Buy Stock: Rising Senior Linebackers
Typically, the linebacker position is the field general of a defense. They make all the in-game checks and relay it to their fellow defenders. They are irreplaceable teammates who make their presence felt from start to finish. The young men…
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Continue ReadingTypically, the linebacker position is the field general of a defense. They make all the in-game checks and relay it to their fellow defenders. They are irreplaceable teammates who make their presence felt from start to finish. The young men featured in this piece were standouts from the 2021 season but have yet to receive much attention. Keep a watchful eye on them as I anticipate them to fill up the stat sheet yet again and expect to see their stock soar.
Zander Hopkins, 6’1″, 210, Tallmadge
A physical inside linebacker with a quick trigger once he reads run. Hopkins showed a ton of play strength, easily disengaging on blocks and making tackles at the second level. He has active hands as a blitzer and an exceptionally high motor on pass rush downs.
Isaiah Johnson, 6′, 200 Elyria
The first thing that jumped out to me about Johnson was the pure burst and closing speed. This young man can close ground in an instant and bring opposing ball carriers to the turf in a nasty way. He’s more than adept in coverage and reads the quarterback’s intentions more like a safety than a linebacker.
Landon Charles, 6’3″, 195, Ursuline
Charles’ frame and athleticism make him a really intriguing prospect in my eyes. He played a ton as a walked up 3-4 outside linebacker, showing a quick first step and solid bend. He’s loosed hipped in zone coverage and uses his long arms to get hands-on shiftier wide receivers to delay their release.
Tony Grasso, 5’11”, 205, Elyria Catholic
An instinctive inside linebacker with sure hands and excellent acceleration. Grasso fires through the first level like a missile; he’ll hit on a rise, roll his hips, and never stop his feet on contact. This young man is so twitchy on tape and will consistently make plays against the run or pass. To me, he could be a huge steal for someone.
Chris Karr, 6’1″, 195, Reynoldsburg
A true sideline to sideline runner that can get skinny through blocks on the inside. Karr will chase the football after it’s thrown and take quality angles to ensure the tackle. Right now, he plays on the inside, but I think he projects more as a sam based on his size and god-given athleticism.
Trey Hoover, 6′, 215, Buckeye Local
A crafty blitzer that always seems to find a way to get to the quarterback. Hoover sifts down the line once the ball is handed off and will deliver a serious blow on impact. He’s an old-school mike linebacker and an a gap plugger that is willing to meet any back in the hole at any moment.
Beau Gromley, 6’1″, 220, Tallmadge
I loved Gromley’s mixture of physicality and positional versatility. This is a kid who can easily line up in the box and stop the run or be an apex defender & make plays in space. He plays a smart brand of football, trusting his eyes and reading his keys, and isn’t easily fooled off play-action.