2024 Impact Performers: Linebackers
Jake Lemming
In this article:
The 2024 class in Indiana is loaded with talent at the linebacker position. The recruits featured in this article were crucial parts of their respective defenses. Each prospect was a varsity contributor this past fall and has the potential to play at the next level. Keep an eye on their development over the next two seasons, as it could be crucial in their recruiting process. Here’s who you need to know!
Cannon Brunes
Cannon
Brunes
5'11" | 205 lbs | ATH
Western Boone | 2024
State
IN
, 6’, 220, Western Boone
Brunes played as a 4-3 stand-up end and was a menace when rushing off the edge. He showed a quick first step, strong hands, and a violent tackling style. His pure speed gives tackles issues and helps him easily work off single blocks on the inside. It wasn’t uncommon to see him hustle from the backside and chase a play down from behind.
Landon Drennan
Landon
Drennan
6'3" | 220 lbs | LB
Plainfield | 2024
State
IN
, 6’2", 195, Plainfield
A twitchy outside linebacker prospect that can get skinny through the b gap. Landon shows good closing speed and ideal bend as a pass rusher. He has a quick trigger on tape, along with the athleticism to come up and make plays in space. I think he’s got the potential to be pretty sporty at the next level and could play as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a true 4-3 sam.
Trey Stephens
Trey
Stephens
6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH
Merrillville | 2024
State
IN
, 6’, 185, Andrean
A talented two-way player with plenty of speed and exceptional balance. Trey is loose-hipped in zone coverage and will read the quarterback’s body language to break on a throw. He’s so rangy on film and can close ground in the blink of an eye. His ability to put speed to power causes forcible collisions on opposing runners.
Wyatt Woodall, 6’, 200, Southmont
A durable inside linebacker that reads his keys and can quickly diagnose the run. Woodall has a physical style of play and looks to assert his will on opposing ball carriers. He’ll scrape down the line, take proper angles to the football, and accelerate through tackle attempts. To me, Wyatt reminds me of an old-school mike linebacker and projects well there at the next level.
Drew Evans, 6’, 215, Ben Davis
An a gap plugger that will bow down to no one. Drew plays with adequate knee bend, ferocious effort, and a high football IQ. He reads quick game routes extremely well and can swiftly break & make a play on the football. Evans plays with an aggressive mindset and will keep his feet churning on initial contact.
Ralph Rogers
Ralph
Rogers
6'0" | 190 lbs | LB
Bloomington North | 2024
State
IN
, 6’, 190, Bloomington South
A savvy inside linebacker that can change direction and moves exceptionally well laterally. Rogers is stout in coverage and has the hands to create turnovers. His burst and acceleration give offensive linemen fits in the run game. He can create carnage with pullers coming at him and will do whatever it takes to bring a running back down to the ground.
Austin Hastings, 6', 205, Noblesville
A fluid will linebacker that can easily slip blocks on the second level. Hastings fits the run well and can make tackles in 1 on 1 situations. He slow plays RPO's when the back is towards him and will come up & tackle once the ball is handed off. He has a firm punch and will use it to stun guards looking to work up to him.
Cannon Brunes
Cannon
Brunes
5'11" | 205 lbs | ATH
Western Boone | 2024
State
IN
, 6’, 220, Western Boone
Brunes played as a 4-3 stand-up end and was a menace when rushing off the edge. He showed a quick first step, strong hands, and a violent tackling style. His pure speed gives tackles issues and helps him easily work off single blocks on the inside. It wasn’t uncommon to see him hustle from the backside and chase a play down from behind.
Landon Drennan
Landon
Drennan
6'3" | 220 lbs | LB
Plainfield | 2024
State
IN
, 6’2", 195, Plainfield
A twitchy outside linebacker prospect that can get skinny through the b gap. Landon shows good closing speed and ideal bend as a pass rusher. He has a quick trigger on tape, along with the athleticism to come up and make plays in space. I think he’s got the potential to be pretty sporty at the next level and could play as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a true 4-3 sam.
Trey Stephens
Trey
Stephens
6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH
Merrillville | 2024
State
IN
, 6’, 185, Andrean
A talented two-way player with plenty of speed and exceptional balance. Trey is loose-hipped in zone coverage and will read the quarterback’s body language to break on a throw. He’s so rangy on film and can close ground in the blink of an eye. His ability to put speed to power causes forcible collisions on opposing runners.
Wyatt Woodall, 6’, 200, Southmont
A durable inside linebacker that reads his keys and can quickly diagnose the run. Woodall has a physical style of play and looks to assert his will on opposing ball carriers. He’ll scrape down the line, take proper angles to the football, and accelerate through tackle attempts. To me, Wyatt reminds me of an old-school mike linebacker and projects well there at the next level.
Drew Evans, 6’, 215, Ben Davis
An a gap plugger that will bow down to no one. Drew plays with adequate knee bend, ferocious effort, and a high football IQ. He reads quick game routes extremely well and can swiftly break & make a play on the football. Evans plays with an aggressive mindset and will keep his feet churning on initial contact.
Ralph Rogers
Ralph
Rogers
6'0" | 190 lbs | LB
Bloomington North | 2024
State
IN
, 6’, 190, Bloomington South
A savvy inside linebacker that can change direction and moves exceptionally well laterally. Rogers is stout in coverage and has the hands to create turnovers. His burst and acceleration give offensive linemen fits in the run game. He can create carnage with pullers coming at him and will do whatever it takes to bring a running back down to the ground.
Austin Hastings, 6', 205, Noblesville
A fluid will linebacker that can easily slip blocks on the second level. Hastings fits the run well and can make tackles in 1 on 1 situations. He slow plays RPO's when the back is towards him and will come up & tackle once the ball is handed off. He has a firm punch and will use it to stun guards looking to work up to him.
