2024 Linebacker Sleepers

Need an enforcer on your defense? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I looked at some of Michigan’s top linebacker sleepers in the 2024 class. Each prospect covered played at the varsity level last fall and were key cogs on their respective defenses. None of the players featured have any offers right now; however, that could change with a big junior campaign. Look for them to take on an even bigger leadership role in 2022 and put up some impressive stats. <hr /> <em><strong>Wyatt Lesnew, 5’11", 225, Milford</strong></em> A throwback mike linebacker that lives for stuffing the run. Wyatt is slippery at the second level and uses God-given strength to stop backs immediately in their tracks. He plays with great knee bend and can generate some serious force on contact. He’s even got a pretty decent leg as a kicker/punter! <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14450967/617f5126a019be054c346b00" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="80934" first="Carter" last="Herriman"], 6’1", 210, Davison</strong></em> Carter put up some impressive stats his sophomore season (70 tackles &amp; 9 TFL’s) and was just about everywhere on tape. He easily sinks to his curl/flat and sees the ball thrown. His motor is non-stop, and he’s always looking for a way to get in on the action. I think he’s a kid who could play on the inside as a Will or outside the box as a Sam at the next level. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/6698546/618367ee041dbb0c2c18c7d3" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>William Gaskell, 6’2", 200, Milan</strong></em> A stout pass rusher who will give you nightmares if left unblocked. Gaskell has some serious boom behind his tackles and looks to punish runners when given the opportunity. He shows plenty of speed to chase plays down from behind and takes great angles to the ball, ensuring there is no cutback lane. His size and athleticism make him a really intriguing OLB prospect and someone who could be the first guy offered from this list. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14823258/619e656a9680fb0ac0a9a6df" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="251231" first="Micah" last="Smith"], 6’2", 185, Huron</strong></em> Micah is blessed with a quick trigger and excellent body control. On tape, he closes ground like a cheetah, causing plenty of disruption in the backfield. He trusts his eyes and shows strong hands at the point of attack. He does need to put on weight, but the twitch and explosiveness you want in a big-time ballplayer are there. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14781008/6196952dd45e080a50bc1486" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="253311" first="Robert" last="Dedrick"], 5’10", 220, Union</strong></em> A violent tackler who will gladly meet any running back between the tackles and stand them up. Dedrick does a phenomenal job using his natural leverage to his advantage. He’ll roll his hips on contact and speed his feet to make a ball carrier go backward. He plays so much bigger than his listed height and fears no one. He has the quickness to slip blocks at the second level and is a natural at sifting down the line &amp; making tackles from the backside. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14860562/61747ee16e8b7804acd19ca4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>