Fall Emerging Stars: Outside Linebackers

&nbsp; <em><strong>Trace Freeman, Borah HS 2023</strong></em> Freeman is a terrific two-way athlete for Borah and is a physical and explosive presence on both sides of the ball from his running back and outside linebacker position. He has good physical tools, length and short area explosion on the edge while able to break well to ball carriers and tackle in space. Freeman is a heavy hitter in the box and can close quickly while not afraid to trigger against bigger blockers and displays open field speed and makes plays behind the LOS. Going into the Fall, he will be one of the top two-way players across the region. &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="336940" first="Colton" last="George"], Highland HS, 2024 </strong></em> George is one of the best 2024 linebackers across the state and put together a very impressive Sophomore campaign in 2021. He is a force on the outside and very athletic while showing closing speed, natural ball skills in coverage and takes good angles in the open field while able to bring a nice thump in the box as well. Passing the eye test and having good size and strength, he is a high IQ and motor kid that should be gaining college interest as he moves through his Junior season for Highland. Always around the ball, he has a quick trigger when breaking and flashes a quick and violent use of hands when applying pressure off the edge adding pass rush abilities and always active in the backfield. &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="336898" first="Branson" last="Whitby"], Coeur d’Alene HS 2023</strong></em> Whitby started his career at national power St. John Bosco HS in Bellflower, CA and has been a big time addition for Coeur d’Alene High School. He can play both inside and outside linebacker and is a hitter in the box while also showing cover abilities against bigger receivers and backs. On tape, he shows quick play diagnosis and is strong in the box and could find his home at inside linebacker in college due to his run stopping abilities, size and strength inside. &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="336894" first="Max" last="Ciovacco"], Bishop Kelly HS 2023</strong></em> Although mostly used as an offensive weapon from his tight end position Ciovacco is a under-rated outside linebacker that has plus length and is strong at the POA when defending the edge. Explosive in the short area, he shows the ability to rush the passer and could make a impact there at the college level. Going into 2022, he will be a top player for Bishop Kelly and should have breakout year on the defensive side of the ball as well as he is too good to keep off the field.