Class of ‘23 Breakdown: Linebackers

We’re keeping this Class of ’23 Breakdown series moving along, as we stay on the defensive side of the ball in this third edition to focus on some of the linebackers in the class. This position group is possibly the deepest in the Class of ’23. With 19 backers ranked inside the Top 150, it’s safe to say recruiters will have plenty of options to pick from. But in this piece we’ll be highlighting these five backers that are looking to build off an impressive 2021 season. [player_tooltip player_id="87674" first="Sean" last="Anderson"] – Norton, 6’4”, 210 We’ll begin this third breakdown by taking a look at a tackling machine out of northwestern Kansas. Anderson was arguably the heart and soul of the Bluejays’ program this past season, especially on defense. He led Norton in tackles by a wide margin, as he racked up 135 total, with 78 of them being solo tackles. His strong junior campaign earned him his second 2A All-State Honorable Mention selection. No matter what, Anderson some how always found his way to the football. He anchored the middle of the defense for the Bluejays and was a stonewall against the run. Anderson would do a good job of reading where the play was going and then he’d put himself in position to clog running lanes. It’d be interesting to see him line up as a 5-Tech so he could use his length to his advantage. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GtjC2">http://www.hudl.com/v/2GtjC2</a> [player_tooltip player_id="259757" first="Nathan" last="Fury"] – Kapaun Mt. Carmel, 6’1”, 205 Fury is on track to be one of the top backers in all of Class 5A during the ’22 season, especially after the year he had as a junior. The Crusaders’ defense was a solid unit this past fall, and Fury played a key role in them allowing only 15 points per game. After piling up 134 total tackles on the year, Fury was named a 1st Team 5A All-State selection and he earned 1st Team All-City League honors. One of the most impressive aspects of Fury’s game is his ability to flow to the football. Fury possesses excellent vision which prevents him from being fooled by misdirection plays. He can quickly identify the ball carrier and flies in. On top this, Fury is also a great open field tackler. He makes sure to take the right angles of pursuit and sizes up the opposition. He may be the 122nd ranked prospect right now, but he’s due for a higher ranking in the next update. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GUKDq">http://www.hudl.com/v/2GUKDq</a> [player_tooltip player_id="246335" first="Wyatt" last="Conklin"] – Washburn Rural, 6’2”, 200 [player_tooltip player_id="35664" first="Ty" last="Weber"] typically makes the headlines for the Jr. Blues defense, but folks need to learn about another standout backer from Rural. Conklin does his damage coming off the edge at outside linebacker. He was an All-Centennial League Honorable Mention selection and he was one of our Top Performers during the Regional Round of the playoffs. Conklin ended his junior year with 64 total tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups. Once the ball is snapped, Conklin is flying off the edge at 100 mph. His quickness off the line makes it difficult for tackles to get a hand on him, and if he’s left unattended, then it’s open season for Conklin. Another impressive part of Conklin’s game is his athleticism. He not only can track down ball carriers in the backfield, but he’s also good about jumping up to cause batted passes. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GUHYL">http://www.hudl.com/v/2GUHYL</a> [player_tooltip player_id="246097" first="Mason" last="LHeureux"] – Piper, 6’2”, 180 LHeureux is the third backer in this article that eclipsed the century mark for total tackles during the ’21 campaign. He made sure to be involved in just about every play, as he led the Pirates with 120 total tackles on the season, and he also came up with one sack and five forced fumbles. This earned the 16th ranked backer a 1st Team All-Frontier League selection. He’ll be one of Piper’s top defensive players this year and could potentially earn All-State honors. Something that sticks out from LHeureux’s film is his toughness. He may be a bit undersized for a linebacker, but he doesn’t back down against anyone. LHeureux excels at maneuvering past offensive linemen, and he possesses a long reach to wrap up ball carriers. He’s a player that Piper can rely on to play as an interior backer or off the edge. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GUFZw">http://www.hudl.com/v/2GUFZw</a> [player_tooltip player_id="166991" first="Connor" last="Falkner"] – Blue Valley SW, 6’0”, 190 With the Timberwolves graduating two triple-digit tacklers, they’ll be looking for someone to step up and become a leader for their defense. Falkner could be just the man for the job. He finished the ’21 season fourth on the team in total tackles with 56 on the year; nine of which were for a loss, and he forced two fumbles and had one sack. He may not have been an All-League selection as a junior, but that should change during the ’22 season. Falkner proved to be one of the Timberwolves’ most versatile defenders this past season. The junior saw time at middle linebacker, outside backer, and defensive end. Some things Falkner does well is shooting gaps, fighting through blocks, and timing his blitzes. His strength and athleticism are also underrated aspects of his game. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GWZaT">http://www.hudl.com/v/2GWZaT</a>