Under The Radar: Linebackers – 2023
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As we continue on the defensive side of the ball for the Under The Radar series, we’ll be taking a dive into three players at the linebacker position who, I believe, are deserving of more attention on the recruiting trail. With that…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue on the defensive side of the ball for the Under The Radar series, we’ll be taking a dive into three players at the linebacker position who, I believe, are deserving of more attention on the recruiting trail. With that being said, here’s a look at three linebackers in the class of 2023 who I feel are deserving of more attention on the recruiting trail.
Under the Radar Linebackers
Dylan Lindgren, Loveland Red Wolves (LB)(Jr.)(52) – Lindgren was huge piece of the Red Wolves defense in 2021, (One of the better 4A programs) but is currently unranked as a prospect, which is rather remarkable considering he was the 11th leading tackler in the state for the 2021 season and has the requisite frame (6’1, 190 lbs) that he can grow into in college. Diving into Lindgren’s stats from his junior year, he accounted for an incredible 133 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 2 pass deflections, and a forced fumble. When you watch Lindgren on tape, you can see he displays an outstanding nose for being around the ball. High motor, intelligent LB that is rarely out of position; whether dropping into zone/man coverage or maintaining his gap responsibilities in run support. Displays outstanding pop/strength at the point-of-contact with the ball carrier. Shows good form at the point-of-contact with the ball carrier, consistently getting his head across the core of the ball carrier, wrapping his arms, and driving his legs through contact. Smart, relentless LB that can play every facet of the position at a high level. Projects as either an in the box safety or a LB at the collegiate level. Lindgren playing with, arguably, the state’s most productive defensive player last season in Ian Loomis Ian Loomis 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Loveland | 2022 State CO could explain his lower recruiting profile, but regardless, there’s no reason a player of his caliber should be completely unranked. With Loomis graduating, we should expect Lindgren to take another step in his development.
Colby Runner Colby Runner LB Severance | 2023 State CO , Severance Silver Knights (LB)(Jr.)(24) – Runner easily had one of the better seasons of any LB in the state during the 2021 season. When you review the numbers from his junior year, Runner accounted for 124 tackles, a remarkable 21 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. To say he was a truly dominant force for the Silver Knights defense would be an understatement. When you first turn on the film, you can see that Runner fits the mold of a modern LB, displaying average size but exceptional athleticism. Prototypical sideline-to-sideline LB that can easily cover TEs and even some WRs downfield. His outstanding athleticism/foot speed also allows him to buzz and cover RBs leaking out of the backfield and into the flat. Excellent on blitz calls as he can quickly identify his gap responsibility and fill it well. Deceptive pass rusher that has an excellent feel for the timing of the snap count, allowing him to speed past slower reacting blockers. Runner is currently rated the number 11 LB and the number 91 player overall for the class of 2023. While he might not be a name that’s higher up in recruiting circles because of the level of competition he plays at, he has the production, tape, and frame (6’1, 200 lbs) that fits the mold of a modern LB. Runner is definitely somebody that a program should take a flyer on. You don’t have that kind of production if you’re not a player worthy of playing at the collegiate level.
Isaac Engle Isaac Engle 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Highlands Ranch | 2023 State CO , Highlands Ranch Falcons (LB)(Jr.)(9) – After the 2021 season was over, Engle finished as the state’s 6th leading tackler for the season, while also being the junior class’s leading tackler as well. Despite all of this, Engle is completely unranked as a recruit, which is practically criminal considering how absolutely dominant he was. Looking at Engle’s stat line from his junior season, he accounted for an eye-popping 140 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, 4 pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and a ridiculous 7 forced fumbles. When you watch Engle’s remarkable season-long performance, you can see his relentless motor is the first thing that stands out. High energy LB that never gives up his pursuit on a ball carrier, even when working backside and chasing ball carriers that are well down field. Great physicality at the point-of contact with would be blockers, using a combination of a low pad level, good hand placement, and strength to shed blockers and make the tackle or continue his pursuit. Rarely takes bad angles, often chasing down faster ball carriers because of this trait alone. Good understanding of gap responsibilities to fill would-be running lanes and take away space for the ball carrier. The Falcons overall as a program haven’t performed well recently, (finishing 1-9 last season at the 5A level and 0-5 in the conference) which could provide some explanation for his under-recruitment. Regardless, for a player of his skill level that has the production, tape, and frame (6’1, 205 lbs) to match to be completely unranked is shocking to say the least. Engle absolutely fits the mold of a collegiate LB and being one of the state’s top defensive performers for the season despite your team finishing 1-9 is something that is certainly deserving of more attention.