#TN2022 Rankings: Linebacker Breakdown

Continuing our look at the #PRZTN Top 200, we glance over the linebackers and how they stack up in our rankings as we inch closer to the start of the Fall football season. The crop of 2022 linebackers isn't too deep but we have several guys available that have the talent to excel on the next level, whether that's D1, FCS football or lower. ‘22 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="101983" first="Keaten" last="Wade"] (6'4 215) - Summit (LB Rank: 1 State Rank: 2) - Wade has all the making of a future NFL player, especially if he is properly developed in his time at Kentucky. He is the top linebacker in this class without question and could very well be the best overall player in the state of Tennessee. Look for Wade to force himself on the field in Lexington immediately for early playing time on the Cats defense. * Committed to Kentucky * ‘22 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="101986" first="Langston" last="Patterson"] (6'1 210) - CPA (LB Rank: 2 State Rank: 19) - Patterson is one of the more decorated overall athletes we have in the state as a multi-sport state champion and a linebacker that has his football sights set on the Southeastern Conference. The Lions star defender fits the bill as a leader and defensive captain that the Commodores are more than excited to have in their class. Patterson and his Lions team has a great shot to repeat as state champions this coming season. * Committed to Vanderbilt * ‘22 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="101987" first="Elijah" last="Herring"] (6'2 225) - Riverdale (LB Rank: 3 State Rank: 21) - Herring has been a force in the Middle Tennessee area for years now and after this coming senior year, the Warriors star senior plans to take his talents to Tennessee. What the Vols are getting in Herring is a big, well trained and physical backer with versatility. He can play outside but his upside fits best at inside backer. Adding Herring was a big win for Coach Heupel and the Vols 2022 recruiting class. * Committed to Tennessee * ‘22 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102010" first="Antwain" last="Barham"], Jr (6'3 225) - Milan (LB Rank: 4 State Rank: 41) - Committing to Memphis this summer, Barham, Jr is an underrated talent nationally but locally, the Bulldogs star linebacker is a stud and someone that could push his stock even further after the coming season. His size alone gives him a chance immediately but Barham, Jr can also run and hit you with violence. This was a big pickup by the Tigers and someone that has All-Conference written all over him. * Committed to Memphis * ‘22 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102038" first="Trey" last="McDonald"] (6'4 220) - Baylor School (LB Rank: 5 State Rank: 43) - McDonald burst onto the scene late last Fall and took his stock even further this offseason where he became a camp standout and eventually an ACC commitment. Heading to Virginia next season, McDonald is a big, smart and agile linebacker that fits well on the outside where he plays strong vs. the edge and has the ability to drop in coverage. This is an underrated talent that should flourish in college. * Committed to Virginia * ‘22 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102051" first="Anthony" last="Brewer"] (6'0 210) - Haywood (LB Rank: 6 State Rank: 66) - Many coaches are currently missing the boat right now when it comes to recruiting Brewer. The Tomcats senior linebacker is one of the fastest to the ball that you will find in this state. Brewer is aggressive, smart and plays with a certain violence that defensive coaches love. He does hold a few offers but his talents warrant bigger looks and that could happen over the coming months. ‘22 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102111" first="Major" last="Newman"] (6'3 190) - Alcoa (LB Rank: 7 State Rank: 68) - Newman had a strong offseason campaign that definitely pushed his stock to another level. The Tornadoes stud defender has added multiple offers, including several from the D1 ranks and he could add more in the coming months as more coaches evaluate senior film. Newman fits the new “star” position role as someone that can equally play well vs. the run and the pass. ‘22 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102132" first="Ben" last="Bolton"] (6'2 210) - Lausanne (LB Rank: 8 State Rank: 74) - Bolton has been one of the biggest breakout linebackers this offseason and his stock should continue to rise further. The Lynx stud tackler has attained offers ranging from low level D1 to FCS programs but has the size, athletic tools and upside to receive bigger interest down the road. Bolton has a shot to see those offers come if he can put together a monster senior year with the Lynx. ‘22 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="159860" first="Caulen" last="Dunn"] (6'1 210) - Collierville (LB Rank: 9 State Rank: 79) - Built like a fire hydrant with strong lower base mobility, Dunn burst onto the scene this summer at the Roar City Mega Camp where he showed off those traits and earned an offer from the TSU Tigers. Dunn is a new member of the Dragons football team but already looks like a force to watch this coming season. His raw, aggressive nature is something that definitely translates well to the next level. ‘22 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="152996" first="Seth" last="Carter"] (6'2 205) - Brentwood (LB Rank: 10 State Rank: 96) - The coming Fall season should be a breakout year for Carter as he went into the offseason as an unknown but quickly established himself during camps as someone to know going forward. Carter displayed this summer that he has size, speed and aggressive nature that will only grow as he continues to gain confidence. He is currently a hidden gem that might be found by the end of the coming football season. ‘22 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102045" first="Jalen" last="Jones"] (6'1 208) - Brentwood Academy (LB Rank: 11 State Rank: 98) - Holding an offer in hand from Indiana St., Jones is an athletic and rangy guy that could play inside or outside linebacker on the next level. The Eagles rising senior is one of the better coverage linebackers in this class. He still needs to pack on more weight but the athleticism is there as well as the upside. A big senior season could take Jones recruitment into another level. Other Ranked Linebackers - (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102106" first="Alex" last="Mitchell"] (6'1 215) - Riverdale (LB Rank: 12 State Rank: 106) - (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102033" first="DaCorian" last="Jones-Montgomery"] (6'1 220) - Baylor School (LB Rank: 13 State Rank: 114) - (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="152995" first="RaaPhell" last="Mayes"] (6'2 215) - Knox. Catholic (LB Rank: 14 State Rank: 131) - (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102107" first="Cade" last="Apple"] (6'1 210) - Cookeville (LB Rank: 15 State Rank: 145) - (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102062" first="Braden" last="Kaiser"] (6'3 225) - Siegel (LB Rank: 16 State Rank: 150) - (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="153000" first="Pierce" last="Scholato"] (6'3 215) - White House (LB Rank: 17 State Rank: 161) - (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="153025" first="Luke" last="Washington"] (6'1 205) - St. George's (LB Rank: 18 State Rank: 169) - (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="102163" first="Khaden" last="Walker"] (6'2 225) - Jackson North-Side (LB Rank: 19 State Rank: 186) - (LB) [player_tooltip player_id="152998" first="Brayden" last="Hendricks"] (6'1 220) - Collierville (LB Rank: 20 State Rank: 195)