Under the Radar Series: 2023 Mississippi Linebackers
The goal of the Under the Radar (UTR) Series is to highlight hidden gems at certain positions in Mississippi football. UTR will illuminate a path of introducing prospects whom have had little to no exposure, or who may have just simply, flown under the radar. Within the sport of football, linebackers are a commodity that is situationally expendable. When it comes to the general recruitment of linebackers, most true talent at the position is often overlooked in respect to other positions. This is a product of easily convertible recruits. Other skilled positions are usually capable of quickly learning to adapt to the duties of the linebacker position. However, there is no shortage of talent in the position from the magnolia state. Here is a list of notable 2023 prospects, by class who have done exceptional things on the gridiron, but may have flown under your radar.
6A
Ny’Jadus Roberts-Holloway 2023 (LB) – Starkville HS
After missing a short stint of his Junior season, Ny’Jadus completed an exceptional season for Starkville High School. His presence helped the yellow jackets to a 3rd round play-off push. Roberts-Holloway is a guy with relentless pursuit and a knack for shedding blocks. The plays he makes are violent at the point of attack. Ny’Jadus often knives through the trash within the box easily on plays that he makes. This guy as a naturally instinctive football player who will only improve heading into his senior campaign.
Jacquavyian Carter Jacquavyian Carter 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Clinton | 2023 State MS 2023 (LB) – Clinton HS
Jacquavyian is any high school Defensive Coordinator’s dream. He plays ILB, OLB, and DE, so this guy’s physical presence alone is disruptive. Carter moves well from sideline to sideline as a tool/glue guy. He is used to rush the passer, blitz, set the edge, and in pass coverage. Jacquavyian excels in all of these aspects of defending. I am certain that Coach Judd Boswell will find even more ways to get him involved on the defensive side of the ball.
Johnnie Evans 2023 (OLB) – Oak Grove HS
Johnnie Evans finds ways to impact the game other than what is on the stat sheet. Johnnie understands spacing and match ups. This 2023 prospect is always around the football, which is right where he is supposed to be. He is a witty football player that approaches each snap in an anticipatory manner. With a productive off-season, Evans will be an immediate contributor to the Warriors defense.
5A
Tommy Kelly Jr. 2023 (LB) – Provine HS
Kelly is a physical presence that all defensive coaches appreciate with a passion. His intense and physical nature is surely a product of genetics and hard work. I was most impressed by Tommy’s ability to viciously pursue the ball carrier. Kelly’s defensive instinct and prowess, I am sure, is passed down. Tommy is the son of former Mississippi State University and NFL defensive tackle Tommy Kelly. The 6’0, 220lb linebacker is a true prototype for the position, he is smart, physical, fast, and approaches the game with a controlled aggression that jumped out on all of his tape I have viewed. Keep an eye out for Tommy Kelly Jr.
Beau Holley 2023 (OLB/DE) – Neshoba Central HS
If there was a guy that I wanted to give the technician award to on this list, it would be Beau Holley. Holley is yet another athlete on this list that excels at multiple defensive positions. He has good tape at LB, OLB, DE, and covering guys in the slot. He carries a chip on his shoulder when wrangling down defenders to make plays for his defense. Holley averaged almost 6 tackles per game year for Neshoba Central, and was a reliable defender that always came up with big plays in even bigger moments. Beau Holley will make an immediate impact, if given the chance at the next level.
Dillon Richburg 2023 (OLB/FS) – Gautier HS
Dillon Richburg is a guy that is slightly undersized for his position, but it does not impede his production and effectiveness. Richburg makes up for his slightly smaller frame with being an intuitively gifted defender, as well as possessing speed and agility similar to that of a defensive back. The Gautier native boasts a 40 time of 4.56 with a shuttle of 4.4. Dillon will likely fit into a system playing nickle, star, or free safety, but his experience playing in the box will award him with sense of physicality.
4A
Jordan Gowdy 2023 (LB) – West Lauderdale HS
Gowdy is the prototypical LB prospect that has a very high ceiling. The ability to run from sideline to sideline that Gowdy posses is not common for guys with his size. Jordan is a physical specimen to behold and this shows in his style of play. This strong, but agile, kid is effective at generating QB pressure from the inside and outside linebacker positions. After a stellar junior season, he is looking to cap of his career with peak production is his senior campaign
Trevor Bond 2023 (OLB) – Stone HS
Trevor Bond is a head hunter on this list who highly under-looked. Bond’s closing speed and quick twitch ability are what separates him from others on this list. My words do not do this kids athletic abilities justice. He can play all three linebacker positions and defensive end due to his closing speed alone, but he would be a defensive coaches dream for a 3-5 outside linebacker. Trevor has to continue working on his technique this off-season along with adding a few pounds. This kid will be a real problem on the next level!
