2024 Indiana Linebackers With Star Potential
Today we’re looking at another set of Linebackers in the 2024 class who are playmakers! All of these guys are exciting recruits with a tremendous amount of upside who check a ton of boxes. We’re also looking at what their…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingToday we’re looking at another set of Linebackers in the 2024 class who are playmakers! All of these guys are exciting recruits with a tremendous amount of upside who check a ton of boxes. We’re also looking at what their futures may hold as their High School careers wind down over the next 2 years.
Owen Bright – Center Grove – LB – 6’0″ 200lbs
Bright is an explosive player with an even more exciting first burst. He’s athletic enough to play down near the ball and stick in run fits, explode past tackles, and get home. Center Grove likes to keep him as close to the LOS as possible because he brings a nervous energy to the offensive line. When Bright is in the box, you can see the offensive line tighten up and start to play a bit more on edge. Bright is still then explosive enough that he can flip his hips and drop back into coverage and not be behind. You never know what he’s doing from play to play. When he blitzes, he can bend around the edge, split gaps, or bull rush. When he drops back in coverage, he plays patient, sometimes too patient, and can get caught flat-footed or short in coverage. However, he’s great at reading the quarterback’s eyes and making a play on the ball when it’s in his area. Bright then becomes very aggressive and will try to jump the route. When he gets his hands on the ball, he’s coming down with it and is going to try taking it back for 6. Bright is also sound in most of his mechanics. He’s a good tackler, understands how to come to balance, and attacks the outside hip. When he commits to something, there’s no going back and he’s coming downhill full speed and making the play. I would like to see him add some weight so he could pack a bigger punch on some of his hits. Bright is able to do just about everything you’d want an outside backer to do. He’s athletic, versatile, and a smart player. If they aren’t already, the offers will come hot and heavy soon enough.
Tate Keller – Vincennes Lincoln – LB – 5’11″ 175lbs
Keller is a very instinctive player who understands how to make plays and where to be. When he’s coming downhill, he’s able to split gaps and get into the backfield even when you don’t think there’s enough room to do so. He knows how to shed blocks and extend to the opposite gap and make the play. For a guy who stands at 5’11″, Keller has fairly long arms and is able to reach and latch onto defenders further away than they anticipate. Once he gets his hands on a guy, he’s not letting go until they end up on the ground. In the passing game, Keller is currently much better in zone than he is in man coverage. He’s athletic enough to run with most guys he comes across in coverage so and has the loose hips you like to see. I do think right now Keller is on the slender side of things and it can cost him deep in the trenches from time to time. I’d like to see him really bulk up because it’ll help him continue to be a more well-rounded player. He’s explosive now, but that will only add to the explosiveness he has. I do also think his footwork is in need of some cleaning up as well. Keller is still learning what he can do and he’s only getting better every time he steps on the field. The best part is when he’s on the field he’s a high motor guy. You’re going to get everything he’s got and you won’t catch him loafing. While I do think there’s some physical development to be done, I not only have the confidence he gets there, but that exceeds those expectations. Keller is a grinder and understands what it takes to be successful at the next level. I expect by the time his senior year comes around, he’ll multiple offers and can pick the best fit for him.
Braydon Durham – Heritage Hills – LB – 6’0″ 190lbs
Durham is a versatile player who is able to do a lot for Heritage Hills. He moves all over the defense and can do just about everything they ask of him. It doesn’t matter where they line him up, he’s going to be around the ball when the play ends. Sometimes it feels like he teleports to the ball because there’s no way he should be in the play but sure enough, he always is. All kidding aside, it’s because Durham is such a smart player. He’s able to see what’s developing in front of him and then anticipate the play and be 1 step ahead of the offense. While I’m not sure if he’s one getting the play calls and getting his guys lined up, he could be, and he should be. Durham is also very light on his feet and keeps them moving. You won’t catch him flat-footed or crossing his feet. He’s a sound tackler and is typically able to wrap up and win his 1 on 1’s in the open field. I would like to see him add some weight and bulk up some over the next few years. He’s a bit lighter than I’d prefer right now but I think he’s someone who can easily add the weight without an issue. Durham is able to split some gaps and explode into the backfield and layout the ball carrier in the run game. He’s able to step back in coverage and either run zone or man. While he’s not quite coached up there yet, he’s not far away. Durham’s upside and ability to play is clear as day. Over the next 2 seasons, if he’s able to continue developing like he is, he’s going to be one of the better LBs in the state, if he’s not already.
Toreeq Oyesigi Toreeq Oyesigi 6'1" | 220 lbs | DB Ben Davis Highschool | 2024 State IN – Ben Davis – LB/ATH – 6’0″ 185lbs
Oyesigi is a fantastic athlete who is lengthy and can cover a ton of ground. He’s got long strides, is really quick, and is flexible enough to bend around the edge like a DE when he rushes the passer on the outside. He’s got the speed to run with most TEs and RBs in man coverage without an issue. Zone is never an issue for him because he’s such a fluid and natural athlete. While I do think he tends to play a bit too soft in man coverage, I think it’s because he’s still getting the feel on how to close without being too early and getting a DPI call. Oyesigi is really solid in the running game and is able to fill gaps, split some others, and make the play. He’s explosive enough on first contact when he’s rushing to blow guys back as well. I do think he could bulk up some and add some weight to help that become more consistent, but it’s something that will come with time. He usually plays with good leverage and is able to get underneath the pads of the guy he’s going up against at the line. When he commits, he’s going 100mph and is not turning back. He trusts what he sees and is going to do everything he can to be the one to make the play. He’s a sound tackler and won’t miss many open-field attempts. As athletic, twitchy, and rangy as he is, schools are going to take notice. He’s someone you could even move to Safety if you wanted to and some schools may seem his as such. I anticipate by the time he wraps up his high school career, he’ll have a number of offers to play at the next level.