Linebackers To Watch: Austin Part 1
The linebacker position requires one to be stout, tough, and smart in order to be successful at the position. With that being said, Austin, Texas has some linebackers that have the potential to catch the eyes of college coaches and…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe linebacker position requires one to be stout, tough, and smart in order to be successful at the position. With that being said, Austin, Texas has some linebackers that have the potential to catch the eyes of college coaches and scouts in the near future. Some of these players are very good edge rushers, tacklers, and some are even a factor in the passing game! This makes them a weapon on their perspective teams and they have shown why due to their play on the gridiron. Without further due, let’s take a look at some of the best linebackers in the city of Austin to watch for in 2022!
Tavin Lewis- 5’11 195Ibs/LB/ Lake Travis High School
Analysis: Tavin Lewis is a prospect to look for in the future. In his junior year, he racked up a total of 127 tackles, 89 solo tackles, and 6 sacks, which is pretty impressive. On the gridiron, Lewis has shown great closing speed on ball carriers. Also, he is a hard hitting machine laying the wood on most ball carriers. Lewis is also a tremendous open field tackler and has made some big tackles in the trenches stopping opponents from scoring on the goal line or inside the red zone consistently. Finally, Tavin Lewis is a guy you can count on that will sacrifice his body and take on linemen in order to make a tackle or let his team feast! Watch out for him this year.
Markus Boswell Markus Boswell 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Lake Travis | 2024 State TX – 6’0 170Ibs/LB/ Lake Travis High School
Analysis: Markus Boswell Markus Boswell 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Lake Travis | 2024 State TX is a bit underweight for the linebacker position, but he plays like he is 200 pounds plus. He has really good speed for a linebacker and does a good job setting the edges, and making sure gaps are filled to ensure that the offense is not getting easy yards. Boswell is a decent tackler, but he can always improve working on his fundamentals, mechanics, and building up good weight and strength. He plays with a high motor and can fly all over the field which is what makes him a lethal weapon on defense as well. Only a sophomore last season, he only has room to improve!
Byers Petty- 5’11 190Ibs/LB/ Austin Westlake High School
Analysis: Byers Petty is a linebacker that any coach should want on his team! He is a real playmaker on defense causing pass disruptions and interceptions. He closing speed is superb, next to none other! His timing on his blitzes are extremely good! This allows him to cause many problems to offensive linemen as well. Next he is an extremely good tackler and plays with physicality as well. Petty is also very disciplined which is a must is you want to be great at the linebacker position. Watch out for Byers Petty in 2022!
Jackson Fortney- 5’7 170Ibs/LB/ Cedar Park High School
Analysis: Jackson Fortney is not a player to be overlooked because of his build and stature. This young man is a lot stronger and faster than what you think. He has great weight room strength benching 300 pounds. Also, he has shown his speed by clocking a 4.6 40 yard dash time, and a 4.43 shuttle time showing his quickness to cut on a dime. In the game, Fortney is a monster! He plays very physical and hits hard. This young man can also break up passes and make difficult tackles in the open field and in the trenches. Finally, he stays in his gaps showing his discipline on the gridiron! Look out for Jackson Fortney from Cedar Park High School.
Jason Taylor- 6’0 210Ibs/LB/ Cedar Ridge High School
Analysis: Jason Taylor is an underrated linebacker that should make some noise his senior year. In the box, he plays very physical and lays the wood every chance he gets. Even though he is not the fastest or quickest, he is the type of player you need in the red zone or on the goal line due to his play. Taylor can shed blocks fairly well and is not afraid to sacrifice his body in the trenches which is very important if you want to win ball games, or change the momentum of a big game. He has a solid build and has the size of a premier linebacker as well. I see him having a really good senior season if he keeps up the way he is playing so far!