2023 Rankings Newcomers: LB
Taking a deep dive into the new LB prospects in the 2023 PRZ Rankings. EJ Smith EJ Smith 6'0" | 230 lbs | LB Warren | 2023 State CA , LB, Warren Smith is put together with a big strong…
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Continue ReadingTaking a deep dive into the new LB prospects in the 2023 PRZ Rankings.
EJ Smith EJ Smith 6'0" | 230 lbs | LB Warren | 2023 State CA , LB, Warren
Smith is put together with a big strong frame at 6’1” 235 lbs. He’s a downhill attacking defender that causes havoc all around the field. He’s powerful at the POA using his leverage and strength to stack blockers and deliver violent contact to ball carriers. He’s a plus athlete for his size that shows good short area burst and lateral mobility to redirect and chase. Operates mainly as an in the box run stopper but made some impressive plays in coverage throughout the season including a 85 yard pick six and a one handed interception across the middle. Recruiting got off to a hot start in December with Power 5 offers coming in from Missouri and Florida State. Expect more to come in this offseason.
Check out my highlight – https://t.co/ybMYukaTX5
Updated Full junior season Highlights— Ej Smith (@EjSmith44) December 11, 2021
Isaiah Chisom Isaiah Chisom 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB Chaminade | 2023 State CA , LB, Chaminade
At 6’1” 220 lbs. Chisom already possesses good size and build. He’s an active defender that has the versatility to line up at multiple positions including MLB and Edge to be a tackling machine around the LOS but also has the ability and athleticism to play in space. He plays fast and physical as a sideline to sideline player that explodes through contact and runs through tackles. His natural instincts and anticipation allow for him to use his reactionary quickness and fast trigger to disrupt plays as they are developing. Finished his junior season with 111 total tackles with 75 of them being solo. There’s a lot to like about his skillset that will translate well to the college level. Picked up his first offer from San Diego State midseason and will add more as he continues on the same trajectory.
Check out my Junior Szn highlights – https://t.co/V4ImwUmF6M @247Sports @247recruiting @SBLiveCA @Ath_CoachBerry @Rivalsfbcamps @NadeFootball @latsondheimer @Tarek_Fattal
— Isaiah Chisom (@IsaiahChisom4) November 8, 2021
Gabe Morin Gabe Morin 5'10" | 215 lbs | LB Orange Lutheran | 2023 State CA , LB, Orange Lutheran
Strong and compact frame at 5’10” 220 lbs. He was a key piece in the Orange Lutheran defense finishing with 140 tackles and 11 TFL’s on the season. He’s an aggressive run stopping defender with the strength at the POA to overpower opponents and finish off ball carriers. He plays well with his eyes to make quick decisive reads stepping up to fill the gap and make a sure tackle. He’s a high effort high motor defender that is relentless in pursuit leading to backside and down field tackles. Does a good job shedding blocks and even making plays while still engaged. He’s a high academic prospect looking to gain some recruiting attention after a strong junior campaign.
Thankful and blessed for an Amazing Season🙏🏽Junior Year✅ 140 total tackles✅1st Team All Trinity✅ Leading tackles in Trinity ✅Check out highlights- https://t.co/AB3rjByb9p @ChrisWardOL @CoachDub35 @coachChatoMorin @OLuFootball @GregBiggins @wkudb17 @CoachRix @Vikings_Rebel
— Gabe Morin (@GabeMorin) December 19, 2021
Collin Mennie Collin Mennie 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Aptos | 2023 State CA , LB, Aptos
Mennie is a smart and instinctual LB at 6’1” 210 lbs. He’s got good length with solid growth potential and room to add weight to his frame. He’s active and has the ability to be a three down LB that makes plays both as a run stopper and in coverage. He’s quick to diagnose plays recognizing run/pass and reacting with limited wasted movement. Does a good job fighting through blocks and freeing himself up to locate the ball and be a reliable one on one tackler. He’s not a burner in terms of speed but he’s a high effort player that takes good angles to attack the ball carrier. Another high academic prospect with good upside.
Had an amazing time playing with my team. Excited to get back to work! @BrandonHuffman @JacksonMoore247 @westcoastpreps_ @PrepRedzoneCA @AmyDashTV @PGregorian
Full highlights: https://t.co/3wMuNY5WHO pic.twitter.com/sbL10ErFLN— Collin Mennie (@MennieCollin) November 19, 2021
Omar Staples Jr Omar Staples Jr 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Oakland Tech | 2023 State CA , LB, Oakland Tech
Outstanding athleticism with ideal length and frame to build on at 6’3” 220 lbs. Possesses great natural movement skills/fluidity in his feet and hips to quickly change directions and move laterally. Currently plays DE for his HS where he shows good initial quickness off the LOS and ability to set the edge but has the versatility and wide skillset that could translate to multiple positions at the college level. In pursuit, he flashes a great ability to redirect and use his short area burst to match the lateral movement of the ball carrier and chase down plays sideline to sideline. He continues to develop his technique and strength at the POA but has a high ceiling for the college level with his raw ability and athleticism.
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