Deep Sleepers: 2023 Fullbacks and Linebackers

Photo: Elvis Kariuki Hudl

Paul Gregorian March 16, 2022 @ 02:33 PM

The state as a whole has some very talented linebackers and in the box players that are extremely physical Below, we will highlight some offerless linebackers and fullbacks from across the region that are poised to have stellar Senior seasons and should be collecting their first offer sooner rather than later. <hr />   FB/LB [player_tooltip player_id="202544" first="Zac" last="Abshire"], Central Valley HS Abshire is a tough and physical player that is a bit of a throwback thumper. He should find his home at the inside linebacker position and can make a big impact at the college level. He is a very instinctual player that displayed good toughness and position versatility during his Junior season while very strong at the POA. A tough and physical runner, he runs through first contact and has good pad level and forward lean through the first level. As he moves through his Senior season, he should start to see some D-III+ schools show interest.   LB Elvis Kariuki, Emerald Ridge HS One of the biggest gems still available across the state, Kariuki is a very active linebacker that can play both inside and outside linebacker and has very active hands and an explosive first step. Off the ball, he plays with a heavy strike and can get off blocks quickly while not losing ground and locking out blockers. He shows good downfield speed and can tackle in space, while taking good angles to ball carriers in between the tackles.   LB [player_tooltip player_id="155561" first="Matai" last="Sarte"], Fife HS Sarte is a true Mike backer and could also find himself on the edge in college due to his natural size, strength and heavy hands. A true downhill thumper he has a quick trigger and shows strong block destruction skills and runs through blockers full speed while a strong tackler both in the box and in the open field. A true vertical run stopper, he can drop in coverage if needed and cover bigger tight ends/receivers but his ability to play the run, bend around the edge and pass rush really separates him from other players.   FB [player_tooltip player_id="202534" first="Beckett" last="Swanson"], O’Dea HS Swanson plays both fullback and linebacker for one of the top teams in the state and could find his home at either position in college, depending on the level of play. From his fullback position, he has the ideal build and size to get underneath defenders and kick out violently while showing good leg drive through contact and finishing linebackers and defensive ends consistently. He is also a natural bender out of his stance and explodes without giving up speed through the hole. In the right system, he could be a very effective fullback at the next level and is one of the best in the region.