Indiana’s Best Up and Coming 2024 Linebackers

<span id="more-255205"></span><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Central Indiana has some young and upcoming Linebackers that are absolutely worth giving some attention to. The 2024 class is shaping up to be a great class and is already loaded with raw talent. We’re looking at what makes each player unique and what their futures may hold.</span> [player_tooltip player_id="141104" first="Tysen" last="Smith"] - Bloomington South - OLB - 6’4" 225 lbs Smith is already one of the best LBs in the state and he’s still learning how to control his body. He has a massive frame and bends very well. He’s obviously only a sophomore so he’s going to fill out the frame more in the coming years. He plays very instinctive and trusts what he sees and won’t second guess it. More often than not, he’s dead-on with his decision and is making the play. When they have him come off of the edge, he’s great at setting it and forcing stuff back inside. I wouldn’t be surprised if some schools see him as an OLB/DE hybrid. He’s able to drop back into coverage when he needs to as well. He doesn’t give up on any play and has a relentless motor. The biggest knock on him right now is that he could learn how to come to balance better. Sometimes, because he’s so fast, he struggles to come to balance and set himself up to make the play. Over the next 2 years, I anticipate the game will continue to slow down for him and he will be able to make those minor changes. As a prospect, he really checks just about every box that you want. Smith was recently named an All-State LB and for good reason. He’s a fantastic player and is only getting better each week. [player_tooltip player_id="109608" first="Ralph" last="Rogers"] - Bloomington South - OLB - 6’0" 180 lbs Rogers and Smith work together in a beautiful fashion. Rogers is a bit more explosive and is able to cover more ground. He’s fantastic in coverage and is able to be left on an island out wide like a Corner if you need. If Rogers drops back into coverage your QB has to pay attention because he is a shark. He plays his assignment very well but then almost always tries to go for the undercut and interception. It works out more often than you would think and it’s because he plays it so aggressively. As great as he is in coverage, Rogers might be even better on the line getting off the ball. He shoots off like a cannon and lives in the backfield. More often than not, when both Smith and Rogers rush together, the QB needs to be scraped off of the field. When he blitzes, he’s able to shoot the gap almost always and go untouched. It’s a beautiful thing to watch and it’s just a natural instinct with him. Rogers doesn’t get overly aggressive with his pursuits and is almost always able to force the offensive player back inside. Rogers is an elite LB who just so happens to play next to another elite LB. Bloomington South’s defense is going to be a major problem for opposing offenses the next 2 years with these guys back there. [player_tooltip player_id="189085" first="Landon" last="Drennan"] - Plainfield - LB - 6’2" 185 lbs Drennan is a very physical Linebacker who is just naturally very strong. Don’t get me wrong, he absolutely works at getting stronger and is only getting stronger each week. He’s a very intelligent player who knows when to pick his spots and when to be patient. He doesn’t make very many mental errors when he’s on the field and never seems to hesitate. They don’t use him in coverage a ton, but he’s more than capable of dropping back into coverage and shutting down a skilled guy. However, it’s clear that Drennan is an absolute monster around the LOS and good things typically happen when he stays close. It is almost a very odd phenomenon. When Drennan is at or around the LOS the opposing offense gets 0 push and isn’t able to do much. He’s a sophomore and opposing offenses are dictating their offense on the fly around him. That is quite a compliment if you ask me. I could see colleges wanting to use him as an on-ball Linebacker or move him to Defensive End if he is willing. He’s a good enough athlete to do either if he wants. Drennan has all of the raw talents and work ethic to be great at the next level. It’s up to him to see if those dreams became a reality. If he does, watch out because he could be special. [player_tooltip player_id="189105" first="Halbert" last="Aguirre"] - Decatur Central - LB - 6’0" 205 lbs Aguirre is a very raw, but great athlete, who is still learning the Linebacker position and all of the details it holds at the varsity level. He’s taken the learning curve like a champ and only gotten better each week. He’s a very rangy athlete who can cover a ton of ground in a hurry when he needs to. There’s one particular play I want to highlight because it’s a great example of the kind of player Aguirre is. A receiver was wide open and running down the field. It wasn’t Aguirre’s guy and he was at the LOS when the ball was thrown. He could have easily let the receiver go and score the TD and come back for another drive. Aguirre ran down the field about 30-yards and made the tackle. He was the furthest player away but got there first and made the play. When you think high motor and nonstop, you think Aguirre. He’s very physical at the point of attack and is going to pop you if you don’t pay attention. He doesn’t get to chase the QB often but whenever he does, it feels like he hits home and makes the play. I do think he could benefit from one good summer in the weight room but I anticipate that over the next 2 years he will bulk up and fill out a bit more. By the time he graduates, I anticipate that Aguirre will have a plethora of offers to choose from that match his skillset best.