2022 Rankings Stock-Risers: Linebackers

These five linebackers have improved greatly over this past season. Not only did they turn heads for the rankings, but also in their recruiting. Most of the linebackers listed have now signed with their future colleges. These are the five linebackers who have stuck out after the 2021 season. 1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="129870" first="Kip" last="Lewis"] - Carthage High School (Carthage, TX)</strong> Lewis recently signed with Oklahoma on Dec. 15. He amassed a total of 22 offers thus far and has made huge strides across the country. He has all the skills of an elite linebacker. The speed, power, and awareness are all on display in his tape. He is constantly watching where the ball is going and is planning two steps ahead. Lewis is able to break off most blocks to make the play. Overall, he is a power-five linebacker in the making. 2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="130700" first="Treylin" last="Payne"] - Judson High School (Converse, TX)</strong> Much like Lewis, Payne also exhibits an excellent skillset. However, what Payne also adds is excellent pass coverage, especially in zone. He is an interception machine which is not always common amongst linebackers. He has incredible strength and can stop just about any running back in his tracks. He also has had a hand in special teams plays and has proven to be reliable on onside kicks. Payne cements himself as a well-rounded player. He, too, signed on Dec. 15 but with Houston. 3. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60800" first="Owen" last="Pewee"] - Cypress Park High School (Cypress, TX)</strong> Pewee decided to stay in his home state much like Payne, and signed with UTSA on Dec. 15. Pewee has speed on his side as he also plays on the receiver position from time to time. His agility and athleticism are incredible. Much like Payne, he is also fantastic in pass coverage and is a natural ball hawk. If he is able to snag an interception, he is dangerous on the return with his speed. 4. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="130044" first="Barrett" last="Baker"] - Southlake Carroll (Southlake, TX)</strong> Baker also has excellent awareness and decision-making skills. If the situation presents itself, he fully takes the opportunity and rarely misses it. He has fantastic focus and his eyes are always on the ball. On top of that, he is completely disruptive in the backfield and has caused several offenses issues. According to 247Sports, he has no offers yet, but that should change based on his tape alone. 5. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60725" first="Ty" last="Kana"] - Katy High School (Katy, TX)</strong> Kana signed with Texas Tech on Dec. 15. The Katy area is known for producing some excellent football players, and Kana is no exception. He received a total of 13 offers including USC, Baylor, Colorado, and Georgia Tech. What makes Kana special is his pure strength. He is able to push offensive linemen back into the backfield and is able to maintain his focus with linemen in his face. He has excellent play recognition and much like Baker is an opportunist. Kana should fit right in with the other Texas Tech signees.