Linebackers In the Indiana 2024 Class With Sky High Potential

We’re looking at linebackers today and some guys who could really take off this upcoming fall. We’re looking at a really good group today and it’s only adding to the initial depth of the 2024 class! [player_tooltip player_id="109626" first="Trey" last="Stephens"] - Andrean - OLB - 6’0" 185lbs Stephens plays both ways for Andrean. He’s one of their starting backs on offense as well as LB on defense. Today, we’re looking at what he does without the ball in his hands. The answer? A lot. Stephens is a great athlete who is able to cover sideline to sideline without much of an issue. He’s got a very explosive first step and is able able to line up anywhere on the field. In coverage, he’s got the speed to run with pretty much everyone. He’s able to run with every TE and RB and then most WRs. He’s got the length and frame to become a DB if he really wanted to. However, Stephens can really hit and pack a punch which is why I anticipate him staying closer to the ball. He’s got elite closing speed and can track down the ball carrier without much of an issue. When he’s blitzing, he’s got the speed to turn the corner and the strength to bull rush his guy. In coverage, Stephens is fine but still developing. He won’t get too aggressive with the ball in the air and knows when to pick his spots. He does cross his feet from time to time to start some snaps and while it’s a minor thing, it can develop into a bad habit. I think in order to play LB in college, Stephens would need to put on some weight. He’s strong now, but if he’s able to bulk up he might start manhandling offensive linemen. Stephens is part of an elite LB duo and he’s a baller in his own right. If Stephens is able to land in the right college program, his upside is as high as he can take it. Bradley Gibson - Hobart - LB - 6’1" 175lbs Gibson bounces around the Linebacking core for Hobart. He can line up in any of the spots and know where to be and when to be there. He’s a decent athlete who takes really long and really fast strides. When he gets full speed, he’s absolutely moving and will not stop when he’s about to make contact. Gibson will absolutely hit the ball carrier at full speed while not pulling up 1 bit. He wants to make his impact known and felt. He’s able to cover sideline to sideline. He knows how to make his impact known in the running game and fill his gaps. He’s a solid tackler who won’t miss many and when he’s got his hands on the ball carrier, they’re going to end up on the ground. He does have a tendency to overpursue from time to time and doesn’t always come to balance, and I think that could be cleaned up. In a perfect world, Gibson is able to really bulk up over his career as well. He’s already fairly strong but getting stronger only does good things for you. He’s decent in zone coverage. He’s able to sit, be patient, watch the QB’s eyes, and do his job. He’s able to react quick enough that it typically puts him back in the play. In man coverage, he’s able to run with his guy and keep him attached at the back hip. You won’t catch Gibson looking or getting greedy trying to come down with the ball. He’s smart and picks his spots. By the time he graduates, I’d expect Gibson to have a decent amount of offers. [player_tooltip player_id="109610" first="Cannon" last="Brunes"] - Western Boone - OLB - 6’0" 218lbs Brunes is another 2-way player but today, we’re looking at what he can do on the defensive side of the ball. The answer, a lot. He’s a decent athlete who is best around the LOS. He’s got a knack for the ball and always finds his way near it. Brunes is a relentless player who doesn’t give up. He’s going to give the same effort on 1st down as he is on a 4th down to end the game. In coverage, both man and zone, Brunes is fine but could use some work. There are times he will leak too far in zone coverage and leave his zone on accident. It’s not a constant issue, just something I noticed a few times. Brunes trusts his eyes and knows when to commit to coming down to make the play. When he’s coming off the edge, he’s annoying to opposing offenses. He can bull rush, bend around the corner, or split gaps when he needs to. Even if he loses initially, he’s going to keep fighting until he wins. There are times Western Boone will use him to set the edge and keep contain on mobile QBs. He’s also fast enough to spy when he has to as well. He’s listed at 218 and won’t get thrown around. He’s heavy and strong enough to stay in the trenches and hold his own. If he stays on the defensive side of the ball, I anticipate him staying at OLB at the collegiate level. He does a ton of things well and colleges are going to take their shot and develop him. I imagine he will have multiple offers and will be able to pick the best fit for him. Darrion Stewart - Evansville Central - DE/DT/OLB - 6’2" 220lbs Steward plays all over the defense for Evansville Central and is just a good grip of everything varsity entails. He lines up all over the line and can be on the inside or outside depending on the game plan or situation. There are times Stewart will line up on the edge but stay standing up. It’s just so he can set the edge and get that first step head start. When he lines up on the inside, he’ll go right over the ball at nose and play the A gap. He’s able to fend off blocks and shed them to pick the gap he needs to in order to make the play. He’s got the strength to extend his arm and then make the decision. While I do hope that Stewart is able to bulk up and put some weight on, it’s not holding him back. He would just become stronger and be able to manhandle the guys he’s facing more often. He doesn’t get moved back either and is able to hold his ground. He’s able to force pressure and make the QB uncomfortable in the pocket as well. While I do think Stewart is still one of the more raw players on the list, the upside is there. He does a ton of things well and checks a lot of boxes. He’s young, he’s getting better every time he steps on the field, and is only going to become a bigger issue for offenses over the coming years. If Stewart is able to develop and put the work in, he’ll be a highly sought-after recruit.