Central and Southern Illinois LB/DL PRZ 22′ Ranking Breakdown

Here is a positional breakdown of the Central and Southern Illinois seniors that cracked our Prep Redzone Rankings. We take a look at our linebackers and defensive linemen position. Linebackers are the deepest position we have ranked in the 2022 class; diving into these highlights was exciting. PRZR= Prep Red Zone Ranking Overall/Position <hr /> <h5><span class="first-name">Jireh </span><span class="last-name">Mays,</span>6’2" 320, DL, East St. Louis, PRZR- 35th/4th, Twitter-@jirehmays99</h5> Jireh is a light-footed good size three-technique that gains leverage on the inside. When facing double teams, he does an excellent job splitting them and protecting the gap. Uses hand techniques every snap; he is rarely locked up long. He has a high football IQ and a mean streak that doesn’t stop. Holding multiple offers, he looks to add to them this fall. <h5><span class="first-name">Jamol </span><span class="last-name">Molton, </span>6’1" 220, LB, East St. Louis, PRZR-81st/8th,Twitter-@JamolMolton7</h5> Hard-hitting linebacker that fills the hole and gets to the ball carrier. Staying patient before committing until he is certain where or who has the ball. He can shed blocks with his size and length when the offensive linemen get to the 2nd level. High motor never giving up on the play running down ball carriers sideline to sideline. <h5><span class="first-name">Ty " The Russian" </span><span class="last-name">Hopp, </span>6’0" 205, LB, Aurora Central Catholic, PRZR-122nd/18th, Twitter-@hopp_ty</h5> This physical specimen BP-375 Squat-550 is a weight room machine that lives in the gym. He runs through blocks with the strength to take down the defender anytime he gets hands on them. He stays square to the line, scans the play, and gets to the point of attack with superb speed and power. Plays zone and man coverage exceptional at the middle linebacker position with solid acceleration and top-notch speed. I can see D1 schools knocking heavily this fall. <h5><span class="first-name">Jalen </span><span class="last-name">Byrd, </span>6’2" 215, LB, East St. Louis, PRZR-131st/20th, Twitter-@JalenByrd1</h5> This twitchy quick outside linebacker is a tackling machine, registered 205 tackles in his three years. His speed gives him the ability to run sideline to sideline, sensational playmaking ability. He also is sent on the blitz from the edge, often wreaking havoc on the pocket. He has the D1 size and skill set and will see more offers in the fall. <h5><span class="first-name">Kaleb </span><span class="last-name">Middendorf </span>6'4" 200, DL, Hamilton County PRZR-132nd/18th,Twitter-@Kaleb29726547</h5> Long armed defensive end with a knack for striping the ball and causing fumbles. His quick first step off the snap makes it challenging to keep your hands on him. If he isn't getting to the QB, he is trying to swat the ball down, which he does considerably well. <h5><span class="first-name">Tim </span><span class="last-name">Booth,</span>6’0" 200, LB, Fisher, PRZR-298th/49th</h5> Tim impressed me with his patience and tackling ability. He runs through the ball carrier after shedding the blocks with powerful low movement. He has a nose for the ball, averaging double-digit tackles per game, especially if they plan to run inside. Relentless motor who I see climbing these rankings in short order. <h5><span class="first-name">Colton </span><span class="last-name">Carlisle, </span>5’10" 185, LB, Civic Memorial, PRZR-306th/51st</h5> Colton is an outside linebacker with a high motor and good speed to play the position. Has good instincts on pursuit angles, play recognition, and wrapping up the ball carrier. 2A State Runner-up wrestler has all the tools to be successful on the next level. Football and wrestling are something he can do for any school he chooses to further his education. <h5><span class="first-name">Ivan </span><span class="last-name">Jones, </span>6’0" 190, LB, Carterville, PRZR-332nd/58th</h5> Ivan keeps his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. His play recognition combined with his speed makes him a force on the inside. He fights through blockers using hands, quickness, and the way he dips his shoulder under elevates him at his position. Excellent tackling technique getting low wrapping up ball carriers. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="155419" first="Kevin" last="Schultz"], 5’11" 175, LB, Farmington, PRZR-375th/66th,</h5> Blitzing outside linebacker that comes off the edge that contains the ball carriers. He does a good job shedding the block of the tackle after getting them on their back foot. He wraps up from the waist down to secure the ball carrier and doesn't miss often. <h5><span class="first-name">Eli </span><span class="last-name">Shaw, </span>6’4" 210, LB, Centralia, PRZR-380th/68th, Twitter- @EliShaw56</h5> He has D-1 size to play middle linebacker at the next level without question—his ability to dodge blockers and make plays separate him from many other linebackers in the state. Has the speed to run sideline to sideline running down ball carriers has strong hands to bring down any size running back. He will be on the rise in the rankings sooner than later. <hr /> Concludes the linebackers and defensive linemen positional breakdown for Central and Southern Illinois for the recently updated 2022 Prep Redzone Rankings. Next up, quarterback and wide receivers on our look through our 2022 class.