Under the Radar: 2024 Linebackers

Wednesday means it is time for our weekly article where we put a focus on prospects that are currently flying under the radar. The position grouping that we are taking a look at this week is the class of 2024 linebackers. The linebacker position is a talented one in the state of Arkansas, so it is easy to at times fly under the radar. We are going to take a look at a few linebackers poised for a big season in 2022. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="149598" first="Eli" last="Whitaker"] -Greenwood-5’11” 175-Pounds</strong> One of the most intense linebackers that I have watched film on is [player_tooltip player_id="149598" first="Eli" last="Whitaker"]. Whitaker has an extremely high motor and efforts to be in on every tackle. He is tenacious in the pursuit of the ball carrier. Whitaker does a good job of fighting off blocks and getting into the offensive backfield. The Greenwood linebacker is going to be a prospect to keep an eye on this season. Whitaker has the potential to do some big things and his versatility will serve him well over the course of the 2022 season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="149607" first="Ryan" last="White"]-Little Rock Mills-5’10” 190-Pounds</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="149607" first="Ryan" last="White"] is one of the most versatile linebackers in the class of 2024. He does an excellent job of using his speed to get to the ball carrier. Last season, White amassed 65 tackles, two sacks, seven tackles for loss, one interception, and one forced fumble. He has a nose for the football and does an impressive job of getting to the football. White should have a strong 2022 season and open some eyes in the process. He has the potential to light up Friday nights in the fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="260882" first="Noah" last="Janski"]-Fayetteville-5’11” 175-Pounds</strong> Janski does an excellent job of reading the play and exploding into the offensive backfield. He has good speed and if not accounted for can terrorize an opponent’s rushing attack. Janski is impressive at pressuring the quarterback and affecting the pass. The Fayetteville Bulldog has the potential to have a strong season for a Fayetteville defense that is going to be looking for some players to step up this season. Look for Janski to continue to be all over the field this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="274949" first="Richard" last="Cunningham"]-Hope-5’9” 212-Pounds</strong> The Hope linebacker does a great job of getting into the opponent’s backfield. Cunningham does an impressive job of being able to fend off blocks and haul down the ball carrier. He causes problems for the opponent’s passing game with how quickly he can get into the backfield. Cunningham makes sure he gets his arms into the passing lanes to bat down passes, should he not be able to get to the quarterback. Cunningham has the potential to have a strong season in 2022. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="205755" first="Cooper" last="Jones"]-Little Rock Christian-6’2” 205-Pounds</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="205755" first="Cooper" last="Jones"] is never caught out of position. He will either make the tackle or he will pick off the pass. Opposing offenses have a difficult time attempting to block him. Jones is a player that gets into the backfield with impressive quickness. He has tremendous versatility and can play the linebacker spot or move to the safety position. Jones has the potential to explode this season from a recruiting perspective and Little Rock Christian should have a strong season in the process.