Inside The Rankings: #TN2023 Linebacker Breakdown
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This year’s linebacking corp sits top heavy with a few Power Five game changers and several under the radar D1, FCS level talents sitting right behind them but it’s not as deep as years past however that could change over…
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Continue ReadingThis year’s linebacking corp sits top heavy with a few Power Five game changers and several under the radar D1, FCS level talents sitting right behind them but it’s not as deep as years past however that could change over the next few months.
Here we look at where this position sits within our senior linebacker rankings and breakdown the individual players in our Tennessee Top 150.
1. Caleb Herring Caleb Herring 6'6" | 215 lbs | LB Riverdale | 2023 State TN (6’6 215) – Riverdale
#PRZTN Ranking: 1st Ranked LB; 1st Overall
– Blessed with great size and length along with the athleticism to rush the passer, Herring is ranked not only as the top linebacker in Tennessee but also the best overall prospect from the in-state 2023 class. The Warriors edge defender sports all sorts of upside and potential for the next level and has yet to reach his maximum capabilities, so the future is bright for Herring. This Middle Tennessee product brings a great skill set to his position where he has the ability to rush the backfield but also drop in coverage. Herring is a very athletic and mobile guy that can be utilized in a variety of ways. He recently gave his commitment to Tennessee, where he plans to join his brother ( Elijah Herring Elijah Herring 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Riverdale | 2022 State TN ) in Knoxville and help bring the Vols defense back to a standard of dominance and compete for an SEC East title.
2. Ethan Crisp Ethan Crisp 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Mt. Juliet | 2023 State TN (6’3 210) – Mt. Juliet
#PRZTN Ranking: 2nd Ranked LB; 6th Overall
– Crisp is the best coverage linebacker in the state and one of the best in the country at covering running backs and tight ends out of the backfield and that’s the role he plans to play in college with his time at Vanderbilt. The Golden Bears stud linebacker committed not too long ago to the Commodores and he is excited about his future in the SEC but first, Crisp must run through his senior year and continue to improve his craft. This guy has a variety of skills to translate well to the college game. Crisp can run, he is athletic, his football smarts are at a high level and you won’t find anyone who works harder. This is the ultimate competitor that turns out to be a defensive leader, captain on the next level and Crisp has all those attributes and then some. His best football is definitely ahead of him!
3. Bryan Longwell Bryan Longwell 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Lipscomb Academy | 2023 State TN (6’0 220) – Lipscomb Academy
#PRZTN Ranking: 3rd Ranked LB; 34th Overall
– This Mustangs senior defender is currently viewed as the top inside linebacker prospect from the in-state 2023 class and a guy that I feel is currently underrated and a definite D1 talent. Longwell is an aggressive, fast and physical backer that can run sideline to sideline, making tackles all over the field. He is highly instinctive with a nose for the ball and when he diagnoses the play, Longwell speeds up and doesn’t hesitate towards making the stop. Sporting the size he does, this Middle Tennessee linebacker plays much bigger and shows on the film the ability to run and cover on top of being strong in run support. Longwell holds multiple Group of Five offers but his talents warrant bigger looks and I think that interest comes after a big upcoming summer camp season.
4. Desmond Lockett Desmond Lockett 6'5" | 230 lbs | LB Karns | 2023 State TN (6’5 220) – Karns
#PRZTN Ranking: 4th Ranked LB; 44th Overall
– This guy is one of the more underrated prospects in this state from the 2023 class as Lockett has yet to receive his 1st college offer but that is sure to change very soon. The Beavers stud edge rusher ranks within the #PRZTN Top 50 due his size, length and speed around the edge that translates very well into the college game. Lockett is a big guy with all the physical traits that college coaches like on the edge and he is a product that is far from maxing out on his football abilities. He still needs work with his strength and ability against the run but if you are looking for possibly the best edge rusher in the state, Lockett is your guy. Watch out for this name over the summer camp season as someone that could break out as a national prospect.
