on running backs before they get to the line of scrimmage. He already looks like a D1 defender from a physical standpoint, and he’s grown into a top-notch linebacker at powerhouse Lee County. They’re always producing impressive defensive talent, and Willis helped lead Lee County all the way to the state championship game last year. Willis is committed to Georgia Tech and chose the Jackets over programs including Florida State, Arkansas, Florida, Auburn, among others. &nbsp; <strong>EJ Lightsey - Fitzgerald</strong> Another impressive defender who played in la state championship game last year, Lightsey is a tackling machine who helped lead one of the top overall defenses in 2A last year. The Purple Hurricanes only gave up 20+ points just twice in 2020, with one of those games being in their state championship loss to Callaway. Lightsey has good size and knows how to tackle, but what stands out the most about his game is his ability to run. He looks like he’s shot out of a cannon at times, and when he recognizes the play, he can disrupt and get into the backfield in a hurry. He can go sideline to sideline with the best of them, and when he meets the ball carrier, he’s going to deliver a blow. There’s a lot to like about his game as he brings the instincts and physicality to the position as well. He’s a big-time inside linebacker prospect who can run and tackle, and that’s why he’s a major target for teams like Florida, Florida State, Arkansas, among others. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95464" first="DeAunte" last="Hunter"] - Lowndes </strong> Maybe the most athletic linebacker on this list, Hunter plays at one of the best programs in the entire state and proved to be one of their best overall players in 2020. He’s long, athletic, and has a great frame at 6-foot-4 200-pounds. He can play some wide receiver do to his overall length and athleticism, but he’ll be coming off the edge and getting after the QB at the next level. He’s a dynamic pass rusher who can get off blocks, but when he’s able to come untouched, he’s going to deliver a giant hit to the QB. He’s another instinctual defender who can blow up a play at any point. He runs well for his size, and his length and tackling ability have earned him offers from West Virginia, Syracuse, Cincinnati, among others. &nbsp;