Underrated Junior Linebacker Prospects
I believe this group of 2023 Georgia linebackers is a really interesting one. You’ve got guys from all over that are all different shapes & sizes, with different styles of play. However, the one thing they all have is ability.…
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Continue ReadingI believe this group of 2023 Georgia linebackers is a really interesting one. You’ve got guys from all over that are all different shapes & sizes, with different styles of play. However, the one thing they all have is ability. They are a bit under the radar right now and haven’t picked up offers from the blue-blood programs, but nonetheless, these kids call ball. Here’s who to know!
Holden Trice, 5’11”, 210, Harrison
Outstanding burst to go with a physical demeanor. Trice is a gifted blitzer equipped with heavy hands and a relentless motor. He’s so disruptive off the snap and gives opposing linemen fits with his quickness and power. Trice easily fights off blocks at the second level using active hands & agile lateral movement skills.
Cosby Ellis, 6’3″, 225, East Coweta
Ellis has the frame of a Power-Five linebacker and uses it to his advantage. Once this guy gets his paws wrapped around you, good luck getting away. He’s extremely aggressive on initial contact and will drive ball carriers backward. He does a good job keeping his shoulders square to the line when unblocked and will scrape backside once the ball is handed off.
Dajwon DeLoach, 6’2″, 215, Northside
A slippery pass rusher that is a gifted hand fighter. On tape, DeLoach displayed excellent body control and distinct range. He tackles well in space, coming to balance and shimmy before shooting his shot. Ohh yeah, and he’s an absolute thumper who will smack backs running between the tackles using brute strength.
Jacob Cruz, 6’5″, 205, North Cobb Christian
It’s hard to find inside linebackers that have the vertical stature that Cruz does. However, he isn’t just a long body; he’s an athletic kid with soft hands and noticeable closing speed. He doesn’t shy away from hits and will speed his feet to ensure the best possible tackle. He does an excellent job timing up his blitzes, oftentimes allowing him to come Scot-free through a gap. He’s a pure wrap-up tackler that brings his hips on contact.
Zion Rutledge, 6′, 205, Hillgrove
A downright playmaker who showed loose hips in zone coverage. Zion is an absolute mismatch on tackles as a pass rusher & uses his god-given speed & bend to blow right by them. It was not uncommon to see him stun offensive linemen & stalemate them in their tracks in the run game. He is one tough man to block in zone schemes and always seems to slip interior offensive linemen working up to the second level.