Standout Studs: 2023 Linebackers

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Standout players have little issue with earning extra attention while on the gridiron. These are the players whose reputations become widely known because of their consistent on-field production.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The class of 2023 has no shortage of talented athletes who shine under the lights on Friday nights. Below are four names of standout junior linebackers who put on a show every time they step onto the field.</span> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>[player_tooltip player_id="44626" first="Tai" last="Faavae"] | Fountain-Fort Carson | 6’0”, 205lbs | MLB</b></span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Faavae is one of the more known linebackers in the state. The way he plays against the run and the pass is unbelievable. He closes the distance to the ball carrier with lightning speed and delivers hits that are powerful enough to dislodge the ball from the arms of his opponents. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">When dropping into zone coverage, Faavae moves through the area with flawless techniques while scanning his zone and the quarterback’s eyes simultaneously. His accolades on the field have earned him looks from a few premier programs like CU, CSU, Kansas State, Iowa State, Wyoming, and Air Force.  </span> [embed]https://twitter.com/TaiFaavae/status/1458839401069432832?s=20[/embed] <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>[player_tooltip player_id="62213" first="Logan" last="Brantley"] | Cherry Creek | 6’2”, 200lbs | OLB</b></span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Brantley is a prime example of what a prototype linebacker, strong safety looks like. He can blitz off of the edge, scrape and fill from the second level, and cover against the pass in man and zone. His speed, strength, awareness, and physicality are on display during every rep, making him an instant standout on the field.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Brantley can tackle in space, win against blocks, lockdown receivers, deflect balls at the line, and track down ball carriers on breakaways. He is a versatile defender who can play in the box and in coverage. So far, Brantley has earned himself an offer from UNLV, but there is no doubt that more will be on the way.</span> [embed]https://twitter.com/LoganBrantley4/status/1455690831864610818?s=20[/embed] <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Maddox Leggett | Skyline | 6’0”, 180lbs | MLB</b></span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Leggett is the tone-setting leader for Skyline’s defense. He does a great job of reading his keys to identify the run and meeting the ball carrier in the gap. He shows explosive speed when closing distance to the runner, and he has the ability to finish every play. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Leggett initiates contact and can win at the line of scrimmage and in space. He also does a great job of falling back and covering the middle hook area when playing against the pass. </span> [embed]https://twitter.com/Hyped22/status/1463168566442799112?s=20[/embed] <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>[player_tooltip player_id="150070" first="Ethan" last="Kunkel"] | Boulder | 5’10”, 175lbs | OLB/DB</b></span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Kunkel is a cornerback who converted to a hybrid nickel, outside linebacker role. When blitzing, he brings explosive speed from the outside that helps him produce relentless pressure in the backfield. His experience and skill set as a defensive back make him the ideal candidate for manning up on the slot receiver or dropping back into zone coverage.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Kunkel is an athlete who has a high motor and brings a lot of intensity to every single play. He is a sure tackler who exploits opportunities for takeaways. He is versatile enough to find success in various roles, making him a great option for a nickel corner or strong safety.</span> [embed]https://twitter.com/ethank_13/status/1456755393615462402?s=20[/embed]