2023 Under-the-Radar Linebackers

Linebackers serve as the quarterbacks of the defense. As such, having a solid linebacking corps is a must. The Class of 2023 has a great group of linebackers. Here are some of the hidden gems at the position that will be seniors next fall. [player_tooltip player_id="185243" first="Collin" last="Clark"], 6’0, 185 pounds, Centerville [player_tooltip player_id="185243" first="Collin" last="Clark"] is the centerpiece of Centerville’s defense. The middle linebacker does an outstanding job of getting downhill and attacking the line-of-scrimmage. Clark is an excellent run defender. He can find the gap and fill it, enabling him to be there to make the tackle. Clark is an ace when it comes to getting penetration. Last season, he recorded 11 tackles-for-loss and two sacks. He also has the vital ability to generate turnovers. [player_tooltip player_id="185538" first="Dax" last="Holman"], Eastside A terrific two-way player, [player_tooltip player_id="185538" first="Dax" last="Holman"] was a key component of an Eastside team that made a deep run in the state tournament. At linebacker last year, Holman registered 86 tackles. He showed that he can be disruptive by recording 12 tackles-for-loss with three-and-a-half sacks. Holman defended against one pass. Offensively, Holman was a force at running back. He carried the ball 139 times for close to 900 yards for 14 touchdowns. He was also a legitimate receiving threat, recording ten catches for 172 yards and four touchdowns. [player_tooltip player_id="185537" first="Avarion" last="Chambers"], 5’11, 190 pounds, New Albany Any coach that is looking for a linebacker that is consistently around the football should look no further than New Albany’s [player_tooltip player_id="185537" first="Avarion" last="Chambers"]. Chambers is a solid outside linebacker who always gets himself into good positions to make the play. Chambers is an outstanding tackler. His 2021 season was limited to just two games, but in those games, he made an impact. Chambers accounted for 16 tackles, two sacks, one pass defense and two forced fumbles. [player_tooltip player_id="185537" first="Avarion" last="Chambers"] is set for a breakout season in 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="185536" first="Damarion" last="Campbell"], 6’0, 215 pounds, Bowman Academy [player_tooltip player_id="185536" first="Damarion" last="Campbell"] is Bowman Academy’s stalwart middle linebacker. Campbell is a hard-hitting, aggressive linebacker. Campbell gets downhill and puts the offensive line on its heels. He frequently gets penetration and makes plays in the backfield. Campbell can also cover sideline-to-sideline. Offensively, he is a dominant fullback. This past year, he carried 74 times for 417 yards with one rushing touchdown. He was a viable pass-catching option, catching 15 passes for over 200 yards and an additional touchdown. [player_tooltip player_id="185536" first="Damarion" last="Campbell"] is on the cusp of a big-time senior season.