Top 2022 Linebackers Making A Statement

Leadership will be crucial for teams who harbor hopes of going deep into the postseason. On the defensive side, linebackers are often the ones who are called upon to set the tone. The top senior linebackers will be needed if there squads are to make a prolonged playoff stay. Today, we will evaluate the top three linebackers in the Class of 2022 ahead of their final high school regular season games. All three are going to be key players for their schools’ playoff aspirations. [player_tooltip player_id="39054" first="Domanick" last="Moon"], 6’2, 215 pounds, Snider [player_tooltip player_id="39054" first="Domanick" last="Moon"] has been a critical part of a Snider team that has lost only one game so far. Moon is committed to playing his college ball at Purdue, and the way that he has played this season demonstrates just why the Boilermakers coveted him. Moon is a great run defender. He takes on blocks well, pursues and he is a great tackler. Moon is a very physical player, but he matches that physicality with great speed and determination. He covers a lot of ground and he can defend both the run and the pass well. [player_tooltip player_id="98020" first="Jaylen" last="Lattimore"], 6’3, 220 pounds, South Side [player_tooltip player_id="98020" first="Jaylen" last="Lattimore"] is a versatile player who can be a big contributor on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Lattimore is an oustanding edge rusher. He can put the quarterback under constant preasure and he gets great penetration in the running game. Lattimore plays with outstanding energy, but that same energy carries over to the offensive side of the ball. Lattimore serves as a running back in several situations. He can be especially dangerous in the red zone. [player_tooltip player_id="97818" first="Dh’Mari" last="Wright"], 6’5, 220 pounds, Andrean Similar to the aforementioned [player_tooltip player_id="98020" first="Jaylen" last="Lattimore"], [player_tooltip player_id="97818" first="Dh’Mari" last="Wright"] is an exceptional outside linebacker. He does very well getting after the passer. Wright is a disciplined run defender who sets the edge very well. Wright gives great effort on every snap. He shows great versatility, demonstrating the ability to play both stand-up outside linebacker as well as 4-3 defensive end. But it is not just the pressure that he applies that makes Wright disruptive in the passing game. He has managed to deflect three passes this season. [player_tooltip player_id="98003" first="Jeffrey" last="Utzinger"], 6’2 215 pounds, Cathedral Cathedral are set for one of the nation’s most anticipated matchups this week against Center Grove. Key to Cathedral’s chances of handing the Trojans their first defeat of the year will be their standount senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="98003" first="Jeffrey" last="Utzinger"]. Utzinger is great at defending the pass which will be crucial against [player_tooltip player_id="39049" first="Tayven" last="Jackson"], the elite quarterback who is committed to Tennessee. Utzinger is an instinctive player who reads the eyes of the quarterback very well. He shows great discipline by sticking to his assignment. If he can come up with a takeaway this week, it would be massive for the Irish. Utzinger is a very solid tackler who can provide a great contribution on special teams.