STOCK RISERS: Under the Radar Linebackers

<ol> <li>It’s been an excellent start to the season for defenders all across Georgia this year. In an era where linebackers have to be able to stop both the run and the pass, we’re seeing more linebackers with athleticism as ever before. You need to take on an offensive lineman in the run game and be able to run and cover big, athletic tight ends. It takes a special type of person to play linebacker, and there are too many in the state that aren’t getting the attention they deserve.</li> </ol> &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="96189" first="Carlos" last="Cervantes"] - Marietta</strong> Once again, the Marietta Blue Devil is one of the region’s leading tacklers. A tackling machine throughout his career, the senior and Presbyterian College commit is off to an excellent senior season, recording 40 tackles, 4 TFLs, and one sack through his first three games. An All-County selection last fall, Cervantes has lined up against some impressive offenses this season and has more than held his own. He’s quick, instinctive, and as sure a tackler of there is in the area. He does his job and gives it everything he has each and every play. He’s strong enough to come down into the box and help secure the run inside, and he has the speed to track down ball-carriers trying to get to the edge. He does so many things well and will try to help lead the Blue Devils to a deep 7A playoff run this year. &nbsp; <strong>Raleigh Herbert - West Forsyth</strong> One of the more under-rated linebackers across the state, Herbert is a tough, instinctive linebacker with good size and speed at 6-foot-2 210-pounds. He’s coming off an excellent sophomore season last year where he recorded 107 tackles against 7A competition. The sure-tackler continued that into his junior year where he’s already made 28 tackles through three games. He reacts quickly, gets off blocks, and knows how to deliver a hit when he meets the ball carrier. He plays hard, he plays until the whistle, and he brings an impactful spirit and presence to the defense. He’s become a vocal leader on the team and helps make sure everyone is lined up properly. He’s on pace to have over 100+ tackles again this year as a junior and will anchor the Wolverines defense as they try to reach the Elite 8 again in 7A. He can absolutely play at the next level and he could see oms real interest coming his way sooner than later. &nbsp; <strong>Vincent Hill - Creekside</strong> Not many linebackers in the state are off to the kind of start that Hill is. Not only is he leading one of the best defenses in the Atlanta area, but he’s made play after play so far through three games. The 6-foot-2 215-pound senior has been a tackling machine so far, making 43 total stops (14.3 per game). He’s quick, instinctive, and has a true nose for the football. He’s a modern-day linebacker with lots of potential as he shows solid cover skills to go along with his ability to wrap up and tackle on a consistent basis. He gets after the quarterback against the pass, and has enough speed to run down just about every running back in the area. There’s a lot to like about his game, and if he continues to play at this level, the Seminoles are going to be outstanding defensively the rest of the year. In addition to his 43 tackles, Hill has made 8 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.