Dakotas 2023 Prospects on the Radar- LB
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Linebackers are usually what we call the field generals on the defense. They are the ones calling out the defense after recognizing formations and getting everyone in position pre-snap. This is another talented position group in the Dakotas, so naturally…
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Continue ReadingLinebackers are usually what we call the field generals on the defense. They are the ones calling out the defense after recognizing formations and getting everyone in position pre-snap. This is another talented position group in the Dakotas, so naturally I’m looking to get the ones without the college invites on social media some more looks. Each one of these guys have some specific attributes which I like to point out when I see. Check them out here below.
Jaxton Eck Jaxton Eck 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Brookings | 2023 State – Brookings
Eck is an athletic, versatile LB. In a 3-4, he was a 2-point DE and did his job there perfectly. He held his contain, strung out the perimeter runs, shook off blocks and made tackles. He moves laterally well and covers a lot of ground in a short amount of time. He can also sit back and play pass coverage well, he finds his zone, then finds his guy and sticks to him. He takes great angles in the backfield and finds his way to the football whether the QB or the RB have it. He breaks down and delivers a hit when he makes a tackle.
Noah Hutmacher Noah Hutmacher 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Chamberlain | 2023 State – Chamberlain
Hutmacher is a kid I’d say is a D-lineman but can move. He positions himself right in front of the Center and just follows the football. He is patient when blocks are developing then finds the angle to the ballcarrier. He takes on blocks and sheds them quickly, then finishes through the ballcarrier. With his size and strength, he makes it extremely hard for the ballcarrier to run through him, when he gets his position to break down and make a tackle, it’s over. He scrapes across the field and waits for the perfect opportunity to shoot through a gap and make a play.
Gabe Tschetter Gabe Tschetter 6'1" | 185 lbs | LB Sioux Falls O'Gorman | 2023 State – O’Gorman
Tschetter is a hybrid, nickel type back. He can play in the box and help out on run support, but also does well in pass coverage. He gets his pass/run reads quick and gets his right drops and gets himself in the best position possible. He covers the flats well and has good peripherals to know where everyone is at in his zone and still keep watching the QB. He breaks on the pass well without drawing a flag as well. He is fundamentally sound when making tackles, he fills quickly uses the shoulder pad and drives through to finish the play.
Cole Hebl Cole Hebl LB Hillsboro/Central Valley | 2023 State – Hillsboro/Central Valley
I remember finding Hebl’s film last season and was really excited about what this kid could do. While most of his Junior tape is him at fullback, I liked how he just looks for kids to hit, then flattens them. He showed that he knows his gaps on a gap-responsible defense on each play, whether there’s a stunt or blitz on or not. When he plugs the gap, he has himself broken down ready to make a tackle if the ballcarrier hits his gap. He times the snap well on plays he blitzes and moves quickly to get himself through the line untouched and makes the play in the backfield.
Hunter Abraham Hunter Abraham 6'0" | 150 lbs | LB Garretson | 2023 State – Garretson
Abraham is a football player. Not the biggest or quickest guy out there, but he flies around and makes plays. He throws some big hits when given the chance. He gets his reads and flies around the field covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time. He takes great angles to make the best play, and when he gets into position, he doesn’t miss. He’s able to fight off a lot of blocks, or sneak past them and get his way to the ballcarrier. While on some plays he doesn’t have the best form in his tackles, he still finds his way to bring the guy down, no matter the size or speed of the ballcarrier.