5. Taylor Wein Taylor Wein 6'5" | 245 lbs | DL Nolensville | 2023 State TN (6’5 215) – Nolensville
#PRZTN Ranking: 5th Ranked LB; 49th Overall
– Sporting several FCS offers at the moment, Wein is the type of prospect that has the size and overall talents to earn bigger opportunities this summer during camp season and become a hotter name due to his upside and potential on the next level. The Knights edge defender is a big dude that moves well in short spaces along with sporting the length and bend to get after the quarterback. Wein is also quite strong versus the run and sets the edge really well, forcing the runner to come back inside. This Middle Tennessee product shows a lot of traits that translate well to the next level, so I could see Wein adding several big offers down the road as well as rise up in our next updated senior rankings.
6. J’Addison Brown J’Addison Brown 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB Germantown | 2023 TN (6’1 200) – Germantown
#PRZTN Ranking: 6th Ranked LB; 74th Overall
– Fast and athletic. Those are the first immediate traits that stand out about Brown when watching him on film and at this point in the offseason, it’s a surprise he hasn’t received his first college offer. The Red Devils senior linebacker fits well at inside linebacker but he has the athleticism and speed to play outside as well and could stay there too if he shows the ability to cover down field. This is a multi talented linebacker that brings a lot of skills and athletic traits to his position that plays up well on the next level. He does need to keep getting bigger, adding more strength to his frame but he has time to do so and become an absolute force inside the college game. I expect a big senior year from Brown as possibly one of the top tacklers in the state.
7. Tyler Nix Tyler Nix 6'4" | 220 lbs | ATH Beech | 2023 State TN (6’4 210) – Beech
#PRZTN Ranking: 7th Ranked LB; 77th Overall
– Nix is a high potential prospect that sports nice size and length along with a great frame that can take on more weight. He is an active, versatile linebacker that can play inside, stopping the run or swing outside and cover in space. The Buccaneers senior defensive standout had a stellar junior season where he produced at a high level and showed off his abilities to play sideline to sideline football while also causing havoc in the backfield. Nix has the upside to not only rise up in next updated rankings but also pick up some D1 offers down the road, especially if he performs well during camp season this summer. It’s hard to find linebackers who have size and the ability to cover out of the backfield and Nix has those traits along with the potential to develop further over the next few years.
8. Javen Edmiston Javen Edmiston 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Summertown | 2023 TN (6’1 215) – Summertown
#PRZTN Ranking: 8th Ranked LB; 80th Overall
– One of the biggest under the radar linebacker talents that we have in this state is Edmiston and at this juncture with his recruitment, this Eagles defender is lacking those college options but hopefully after a big summer camp season, that will change! Edmiston does hold an offer from Eastern Ky but his talent warrants more options and I think whoever lands this guy will be getting an ultimate worker that could become an impact player on the next level. Edmiston can run! This guy shows on film the foot speed, athleticism and ability to track down the football anywhere on the field. He is also one of the better coverage linebackers in-state, so Edmiston brings a lot of tools to the field that translate very well to the collegiate game. Watch out for this linebacker to obtain many offers over the summer months.
9. Isaiah Thomison Isaiah Thomison 6'3" | 230 lbs | LB Fayetteville | 2023 State TN (6’3 220) – Fayetteville
#PRZTN Ranking: 9th Ranked LB; 83rd Overall
– Thomison has been one of the hottest linebacker names over the past two months as this Tigers senior defender has added multiple offers, including a few from the D1 level and interest from many others. Thomison is a big guy with college physical traits, so it’s not surprising to see this prospect pick up offers but he could be on the verge of adding bigger options. This Middle Tennessee linebacker shows versatility on film to play outside rushing the passer or slide inside to help against the run. Thomison plays very hard and uses his physical size to his advantage when chasing after the ball. He also shows potential as a possible edge guy inside the college game due to his size, length and ability to run. Thomison may be ranked 83rd overall right now but that will change and he will rise during our next updated rankings.
10. Tristan Bohannon Tristan Bohannon 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Munford | 2023 State TN (6’3 215) – Munford
#PRZTN Ranking: 10th Ranked LB; 93rd Overall
– Much like Thomison above, Bohannon is a big dude that brings a variety of skills to his position and size that can be utilized in multiple ways. A defensive leader for his Cougars team, Bohannon is an active and physical linebacker that fits well on the edge as either a run stuffer or someone with the upside to rush the passer. His game works best when he is free to roam and make plays on the ball no matter where on the field he comes from. Bohannon plays with strong instincts and a nose for the ball but also shows nice technique when trying to work around blocks. This West Tennessee talent has his best football days ahead of him and could see a spike with his recruitment after performing well during college camps this summer.
