2022 Rankings Breakdown: LB

The LB group had long been thought of as the most shallow on the defensive side of the ball for the class of 2022, but a strong close to the recruiting cycle helped to combat that. The crown jewel of the linebacker room has long been <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/stone-blanton/">[player_tooltip player_id="104456" first="Stone" last="Blanton"]</a>, but the standout from MRA shocked the state signing with South Carolina in the early signing period. Blanton has the look of an old-school physical linebacker. The trend is for him to get a shot playing the MLB position, which he should do well with his down-hill attacking demeanor. Blanton looks to play baseball in addition to football for the Gamecocks. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/khalid-moore/">[player_tooltip player_id="104448" first="Khalid" last="Moore"]</a> saw his recruitment absolutely blow up during his senior season. The future Mississippi State LB plays long and lean and is a great fit in the Bulldog 3-3-5 scheme. Moore impressed during the MS/AL All-Star game and seems to be just scratching the surface of his potential. One of the most under-recruited guys in the state for this cycle was <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/zy-ford/">[player_tooltip player_id="104458" first="Zy" last="Ford"]</a>. Without a doubt, Ford was the guy that made the clock tick for East Webster in 2021. Tough and violent pursuer of the football, Ford seemed to appear on every tackle throughout the season. La Tech is getting a steal here. Forrest County Ag's <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/avery-sledge/">[player_tooltip player_id="264046" first="Avery" last="Sledge"]</a> also burst onto the scene late signing with Mississippi State during the December signing period. Sledge is as well put together as any linebacker in the class from a physical standpoint. Potential to grow into a pass rusher off the end, but enough athleticism to compete every down. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jd-stewart/">[player_tooltip player_id="104457" first="JD" last="Stewart"]</a> was a standout on the defensive side of the ball for the top team in the state, Greenville Christian. Stewart was a longtime Southern Miss commitment, but at this time is still available. The delta star plays with conviction and pursuit. Good tackler and good overall football IQ. This has potential to be a good late pickup. Southern Miss did a great job recruiting the state in 2021 and stole a great Lafayette County prospect in <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/mario-wilbourn/">[player_tooltip player_id="104460" first="Mario" last="Wilbourn"]</a>. What Wilbourn lacks in size he makes up for in motor. Ring leader of a really good 5A defense in a tough division. In on every tackle. Knows how to make plays. This is the kinda guy that makes the middle of your defense better.