2022 Austin Area Rankings: Linebackers
The linebacker position is incredibly tough with the amount of responsibility it warrants. However, these five linebackers demonstrated an excellent ability to balance those responsibilities and excel in their senior seasons. Check out these five Austin area linebackers from the…
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Continue ReadingThe linebacker position is incredibly tough with the amount of responsibility it warrants. However, these five linebackers demonstrated an excellent ability to balance those responsibilities and excel in their senior seasons. Check out these five Austin area linebackers from the Class of 2022!
1. Andon Thomas – Liberty Hill High School (Liberty Hill, TX)
2021 Season: 230 total tackles, 110 solo tackles, 28 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 7 hurries, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked field goal
Thomas has been a dominant force on the Liberty Hill defense for quite a while. Not only that, but he also did some work on the offensive side of the ball as well. He is incredibly fast and strong and is able to force the ball out consistently. On top of all of that, he also has great awareness and play recognition, this allows him to get big hits on receivers right as they catch the ball, or help stuff the run. His speed off the snap helps create disruption, and he is not afraid to put his shoulder down to force a fumble.
2. Logan Metzger – Fredericksburg High School (Fredericksburg, TX)
2021 Season: 177 total tackles, 89 solo tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 10 hurries, 10 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery, 4 forced fumbles
Much like Thomas, Metzger has been a force for Fredericksburg. He and Thomas have the same attributes, but Metzger also has a 6’3″ height to his advantage. He can pretty much see over the offensive line and diagnose the play. His size also allows him to deflect passes with ease, and he does double duty of playing tight-end on the offense, showcasing his athleticism and strength. Whether he is being recruited for tight end or linebacker, he has proven he can play both positions.
3. Case Brister – Lampasas High School (Lampasas, TX)
2021 Season: 140 total tackles, 102 solo tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble, 2 blocked field goals
Another player that pulls double duty on both offense and defense, Brister also adds special teams play to his resume. His speed and strength not only help him as a running back but makes him a fantastic linebacker. Brister is a player that can almost play any position, which just speaks to his athleticism and ability to adapt. As for his special teams play, it is hard to just get one blocked field goal, but Brister was able to accomplish getting two in just one game. Brister is an all-around excellent talent.
4. Thomas Thornburg – East View High School (Georgetown, TX)
2021 Season: 137 total tackles, 91 solo tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 7 hurries, 1 fumble recovery, 3 forced fumbles, 1 blocked field goal
Thornburg’s stats speak for themselves, but what it does not display is his size. Thornburg is 5’10” and 220 pounds of muscle and power. He has incredible strength displayed all throughout his tape, which is in large part as to how he forced so many fumbles. He is an excellent linebacker to stop the run, as he is able to quickly diagnose where the play is going. Thornburg has a high football I.Q. and is ruthless, and will drive to finish the play as much as possible.
5. Sterling Emerson – Vandegrift High School (Austin, TX)
2021 Season: 134 total tackles, 90 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble
Vandegrift is known for its high-powered offense and tough defense, and Emerson is a big reason why. He is incredibly fast off the snap, and has excellent play recognition. This leads to a lot of disruption against the offense, and given the athletic nature of quarterbacks who no longer stand in the pocket, Emerson has the speed to chase them down. Emerson closed out his senior year on a high just based on his tape alone.