Class of 2023 Ready to Breakout: LB

With 13 LB in the class of 2023 Prep Redzone rankings, it is easy to see that there is a lot of talent at the LB position.  Here are five of those LB ready to have a breakout Senior season in 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="189518" first="Marques" last="Turner"], 6’3, 210, Buchtel [player_tooltip player_id="189518" first="Marques" last="Turner"] is the 6th ranked LB and the 59th ranked player in the class of 2023 overall. His play in 2021 helped the Buchtel Griffins win their last 3 games and held opposing offenses to just 4.33 points per game during that time. He plays as an OLB. Against the run, he uses his great burst off the ball to quickly penetrate the LOS and good closing speed in pursuit while delivering a powerful hit behind the LOS for a TFL. Against the pass, he uses his excellent play strength to shed the block from larger OT, shows great motor in pursuit and finishes up with a sack. [player_tooltip player_id="189510" first="Andrew" last="Marshall"], 6’3, 210, Bloom-Carroll [player_tooltip player_id="189510" first="Andrew" last="Marshall"] is the 7th ranked LB and the 73rd ranked player overall in the class of 2023. His play in 2021 helped the Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs to a 14-1 record, a trip to the state semi-finals and held opposing offenses to just 6.3 points per game. He plays off the ball as a WIll. Against the pass, he uses his very good athletic ability to patrol his zone while keeping his eyes on the QB.  He tracks the ball well in the air and displays very good hands as he comes down with an interception. Against the run, he quickly keys and diagnoses the play, shows very good range, play speed and instincts in pursuit, lowers his shoulder and delivers a powerful hit to the RB preventing a first down. [player_tooltip player_id="92623" first="Colton" last="Powers"], 5’10, 180, Marysville [player_tooltip player_id="92623" first="Colton" last="Powers"] is the 8th ranked LB in the class of 2023 and is currently on the Prep Redzone watchlist.  His play in 2021 helped the Marysville Monarchs to a 12-1 record, advance to the 4th round of the playoffs and hold opposing offenses to only 8.6 points per game. He plays off the ball as a Will. Against the run, he uses his very good football intelligence to key and diagnose the play, his excellent instincts to take the correct angle in pursuit, plays with good leverage and delivers a good form tackle behind the LOS for a TFL. Against the pass, he reads the QB well and uses his very good closing speed to get to the receiver. He delivers a big hit to prevent significant yardage being gained. [player_tooltip player_id="93337" first="Zack" last="Stevens"], 6’4, 185, Greenon [player_tooltip player_id="93337" first="Zack" last="Stevens"] is the 9th ranked LB in the class of 2023 and is currently on the Prep Redzone watchlist.  His play in 2021 helped the Grennon Knights to a 6-4 record and hold opposing offenses to 15.2 points per game. He plays as an OLB. Against the run, he uses his good hand use and play strength to stack the OT at the point of attack and shed the block. He quickly locates the RB and uses his leverage and play strength to bring down larger RB for a minimal gain. Against the pass, he uses his good burst to quickly penetrate the LOS, displays good play speed and motor in pursuit and effectively hurries the QB into throwing ball sooner than anticipated leading to an interception. [player_tooltip player_id="93335" first="Ryan" last="Sissel"], 6’2, 200, Portsmouth West [player_tooltip player_id="93335" first="Ryan" last="Sissel"] is the 12th ranked LB in the class of 2023 and is currently on the Prep Redzone watchlist. His play in 2021 was a bright spot in the 5-6 season of the Portsmouth West Senators. He plays as an ILB. Against the run, he does a good job of reacting to play action, uses his good play speed and athletic ability in pursuit and delivers a powerful hit to the RB negating his progress behind the LOS for a TFL. Against the pass, he drops back into coverage, reads the QB and uses his play speed to put himself in good position while showing good hands as he comes down with the interception.