PRZ Iowa | 2024 Rankings Update | LB Top 10

It is hard to believe that some of the best Linebackers dominating on Friday nights last season were just Sophomores. The class of 2024 has a densely talented group of backers whose fearsome impact, that has already been felt, will only continue to become more well known as they approach the next two years. These are players you want to get to know now while they are still in the early phases of the recruiting process. LB1 [player_tooltip player_id="248017" first="Chase" last="Lamb"], 6’3" / 205, Waukee Northwest, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14512619/61e5aa557bddc50fa8f45584">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ChaseLamb7">Twitter</a> Lamb, the number 1 ranked Linebacker in his class, led the new Wolves’ defense with 69 tackles, 61 of which were solo, and spearheaded efforts of an underrated defense that deserved more acknowledgment and credit than it seemed to get. Lamb has a big frame that is already filled out and he moves with control and explosiveness that is mature beyond his years. The all-state selection is a thumper who does a very impressive and consistent job of flying downhill and through windows under control. The way he breaks down, locates the play, keeps it in front of him, and gets on an angle to the ball is top notch. Lamb made a play against Sioux City East that illustrates this perfectly; the way he got flat through the A gap is not easy to do. LB2 [player_tooltip player_id="156486" first="Tate" last="Lyon"], 5’11" / 195, Pleasant Valley, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14961568/617ee42c04284b0438311ea1">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Tatelyon24">Twitter</a> If someone said at the beginning of the season that the second leading tackler in Iowa’s 5A class was going to be a Sophomore, it would’ve been hard to believe. Once you watch [player_tooltip player_id="156486" first="Tate" last="Lyon"]’s film, though, it is easy to see how he was able to rack up 79.5 tackles. He comes in at number 2 in the Linebacker rankings and is so skilled at the point of attack. There may not be a more impressive example right now of a Linebacker who is patient at the snap, reads keys, and blasts into their fit. Lyon’s acceleration to his responsibility is as rapid as it gets and it makes it so difficult for Offensive Linemen to get hands on him in the box. He made a play on an Inside Zone against Davenport North that showcases this ability that led to so many tackles. LB3 [player_tooltip player_id="220467" first="Caleb" last="Chebuhar"], 6’1" / 205, Southeast Polk, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12808744/61b0f4774205d6088c25a868">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CalebChebuhar">Twitter</a> Highly successful teams often have young guys who step up and make significant contributions. That was absolutely the case for state champion [player_tooltip player_id="220467" first="Caleb" last="Chebuhar"] who comes in at number 3 in the Linebacker rankings. The 2024 totaled 64.5 tackles, 10.5 of which came when it mattered most at the dome, and solidified a position that was essential to the Rams’ ability to stop the run. Chebuhar is skilled when it comes to working laterally from the backside of formations. When action goes away he is exceptional at staying square to the field, getting over the top of blocks, and tracking the near hip of a ball carrier. Chebuhar is also very talented when walking up to the line and saddling or spying and bringing a delayed blitz from coverage. LB4 [player_tooltip player_id="248019" first="Brett" last="White"], 6’2" / 210, Solon, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14819454/619d9901066bcf07fc077cd8">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/brettwhite28">Twitter</a> It won’t be long before White is a household name and becomes a highly sought after recruit. The number 4 Linebacker in the 2024 rankings was all over the field for the Spartans. He amassed 94 total tackles, which is more than double the team’s second leading tackler. Opposing offenses couldn’t find a way to neutralize the 3A all-state selection. Watching White bend and drop his shoulders underneath and out of the reach of Offensive Linemen is very impressive. He is just too athletic in space and at the point of attack to be blocked. When there is no other path but to go through an opponent he has quick violent hands to compliment his impeccable footwork. The ways White can get from his stance to the ball is exemplary. LB5 [player_tooltip player_id="156632" first="Jaxon" last="Cherry"], 6’0" / 190, Webster City, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/2/33854/61ef138419af4c0644881e46">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/jaxon_cherry_24">Twitter</a> Cherry, the leading tackler and second leading rusher for the Lynx, is certainly one of the top two-way players in the class of 2024. He does an excellent job as the Wingback in their option attack and is a menace of a Middle Linebacker. Cherry comes in at number 5 in the rankings. What impresses so much about Cherry is how he can be left alone in the box against expanded formations and still make plays. The way he plays disciplined