Recruits on the Rise: 2023 Inside Linebackers

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Once again, it is that time of the year when recruiting ramps up and players from the incoming senior class become the focal point of college recruiting boards.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">It is known that the defensive signal-caller is a role typically bestowed upon the middle linebacker, making the Mike-backer a field-general. Every defensive scheme needs inside linebackers, especially ones who can drop into coverage just as well as they can scrape and fill against the run.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Below are seven inside-backers who are prime recruiting candidates, some have begun to receive serious attention and offers from Division I programs.</span> &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>[player_tooltip player_id="62220" first="Tai" last="Faavae"] | Fountain-Fort Carson | 6’0”, 218lbs</b></span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Faavae is the number one-ranked linebacker, seventh-ranked player overall, who has been a high-flier on the radar for quite some time. He has lightning speed and pursuit abilities that appear to be almost perfect, complemented by his sure-tackling and devastating hits. Faavae received his first college offer at the beginning of February and has added five D1 offers to his bag.</span> [embed]https://twitter.com/TaiFaavae/status/1458839401069432832?s=20&t=O8-cV1MFWEoXmFapMaYVLA[/embed] &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>[player_tooltip player_id="150075" first="Ishmael" last="Aceves Jr"] | Mullen | 6’2”, 215lbs</b></span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Aceves Jr is a highly talented athlete who plays with a chip on his shoulder. He has a warrior mentality that allows him to play angry with dominating physicality. He re-routes receivers with extreme prejudice, sometimes decleating them while checking underneath routes. Aceves is a tough player who holds the third-ranked LB spot, two D1 offers, and a rapidly rising popularity as a recruiting prospect.</span> [embed]https://twitter.com/IshmaelAcevesJr/status/1463338416951627776?s=20&t=O8-cV1MFWEoXmFapMaYVLA[/embed] &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>[player_tooltip player_id="150076" first="Zach" last="Lewis"] | Fairview | 6’2”, 220lbs</b></span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Lewis is the fifth-ranked LB in the class who is on the brink of seeing a jump in popularity as a college recruit. He has good speed and great eyes, mixing perfectly with his textbook pursuit and tackling abilities. His coverage skills help to make him an ideal option for any defensive scheme. Lewis recently received his first D1 offer from Coastal Carolina, instantly raising his stock value as a recruit.</span> [embed]https://twitter.com/Zachlewis2023/status/1455639556586229761?s=20&t=O8-cV1MFWEoXmFapMaYVLA[/embed] &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>[player_tooltip player_id="22783" first="Brett" last="Alvey"] | Pine Creek | 6’0”, 220lbs</b></span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Alvey is the fourth-ranked LB who is beginning to see an uptick in recruiting attention. He is a downhill player with sure-tackling abilities and a nose for the football. Alvey is a physical player who creates contact and finishes his tackles, earning him attention from a few programs.</span> [embed]https://twitter.com/brettalvey34/status/1465311472930549763?s=20&t=O8-cV1MFWEoXmFapMaYVLA[/embed] &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>[player_tooltip player_id="150073" first="Ezran" last="Rice"] | Cherry Creek | 5’9”, 200lbs</b></span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Rice is the seventh-ranked LB and a two-time 5A state champion. He plays with good pad level and has an explosive first step. He possesses the versatility needed to drop into coverage or line up in a four-point-stance and fire off from the nose position. Rice is still a low-flier on the radar, but he is a player with excellent potential.</span> [embed]https://twitter.com/EzranRice/status/1456716478309404678?s=20&t=O8-cV1MFWEoXmFapMaYVLA[/embed] &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>[player_tooltip player_id="150077" first="Cade" last="Thomas"] | Chatfield | 5’11”, 195lbs</b></span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Thomas is another talented LB who is still a little under the radar. He has a tremendous lateral step, helping him change direction well and take proper angles. He reads plays well, and makes adjustments on the fly. Thomas is the eighth-ranked LB coming off of a 4A championship-winning season, making him a player to watch this fall.</span> [embed]https://twitter.com/CadeThomas45/status/1482176502825320449?s=20&t=O8-cV1MFWEoXmFapMaYVLA[/embed] &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>[player_tooltip player_id="304728" first="Dylan" last="Lindgren"] | Loveland | 6’0”, 195lbs</b></span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Lindgren is a relentless pursuer with an unstoppable motor. He has disciplined eyes and makes significant adjustments. He does a fantastic fill-and-replace job when playing as the backside backer. Lindgren is another under-the-radar player who is making his way into the recruiting spotlight.</span> [embed]https://twitter.com/dylanlindgren5/status/1467901549892407298?s=20&t=O8-cV1MFWEoXmFapMaYVLA[/embed]