2022 Spring Defensive Preview: Linebackers

<strong><em>Across Idaho there are some true thumpers and hybrid guys at the linebacker position and several already have opportunities to play at the next level. As we enter the summer, these linebackers are some of the best in the region and are poised for huge 2022 seasons. Below, we will preview and breakdown some of their film from the 2021 season. </em></strong> <hr /> &nbsp; <strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336841" first="Nathan" last="Reynolds"], Meridian HS</strong> <em>Reynolds has a very impressive tape and had a standout 2021 season. He offers good length for the position and is a natural pass rusher when applying pressure off the edge or up the middle. He shows natural bend and understands when to counter at the top of his rush while a very active tackler outside of the tackles and can run down ball carriers as he shows good closing speed and tracking abilities. He is a big-time thumper in between the tackles and plays with a high motor while a no brainer FCS+ caliber player. His recruiting should take off during his senior season as he adds to his Idaho offer. </em> &nbsp; <strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336844" first="Gage" last="Tanner"], Rocky Mountain HS</strong> <em>Tanner is a versatile linebacker that has great size, length and position versatility as he can play both inside and outside while also a natural pass rusher when applying pressure off the edge. He is seemingly very comfortable in space and takes good angles to ball carriers in the open field while exploding through contact and playing with good toughness. He plays with a good pad level when flowing over the top and moves well laterally while able to shock bigger blockers in the box and plays with a quick trigger without taking false steps. In coverage he understands his zone responsibilities and has good ball skills and eye discipline. He currently holds two offers from Montana Tech and Southern Miss. </em> &nbsp; <strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id="336935" first="Eli" last="Mikita"], Eagle HS </strong> <em>Mikita is a very smart player with natural instincts and can play both outside linebacker and strong safety on the defense. He seems very comfortable in space and can cover both backs and bigger tight ends effectively. When blitzing off the edge, he shows good closing speed and brings a nice dump upon contact in the box. When covering, he has a natural pedal with fluid hips and brakes well to ball carriers while offering a quick trigger in the open field and good ball skills in traffic with return ability. Only a rising Junior, he is one of the top 2024 prospects in the state and is poised for a huge 2022 season.</em> &nbsp; <strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336842" first="Carter" last="Davis"], Eagle HS</strong> <em>Davis is a very effective hybrid player and extremely explosive off the edge. He has impressed at multiple events this off-season and excels when testing. A natural pass rusher that is tough against the run he displays a quick use of hands and plays with a good pad level while resetting the line of scrimmage with inside hand placement and good extension on contact. He could be very effective in a 3-4 defense at the next level and has the frame to be able to pack on more weight as he progresses through his final high school season and into his college career.</em> &nbsp; <strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336855" first="Luke" last="Legarreta"], Bishop Kelly HS</strong> <em>The rising Junior is a true outside linebacker that has good open field speed and impressive tackling ability. He takes good angles in the open field while tracking down ball carriers backside with a high motor and plus closing speed. With natural cover abilities and recovery speed/length he fits well into the new mold of college linebackers as he is tough and physical in the box while also able to cover in space. When he drops inside the tackles he has a quick trigger without taking false steps and plays with a good pad level when shooting the gap. He is a college caliber kid and should draw in FCS interest through his Senior season. </em> &nbsp; <em><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Other top linebackers in the state...</strong></span></em> <em><strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id="336952" first="Shea" last="Robertson"], Coeur d’Alene HS</strong></em> <em><strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id="336940" first="Coleton" last="George"], Highland HS</strong></em> <em><strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="336863" first="Mason" last="Fullmer"], Highland HS</strong></em> <em><strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id="336944" first="Michael" last="Goff"], Kimberly HS</strong></em>