11. Jackson Steele Jackson Steele 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Carter | 2023 State TN (6’3 210) – Carter
#PRZTN Ranking: 11th Ranked LB; 101st Overall
– The college offers have yet to arrive for this East Tennessee linebacker but that will change this summer when this athletic and fast defender walks onto a college campus and wows coaches with his motor and ability to chase down the ball. Steele is one of the more athletic linebackers we have from this in-state crop and someone who is far from reaching his maximum capabilities. When watching him on film, Steele is an active guy with size and length that can play multiple linebacking roles on defense. Right now, this Hornets backer is best at stopping the run but shows upside and potential as a rusher as well. If he can continue adding on weight and developing his overall game, Steele could rise in our next rankings as well as add those elusive college offers he has been striving for.
12. Jason Manaker Jason Manaker 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Maryville | 2023 State TN (6’3 210) – Maryville
#PRZTN Ranking: 12th Ranked LB; 105th Overall
– Manaker is one of the best pure pass rushers we have in-state for the 2023 class and a prospect that still has a ways to go with his game and body but shows tremendous upside and potential for the next level. Sporting a quick 1st step and the bend to get around the edge, Manaker is a silky smooth rusher that knows how to get to the quarterback and do so on a consistent basis. He has active hands and a burst about himself that offensive tackles and tight ends have a hard time slowing down. Manaker is a good athlete that can run and string out the run game to the sidelines. This Rebels pass rusher is talented and worthy of bigger looks and hopefully after a big summer camp season, Manaker finally becomes a marked man on the recruiting trail
13. Drew Scott Drew Scott 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Lausanne | 2023 State TN (6’1 220) – Lausanne
#PRZTN Ranking: 13th Ranked LB; 107th Overall
– Strong, sturdy and dependable. Those are three key traits about Scott when watching his film and learning about his personality both on and off the field. An ultimate leader and competitor, Scott is one of the better run stuffers at linebacker that we have in this state and someone you can lean on to make all the calls and be there around the ball on a consistent basis. The Lynx senior linebacker plays a smart brand of football. Scott knows how to read the offense, read the blocks and flash to the ball quickly and finish with violence. He is a solid athlete that is working hard on improving his athleticism, overall speed this offseason, so I expect a big senior year for this Memphis area linebacker and a push towards reaching the college football level.
14. Jayson Lowe Jayson Lowe 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Brentwood | 2023 State TN (6’2 200) – Brentwood
#PRZTN Ranking: 14th Ranked LB; 111th Overall
– The Bruins will be leaning heavily on this athletic and physical linebacker this coming season to not only make almost all the tackles but be a defensive leader that can help push his team back to the playoffs. Lowe is a well put together young man with a frame that can take on more weight and still not lose a beat on his speed or overall athleticism. This is yet another versatile backer that could stay inside or swing outside and play against the pass. His skill set on film provides the ability to track down the ball wherever it is on the field but also drop into coverage, handling his own against tight ends and running backs. Lowe holds one current offer from Eastern Ky but is receiving plenty of interest from others, including a few D1 programs. If this Bruins linebacker can keep developing in the direction he currently is, watch out for this guy to become a household name by the time the Fall football season gets here.
15. Ansley Ware Ansley Ware 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Pope Prep | 2023 State TN (6’0 210) – Pope Prep
#PRZTN Ranking: 15th Ranked LB; 113th Overall
– Ranked just outside the Top 100 overall prospects, Ware is a strong, compact, physical linebacker that fits very well on the inside as a run stuffer and dependable tackler that consistently puts himself around the football. If you’re looking for a true run stuffing, inside linebacker, Ware is your guy! Breaking down his film, Ware shows strong instincts towards sniffing out the run play before the back gets going and making the behind or near the line of scrimmage. The biggest thing keeping him outside the Top 100 is his overall athleticism and agility which is something he is working hard this offseason. Ware isn’t far off either based on the offer in hand already from UT-Martin. Look for that offer sheet to grow over the coming months for this Middle Tennessee thumper.