Caleb Dunaway 2023 (OLB/DE) – Lawrence County HS
As another prototypical mold guy, Caleb Dunaway is trending to become an immediate impact player talent wise. At 6’2 195lbs, he moves like a fox to avoid any oncoming blockers in his way. Caleb has the instincts of a natural football player. The kids motor is amazing, and it seems as if he is playing football with his switch on high. Football is high on his priority, its easily readable with how he approaches each snap. Dunaway is relentless effort type of guy who is slowly becoming a chase down artist on the backside of defensive fronts. Caleb Dunaway will definitely break ground in recruiting and be seen as an immediate impact guy come this fall.
3A
Braxton Arnold 2023 (LB) – Byhalia HS
This Byhalia native is another natural ball hunter who is a big play waiting to happen on defense. Arnold averaged almost 9 tackles a game as a junior, and was a stat sheet stuffer that handled a lot of the dirty work for his defense. At 6’2 185lbs, he may be playing out of position. I say this because with how he approaches the game; he will likely make a great strong safety one day. Playing at the linebacker position allows Braxton to use his athleticism to easily sift through defenders to make effortless defensive players. Watch out for Braxton Arnold in 2022!
Quantarrion Harrington 2023 (OLB/DE) – Noxubee County HS
Quantarrion Harrington is a physically dominating presence that can play any position inside of the box. Harrington has a combination of speed, strength, and awareness that are imperative to his success. The technique that this kid possesses along with his natural abilities is what separates him. Quantarrion is another immediate impact guy that has a high ceiling once he is given the chance. Once you give him that chance you won’t be sorry
Kenzarius Williams 2023 (LB) – Hazlehurst HS
Kenzarius is a ’tweener, if there ever was one, but this kid does not play like it. Williams plays bigger than his body and frame. The guy flies around the field. He somehow finds a way to be around the ball or near the play when it is being made. He will make a squad with his ability to pursue alone. Kenzarius flies to the football relentlessly for four quarters. Watch out for him as a senior, he will have a productive senior year.
2A
Kelon Rhodes 2023 (LB) – Lake HS
Kelon Rhodes is 6’0, rangy kid who was a late bloomer, and is a raw talent. He runs to the football really well, but has issues getting through the trash at times. Kelon is violent at the point of attack. When tackling he often sells out to be sure the play is made. With Rhodes’ long build and ability to run sideline to sideline, he will be a great outside linebacker for the Hornets this fall.
Jonny Harper 2023 (OLB) – Baldwyn HS
Mr.Harper size is the biggest advantage he has. The big bodied defender moves well for his size. He plays WR and OLB and it correlates to how polished his game is. The majority of his highlights,stats, and attributes listed pertain to the offensive side of the ball, but his size and skill set are on the trajectory of that of a college LB. Jonny will have a breakout year on his senior campaign. Keep an eye out for this kid.
Devon Baskin 2023 (OLB) – Kemper County HS
The one and only Devon Baskin. This guy is a complete stud who has a high ceiling at multiple positions. Devon’s junior year was mostly filled with snaps and stats of him featured playing OLB/DE. This is exactly where he excels. The kid is a match up nightmare for any offensive tackle or tight end that he faces. Often times, he is too powerfully over bearing for smaller oppent, or the guy is too agile and quick for bigger offensive opponents. Baskin uses his hands well when engaged in combat, and is very physical at the point of attack. His senior campaign will be more of the same.
1A
Jonathan Nicholson 2023 (OLB) – South Delta HS
Nicholson is a stat sheet stuffer, whose presence warrants attention at all times. Jonathan averaged 12 tackles a game for South Delta High School last season. His overall game is well rounded. Nicholson does so much for his squad on defense that his offensive skills are often overlooked. The 2023 prospect averaged 8.3 yards a carry as a running back as well. This offseason he should focuses on fine tuning technique and what he lacks, which is not much, he will be a breakout player next season.
DaByron Conerly 2023 (LB) – Lumberton HS
DaByron Conerly is a sparkplug, leader, and overall hunter the football. Even at a program filled with these types of players, this guy stands out. He is a bit undersize, Similar to other defenders on this list, but DaByron has a natural nose for the football. His size and game as a whole would translate him to playing nickel-back on the next level. I am looking forward to see how DaByron can grow his stock next season.
Ethan Wright 2023 (LB) – French Camp Academy
Ethan Wright does not find himself on the sidelines much. The 2023 prospect plays offense and defense for French Camp, and is a constant contributor on both sides of the ball. Wright is a two sport athlete who was among the states leading tacklers last season, finishing 4th overall with 147 tackles(92 solo). Whether he repeats that type of stellar season or not, there is a lot to find out about Ethan’s overall game and consistency going into his senior year.