New York’s Linebackers to Watch in 2022
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Often referred to as the quarterback of the defense, linebackers are the leaders of the defense and have the most complex roles to play against offenses. Not only do we need our LB’s to have strength, size, and speed, but…
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Continue ReadingOften referred to as the quarterback of the defense, linebackers are the leaders of the defense and have the most complex roles to play against offenses. Not only do we need our LB’s to have strength, size, and speed, but a high football IQ is a must. We look for the ability to make plays in the backfield, cover vertical routes with tight ends, and cover sideline to sideline. This is a big ask for some but for others, it seems they were born to thrive in this position. 2022 class LB Moses Walker Moses Walker 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Erasmus Hall | 2022 State NY of Erasmus Hall in Brooklyn, New York became the first linebacker in over a decade from the state of New York to be ranked in the top 300 in the country. Who was the last? That would be current NY Giant LB Ishaq Williams recruited to Notre Dame by way of Carnarsie High school in Brooklyn. Now let’s take a deeper dive into the Empire State LBs that may have potential to play at the next level.
2023 CLASS
WLB,LB Sean O’Brien, Jamestown
At 6’0 200 pounds, Sean O’Brien is a dynamic athlete who plays several key roles that contribute to his teams’ success. Sean has taken snaps at running back and tight end, making plays with the ball and primarily as a lead block. This seems to only add to his high football IQ as he understands how to play the gaps on the offensive line. Sean was a leading tackler on his team in 2021, second only to his senior teammate as he totaled 128 tackles (57 solo). His 71 assists which is second among all players in the state, shows he plays great team ball along with his pre snap communication. He has the ability to play sideline to sideline and has nose for getting into the backfield totaling 5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss on the year (T-8th most among all athletes). Sean is set to have a breakout senior year as a leader and playmaker in fall 2022.
MLB Barrett Masi, Cornwall Central (New Windsory NY)
Masi is 6’0 195 pounds defender that plays with relentless effort start to whistle. He has tremendous speed and explosion to make plays anywhere on the field as he totals 133 (solo) tackles in 10 games in the 2021 season, second among all athletes. Barrett’s passion and energy on the field combined with great football smarts makes him an exciting player to watch and a sure problem for any team facing him. He can also play the vertical passing game using his speed to stick with any receiver and often using his instincts to deflect passes. He is a headhunter who can find his way in the backfield as a blitzer, stop any ball carrier from entering the second level and can read and react with great tackling ability. Barrett totals 6 sacks in 10 games showing great hands and lateral quickness to shed blocks and move into or along the line of scrimmage to make plays.
ILB Zyian Moultrie, Iona Prep
The 6’3 235 pound phenom is a top prospect with multiple D1 offers so far and here’s why: He has a great ability to diagnose plays with patience and uses his speed to close in on the ball carrier. This is a deadly combination because as a ball carrier you initially think he is out of the play due to blocking but he is patient just enough to and disguises his speed off of blocks and from the box to make plays on the ball. Zyian finishes his junior year with 104 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks making him a key factor for his team’s recent championship for the 2021-22 season. He is one of the most intelligent players of his class, understands his job on the field and make plays just about anywhere. Zyian also had multiple snaps at tailback using his pro size and athleticism to power into the endzone but good luck to any offense trying to advance the ball while he is on the defensive side.
MLB JT Krivinskas JT Krivinskas 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Archbishop Stepinac | 2023 State NY , Archbishop Stepinac
JT is 6’1 220 pound an intelligent athlete who lead the CHSFL in tackles his junior year with 121 (11 per game). He is an excellent tackler who anticipates plays and attacks at the best possible angle. He overbearing strength and explosion to take down any ball carrier and often causing turnovers for them as he tallies 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles on the year and recovering an additional 2 fumbles. JT can shock and shed blocks play great downhill. He also has above average speed to play sideline to sideline. He shows great range just about anywhere on the field and is sure to have a phenomenal season to solidify his talent potential for the next level.
RISING STARS
OLB, MLB Gavin Holman, Long Island Lutheran 2024
Gavin is a 6’1, 210 pounds, strong and explosive linebacker is a born leader with uncanny ability to make plays on any ball carrier. He shows great patience for a linebacker at his age, never biting on play fakes and uses his speed to close in on defenders at great angles. He can play the mike or will linebacker and is nearly unstoppable when shooting the gaps on the blitz. Gavin also shows great tackling ability as he seems to swallow any ball carrier with his pro ready frame and often forcing fumbles. He has 2 along with 2 sacks, 7 TFL, and 58 total sacks during his sophomore season. Watching Gavin play can get any fan fired up and he shows a very high ceiling for growth entering his junior year. He plays with passion and energy and we are definitely expecting another great season for him as he enters his junior year this fall 2022.
LB Lucas Leon, Aquinas Institute 2025
Finishing his freshman year with 89 tackles (60 solo), Lucas Leon is a young phenom that we may just be talking about for years to come. Currently he stands 5’10 and weighing around 200 pounds. He seems to have a natural instincts for the ball and makes adjustments quickly in order to make a play. He has great instincts and ability to play downhill tallying up 8.5 tackles for loss on the 2021-22 season. Lucas is already textbook and if he can continue to build on this type of production after freshman year, the sky is truly the limit for him.