2025 Watch List Linebackers Making an Early Impact
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Linebackers are often seen as the quarterback of the defense. They are leaders and playmakers. In 2021, several freshman linebackers showed their potential. The Class of 2025 watch list features an outstanding group of prospects who are the centerpieces of…
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Continue ReadingLinebackers are often seen as the quarterback of the defense. They are leaders and playmakers. In 2021, several freshman linebackers showed their potential. The Class of 2025 watch list features an outstanding group of prospects who are the centerpieces of their respective defenses. Today, we start the process of breaking down five ascending linebackers.
Cayden Martin Cayden Martin 6'0" | 165 lbs | LB South Newton | 2025 State IN , 6’0, 165 pounds, South Newton
Cayden Martin Cayden Martin 6'0" | 165 lbs | LB South Newton | 2025 State IN established himself as an integral member of the South Newton varsity defense last season. Martin played in ten varsity contests where he secured 65 total tackles. Martin posted an impressive 32 solo tackle tally. He showed the ability to be disruptive by making four-and-a-half tackles-for-loss. Martin defended against one pass, and he forced one fumble. Look for Cayden Martin Cayden Martin 6'0" | 165 lbs | LB South Newton | 2025 State IN to be an impact player next season.
Khaled Alzeer Khaled Alzeer 5'11" | 210 lbs | LB Boone Grove | 2025 State IN , 5’10, 195 pounds, Boone Grove
In his freshman season, Khaled Alzeer Khaled Alzeer 5'11" | 210 lbs | LB Boone Grove | 2025 State IN was all over the field for Boone Grove. Alzeer is a physical linebacker, who gets to the football and puts a stop to the play. Alzeer plays with great pursuit, giving outstanding effort each play. He also can line up at offensive guard. On the year, Alzeer accounted for 15 solo tackles and 72 total tackles. He got into the backfield consistently, recording 14 tackles-for-loss and three sacks. In his nine appearances for the varsity team, Alzeer defended against one pass and two forced fumbles.
Roy Thornbury Roy Thornbury 6'1" | DL Hagerstown | 2025 State IN , 6’1, Hagerstown
Roy Thornbury Roy Thornbury 6'1" | DL Hagerstown | 2025 State IN emerged as a leader on the Hagerstown defense in 2021. Thornbury played in eight varsity games this past season. In doing so, he managed 33 total tackles, of which, 28 were solo stops. Thornbury can get into the backfield and make a play. He had two-tackles-for-loss last fall. Roy Thornbury Roy Thornbury 6'1" | DL Hagerstown | 2025 State IN gained valuable experience in his freshman campaign. Look for him to take a huge leap in his sophomore season.
Daniel Ludwig Daniel Ludwig LB Blackford | 2025 State IN , Blackford
Daniel Ludwig Daniel Ludwig LB Blackford | 2025 State IN can help bolster the offensive line and take command of the defense. Ludwig can play offensive guard, but in his three varsity games this past year, he showed that he has a remarkably high ceiling. Ludwig was impactful when he was on the field. He made 18 total tackles, 12 solo. He also had two-tackles-for-loss and one pass defense. Ludwig does a great job of getting to the football. Daniel Ludwig Daniel Ludwig LB Blackford | 2025 State IN appears set to take a massive step forward next season.
Aiden Grover Aiden Grover 5'9" | RB Hagerstown | 2025 State IN , 5’9, Hagerstown
Aiden Grover Aiden Grover 5'9" | RB Hagerstown | 2025 State IN was a playmaker on both sides of the ball in his freshman season. Grover can give the team a spark at both running back and linebacker. At running back, Grover averaged close to five yards per carry this past season in nine varsity games. On 61 carries, he totaled 292 yards and a trio of touchdowns. He also caught one touchdown. Defensively, Grover was all over the field. He had 60 total tackles which is impressive by itself. But even more impressive than that were the 43 total tackles that he secured. Grover also provided one sack, two quarterback hurries, one pass defense and one forced fumble. The partnership that Grover will have with Roy Thornbury Roy Thornbury 6'1" | DL Hagerstown | 2025 State IN could be dynamic in the years ahead. The group of linebackers that Hagerstown has will be exciting to watch in 2022.