16. Stef Ponder Stef Ponder 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Father Ryan | 2023 State TN (6’0 205) – Father Ryan
#PRZTN Ranking: 16th Ranked LB; 117th Overall
– Ponder is a rising talent that has had a big offseason thus far as he has made the full transition over to defense after once being considered a running back and the move looks like it’s paying off. Strong, powerful and smart, Ponder fits the role of an inside linebacker very well and he is still learning the position headed into his senior year, so upside is there. Part of the strong potential for Ponder inside is his athleticism and quick 1st step towards the ball. He moves very well which helps him maneuver through trash to make a play on the running back. His stock should rise and you could see this Fighting Irish backer move up the charts in the next updated player rankings.
17. Tate Wirth Tate Wirth 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB St. George’s | 2023 State TN (6’2 210) – St. George’s
#PRZTN Ranking: 17th Ranked LB; 139th Overall
– This guy has been producing tackles down in Memphis for two years now and is headed into his senior year poised for his best season yet. Wirth is a seasoned guy that knows how to find the football. He produced over 120 tackles last season as a junior and made a lot of these stops close to the line of scrimmage or ranging from one sideline to the other. The Gryphons inside backer shows range on film that plays up well on the college level along with the high football IQ that coaches like to train and work with. Wirth could change his 139th ranking over the coming months with enhanced speed and athleticism, which in turn could increase his college recruitment.
18. Noah Gravel Noah Gravel 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Baylor | 2023 State TN (6’0 210) – Baylor
#PRZTN Ranking: 18th Ranked LB; 150th Overall
– Gravel is a Canadian native that came down to the Volunteer State last season and immediately made an impact on his Red Raiders team as a fierce and aggressive linebacker that loves to hit people! This is a feisty and mean defender that embraces the physical part of football and enjoys imposing his will upon the opposition. Gravel also shows on film a quick first step and the range to track down the ball sideline to sideline. He is a deceptive athlete that will only improve in this area the more time he gets on the field. Gravel’s recruitment has yet to pick up but that will hopefully change soon as coaches work with him in camps this summer and see how his aggressive style fits within their defense’s.
Just Outside The Top 150
Chase Adams Chase Adams 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Knox. Central | 2023 TN (6’1 205) – Knox. Central
– Adams is one of the better edge rushers that we have in this state but he sits unranked right now due to his size and natural fit. This is a ball player that knows how to get into the backfield. Adams is fast around the edge and shows strong pursuit to finish the play.
Jason Foust Jason Foust 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB Powell | 2023 TN (6’1 200) – Powell
– An athletic backer with position versatility, Foust is a two way talent for his Panthers team but his college future fits best on defense at inside linebacker. He has been an active playmaker for the past two years and could be ready for his best season yet as he transitions more at linebacker.
Tyson Hornbuckle Tyson Hornbuckle 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Henry Co. | 2023 TN (6’0 200) – Henry Co.
– Well built physically with arm length, Hornbuckle is an under the radar linebacker that fits the mold of an inside backer perfectly. He is strong versus the run and shows some pass rush traits that could be developed further on the collegiate level.
Aaron Davis Aaron Davis 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Alcoa | 2023 State TN (5’11 205) – Alcoa
– Davis is one of the more underrated linebackers in this class and if he was bigger, this East Tennessee defender would be one of top defenders in the state. Davis is aggressive vs. the run and shows sideline to sideline range that plays up well in college. Watch out for this guy this summer to earn college offers.
Colin Hurd Colin Hurd 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Page | 2023 State TN (6’1 210) – Page
– A two-way talent for his Patriots team, Hurd is an underrated athlete that may get some snaps this season as the team’s quarterback. His future sits on defense where he can play in the middle chasing down running backs and being the defensive team leader.
Terence Carpenter II Terence Carpenter II 6'4" | 220 lbs | LB Blackman | 2023 State TN (6’4 220) – Blackman
– This new edge defender to the Blaze team this year is a big boy that has developed his lower body agility well this offseason and looks poised for a big season. Carpenter is a versatile guy that fits a 3-4 defense well as a guy that can play the run and rush the passer.