Sleeper 2022 Uncommitted LB Prospects

Uncommitted 2022 Linebackers. These guys can bring some intensity to the field. <hr /> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="164912" first="Sutton" last="Johnson"] | Elkhorn North | 6’2" 210 lbs </strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13174647/Sutton-Johnson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SuttonJohnson9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a></strong></em> Sutton is a very underrated middle LB for the upstart Elkhorn North Wolves. In his first season starting for the Wolves, he posted a solid stat line with 74 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a sack, 2 defended passes, as well as 4 rushing touchdowns and 195 yards rushing. Sutton is a vicious LB that plays with tons of explosiveness and energy. He has good height, a built frame, and a solid base for digging his feet and driving into his opponents. Johnson is exceptional when playing downhill and shoots through his gaps like a bullet, and he is a sure tackler once he gets to the ball carrier. Overall, Sutton is a great athlete that plays hard-nosed, technically sound football. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13174647/615214c315f70a06dc09ae0b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="156068" first="Tommy" last="Connelly"] | Omaha Westside | 6’0" 195 lbs </strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11436362/Tommy-Connelly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | Twitter</strong></em> It is a surprise to see [player_tooltip player_id="156068" first="Tommy" last="Connelly"] from Westside still available at this point. Connelly is a buzzsaw at the middle linebacker position doing everything and anything needed from him. Tommy racked up 74 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 2 recovered fumbles, and an interception, helping the Warriors return to the state championship game. He is a devastating tackler that does not whiff, using an excellent technique to wrap up and tackle ball carriers. Connelly is as well-rounded a linebacker as you will find in this class. He is sticky in coverage and can hang with anyone, not just the typical TE and backs. Connelly does a great job getting after the quarterback; as shown by his six sacks, he can make his way into the backfield with finesse or brute force. Finally, he is also a great leader and communicator for one of the best defenses in the entire state. Connelly is a player that has learned and experienced the grind needed to taste gold and will carry that mentality with him to the next level. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11436362/6193d0e6b534f708e824140a" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="193770" first="Mason" last="Limbach"] | Fremont | 6’0" 195 lbs  </strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11625616/Mason-Limbach" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | Twitter </strong></em> Limbach is a baller on defense for the Fremont Tigers. Mason followed up his 100+ tackle junior year with another 100+ tackle season in 2021. Limbach accumulated 104 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 deflected passes, an interception, and a forced fumble. Mason’s awareness and play recognition have helped him become one of the most productive linebackers in the state. One of the biggest developments in Limbach’s game is how he continues to improve his pass-rushing skills and ability to sneak into the backfield. He upped his sack total from 4 to 6 and his tackles for loss from 7 to 13, showing that he is becoming a well-rounded ’backer. When he’s not rushing the passer, he can drop into coverage or be used to stop run games; regardless, he’s going to find the football. He has great size, strength, and a great football mind to help him be just as productive at the collegiate level. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11625616/6182a26d8cdee90368b3dfda" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="191089" first="Julian" last="Castillo"] | Pius X | 5’11" 210 lbs </strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11432917/Julian-Castillo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | Twitter </strong></em> Julian is a tough and gritty MIKE LB who loves to lay a good hit on his opponents. Castillio is very fun to watch, as he seems to be all over the field, wreaking havoc wherever he goes. Julian totaled 79 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and a fumble recovery during his senior year. He has excellent form when he tackles, and with a strong, sturdy 210-pound frame, there aren’t many tackles that are getting away from him. One of the aspects of his game that impresses me the most is how he is always in a prime position to make a tackle. He reacts exceptionally well to where the play is going and can disengage from his blocks using his violent hands and strength. Castillo is also a pretty smooth athlete, as he doesn’t play with stiff hips or heavy feet, constantly moving around and staying active. Castillo is a very talented LB that should be receiving more looks. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11432917/6180469cd2251304c86d807c" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="191190" first="Wyatt" last="Ryan"] | Overton | 6’3" 185 lbs </strong></em> <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10784320/Wyatt-Ryan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/WyattRyan18" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter </a></strong></em> You’ll have to travel to small-town Overton to find this hidden gem of a linebacker prospect. Wyatt is a tall, rangy linebacker with a lean frame but knows how to lay the wood. Ryan had a busy season playing both LB and TE for the Eagles. He racked up 117 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, a sack, and snagged an interception on defense. Wyatt shoots right off the snap and has tons of burst as he hits his gaps. He uses his speed and explosiveness to beat opposing linemen off the line and make his way into the backfield. Ryan has done a masterful job of making plays behind the line, as he has racked up 42 tackles for loss over his prep career. He uses his long arms to wrap up and secure the tackle. Ryan is a player that projects well as a college LB but has the athleticism also to be a WR/TE hybrid. Wyatt caught 33 passes for 476 yards and six touchdowns in his senior year, using his size and physicality to bully DBs. Overall, I believe Wyatt has tons of potential and could be a huge steal. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10784320/61d5e9c1da50af03186dd0d9" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>