Under the Radar Linebackers Without D1 Offers

We're more than halfway through the 2021 season and some under the radar linebackers are making waves all across the peach state. With run-heavy and up-tempo offenses, more defenders are able to load up the stat sheet and add tackle after tackle throughout the game. You don't have to look physically imposing or be the fastest defender to rack up a lot of tackles, as great instincts and proper tackling are extremely important for defenders of all ages. Here are some "under the radar" linebackers to know without D1 offers.... &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=f26c9abc-ab69-45c8-8b97-2af27d3159e6&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3"><span class="first-name">Coleman</span> Cauley</a> - <a class="team" href="https://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/first-presbyterian-day-vikings-(macon,ga)/football/stats.htm">First Presbyterian Da</a>y </strong> The Macon native has dominated the private school region in Middle Georgia so far this season, making 120 tackles so far in just 70 games. The 6-foot-2 215-pound senior has been all over the place this season, showing a true nose to the football. He runs well and plays physical, always finding a way to get thee ball-carrier on the ground. He strikes well and wraps up well at the feet. He's also reliable in coverage and does a nice job of not letting the ball carrier get yards after the catch. He's always in the right spot and he's been a force all season so far. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11378721/5fd7b6410428cb0430b613f1 &nbsp; <strong>Zion Rutledge - Hillgrove</strong> If you're looking for the next breakout 2023 defender in Cobb County, Rutledge might be your guy. The junior linebacker has been very impressive this season and has been running down running backs and quarterbacks with ease so far this fall. The 6-foot-0 220-pounder is thick, physical, and loves contact. He's instinctive against the run and finds a way to get a great angle on the ball carrier. He can also get after the passer and leaves a bruise when he gets to him. So far this season, Rutledge has made 115 tackles and recorded four sacks so far this year. Look for him to possibly see his recruitment take off once his junior film gets out to college coaches at the end of the year. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13067775/612a6f663df5f609188f5df2 &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=b8908081-789c-4fee-9032-b23b8a3abf32&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3"><span class="first-name">Lassana</span> Simaga</a> - Central Gwinnett</strong> One of the more underrated linebackers in Gwinnett County, the 6-foot-1 195-pounder from Lawrenceville has tackled just about everything in sight for the Black Knights as a senior. Simaga has recorded at least 10 tackles in every game so far this season with his biggest game coming in a 16-tackle performance against Winder-Barrow. He's extremely quick and has a good burst to the football. He closes well on the ball-carrier and gives it his all every play. He's been extremely productive and has made 99 total stops so far this season. He's also recovered three fumbles, forced a fumble, and blocked a kick. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11172558/615ba11a066abf0688f603d9 &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=3371444a-000e-40b0-b7cd-cf441553104e&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3"><span class="first-name">Johnofer</span> Carter</a> - Claxton</strong> In the small South East Georgia town of Claxton is where you'll fine one of the better jumbo athletes in rural Georgia. Carter is a 5-foot-10 200-pound linebacker who can also turn around and truck defenders as a running back. He's a physical player who loves punishing opponents as a linebacker. He's one of the hardest hitters in the area and he's looking to leave some pain. Carter has made 90 total tackles so far this season to go along with 10 TFLs. He's also made four sacks and forced four fumbles this year. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11268821/6146a26f23474c0bf81f3c78 &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=a2850886-6598-457f-8e05-e02b69bab751&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3"><span class="first-name">Jacquez</span> Mcgowan</a> - Valdosta</strong> One of the leading tackles in all of South Georgia, Mcgowan is a long, athletic linebacker who has bene playing lights out this fall as a senior. He's excellent on the outside and he uses his length and frame to get around bigger offensive tackles. He's a quick, twitchy defender for his size and looks to be a natural pass-rusher at times. He closes well on the ball carrier and knows how to set the edge on the outside and not let the ball carrier get outside. So far this season, Mcgowan has made 89 tackles with an absurd 25 TFLs and 9 sacks through the first 7 games. He's easily one of the more underrated defenders in South Georgia at the moment. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12509307/614352e24ba9490524493dd3