to prevent teams from exposing them on the ground when spread out is outstanding. Cherry is also a great blitzer against both the run and pass. There is a play on his film against Waverly-Shell Rock where he works a cross blitz with another backer and absolutely levels an unsuspecting Quarterback. LB6 [player_tooltip player_id="248026" first="Matthew" last="Sorfonden"], 6’0" / 190, Harlan, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14885831/61a024a2bee1200af8373aba">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MatthewSorfond7">Twitter</a> Sorfonden and the Cyclones Linebackers corps was one of the most formidable around and a big reason why Harlan only gave up 12 points per game, which is impressive considering some of the explosive offenses on their schedule. Harlan dominated snaps and time of possession this year and the defense got off the field quickly, which makes Sorfonden’s 38.5 tackles a lot more legitimate than they may seem at first glance. What stands out most about his game right now is his versatility regarding alignment. He played inside and outside, at different positions, over the course of the season and excelled no matter where he was. Sorfonden plays sideline to sideline football and is especially good at running down stretch plays. LB7 [player_tooltip player_id="156631" first="Caleb" last="Moore"], 6’0" / 180, Lewis Central, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14615111/61762ca40661850558fa7d2d">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/calebmoore_15">Twitter</a> Moore, an Outside Linebacker/Strong Safety hybrid, had his season cut short due to injury, but is undoubtedly one of the most capable defenders in his class that has enormous potential. Moore had 31.5 tackles and an interception as a Freshman and looked well on his way to surpassing those statistics and demonstrating impressive growth at his position in his Sophomore campaign had he played a complete season. The film he was able to put out, though, is evidence of that and showcases some outstanding ability. Moore does a great job patrolling and making plays in the alley. From there he had a key interception against Harlan and a sack against Norwalk on a switch call. Expect Moore to bounce back big next year. LB8 [player_tooltip player_id="156650" first="Teague" last="Smith"], 5’10" / 185, Fort Madison, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14742247/618d4e1c5caa7a0a6c11754e">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/teague_smith2">Twitter</a> All-district Sophomore Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="156650" first="Teague" last="Smith"] recorded 57.5 tackles during his Sophomore campaign; he comes in at number 8 in the position rankings. One of the most impressive things he does and something that leads to a lot of tackles, which is a very mature thing for a young player, is to run to the ball. So many of his highlights come on plays where he isn’t the closest defender to the ball, but he plays with a motor, plays through the echo of the whistle, and gets there through relentless pursuit. On one such snap Smith was to the backside of the play, a Wide Zone, and the ball carrier broke a few tackles. Had he not covered ground, gotten over the top of blocks, and run hard at the correct angle it could have gone for a big gain. LB9 [player_tooltip player_id="248023" first="Jack" last="Follmann"], 5’11" / 150, CAM, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15056081/Jack-Follmann">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JackFollmann">Twitter</a> Follmann, a member of the undefeated state championship powerhouse CAM Cougars, had quite a Sophomore campaign: 80.5 tackles, 59 solo, 4 sacks, and 11 tfl. It can be extremely difficult to keep opposing offenses out of the end zone in the world of 8-player football, but Follmann helped a unit that managed to limit opponents to just 17 points per game, which is an incredible accomplishment. The young Linebacker comes in at number 9 in the position rankings. Follmann came up big and did his best work on the biggest stage. In CAM’s closest game, one that went down to the wire, against a high-powered Easton Valley team, Follmann posted 10 tackles and played an essential role in helping his team capture the title. LB10 [player_tooltip player_id="248018" first="Harry" last="Leinen"], 6’2” / 200, Waukee Northwest, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GqeYP">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/harry_leinen">Twitter</a> Leinen, another Wolves’ Linebacker, has the heart of the Waukee Northwest defense looking very solidified for the next couple years. Leinen rounds out the top 10 and is a player who excels on the outside whether he is in tight or loose alignment. When opponents load the box he has demonstrated excellent ability on the edge. Leinen does well fighting direct pressure and getting flat down the line off the backs of Offensive Linemen when action goes away. When playing from depth Leinen has shown the athleticism and speed to both cover and make open field tackles. One play that really speaks to how good he already is came against Valley when he worked a shock and shed on a Tight End and made a tackle for no gain on Split Zone.