Recruits on the Rise: 2023 Inside Linebackers
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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. It is known that the defensive signal-caller is a role typically bestowed…
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Continue ReadingOnce 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.
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.
Below are seven inside-backers who are prime recruiting candidates, some have begun to receive serious attention and offers from Division I programs.
Tai Faavae Tai Faavae 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB Fountain-Fort Carson | 2023 State CO | Fountain-Fort Carson | 6’0”, 218lbs
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.
Check out Tai Faavae's Junior regular season on @Hudl https://t.co/fTEQSr6yAZ #hudl @coachmarksmith @CoachABohl @IMcGrew @GrizCoachGreen @CoachRRouse @CoachKyleKrantz @CoachSeanCronin @coachstanard @spedbraet @CoachMikeTui @BobbyB_AF @CoachDaft @K12Elite @CoachReinholz @ttherzog
— Emmanuel “Tai” Faavae (@TaiFaavae) November 11, 2021
Ishmael Aceves Jr Ishmael Aceves Jr 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Mullen | 2023 State CO | Mullen | 6’2”, 215lbs
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.
Check out my Junior Year Highlights!! 69 solo tackles 113 total @jrbennet @Coach_Kratch @arl_football @coachscottyd @TysonVeidt @coachmarksmith @pmaye27 @BobbyB_AF @AndyWangCU https://t.co/O9lDX72lvN
— Ishmael Aceves Jr_49 (@IshmaelAcevesJr) November 24, 2021
Zach Lewis Zach Lewis 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Fairview | 2023 State CO | Fairview | 6’2”, 220lbs
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.
Check out my End of Year Highlights for the regular season! Here are my stats for 9 games played:
Defense: 75 solo tackles 105 total
Offense: 637 yards and 6TD’s
@warriorqbcoach @jrbennet @hansundfranz @coachmarksmith @cdorrell18
– https://t.co/SGLOw3TZPQ— Zach Lewis (@Zachlewis2023) November 2, 2021
Brett Alvey Brett Alvey 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB Pine Creek | 2023 State CO | Pine Creek | 6’0”, 220lbs
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.
We came up short of our goal of winning state, but fought our way to the final four after being unranked in the preseason. Thank you to my teammates and my coaches for an amazing season!@pinecreek_fb @WeArePineCreek
Junior Season Highlights:https://t.co/Wgqc0uG4Z5
— Brett Alvey (@brettalvey34) November 29, 2021
Ezran Rice Ezran Rice LB Cherry Creek | 2023 State CO | Cherry Creek | 5’9”, 200lbs
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.
https://twitter.com/EzranRice/status/1456716478309404678?s=20&t=O8-cV1MFWEoXmFapMaYVLA
Cade Thomas Cade Thomas 5'11" | 195 lbs | LB Chatfield | 2023 State CO | Chatfield | 5’11”, 195lbs
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.
Cade Thomas #45-JR Season Highlights
– 2yr Starter at Mike LB (Defense signal caller)
– 2yr All Conference Honors
– Jr State Championship Team, 1st in League in Tackles, 5th in State (132 tackles, 10.2 tackles/pg)
– 2 Time Academic All-State@Hudl https://t.co/wiuWkRmUjC #hudl— Cade Thomas (@CadeThomas45) January 15, 2022
Dylan Lindgren Dylan Lindgren 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB Loveland | 2023 State CO | Loveland | 6’0”, 195lbs
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.
https://twitter.com/dylanlindgren5/status/1467901549892407298?s=20&t=O8-cV1MFWEoXmFapMaYVLA