Preseason LB’s Set to Stand Out

Chris Norcross

June 30, 2022 @ 12:45 PM

In the game of football, one of the most coveted, and revered positions happens to be that of the linebacker position. Not only are great linebackers hard to find, but players who play this position consistently, with a high trajectory are about a dime a dozen. In the state of Georgia, these players seemingly grow on trees, making it a unique pool of talent in itself due to this very reason. Below, we have listed some of the prospects who we think will shine at this position going into next season. Jalen Smith- Grayson Going into next season, it will be more than fun to watch Smith play, as his experience at the linebacker position, paired with his natural talent, will make him an unstoppable force for his team. Not only does he move like a heat seeking missile, but he does so in fluid fashion, as he proves to be able to get in and out of his cuts cleanly, and can change direction on a dime, thus helping him to read defenders with ease. In addition to this, Smith also does a great job of using his strength, and frame to create big tackles for his team, even resulting in jarred ball carriers. Look for him to continue to grow in his overall technique, speed, and ability to read, and react to the game at hand. Everett Roussaw- Cedar Grove When watching his tape, it is evident that Roussaw’s ability to play the linebacker position derives from his explosive nature, and natural speed/burst, which allows him to position himself well to make tackles. Roussaw checks all of the boxes for an elite linebacker. Not only does he make plays in pursuit, but he does a good job of reaching ball carriers at the line of scrimmage, and in the backfield. Don’t let his natural instincts, speed, and movement when stopping the run fool you though, as he is just as effective in the passing game, as he does a good job maintaining specific areas of coverage, and not getting out of character when doing so. We also love the way that he bends, and delivers a pop on contact. [player_tooltip player_id="220720" first="Grant" last="Godfrey"]- North Gwinnett For a LB, his 6’3, 210 pound frame is more than enough to stop ball carriers, and is largely effective when he has to play in coverage. Off of the ball, Godfrey is not only a threat due to the way that he uses his hands and length, but he is explosive with his speed, and burst, further putting himself in position to make plays in the backfield, or at the line of scrimmage. Godfrey also has the prototype frame that you look for in a LB, as his length and hands makes it easier to make tackles, and wrap up. This upcoming season, we expect him to continue to play in this manner, and to make huge plays for his team. [player_tooltip player_id="34025" first="CJ" last="Allen"]- Lamar County One of the traits that stands out about Allen right away is his elusiveness, speed, and the fluidity of his movement skills. Not only is he a very natural runner, but he bends and reacts naturally too. He tends to eradicate wasted movement a majority of the time, and he is quick, and light on his feet, allowing him to break up passes, or position himself well on tackles. We also love that Allen does a good job of creating turnovers, as he is lock down in coverage due to the way that he flips his hips, and changes direction. In addition to this, he is great at coming up to stop the run, as his balance, vision, and understanding of the game at hand allows him to be a key playmaker. Look for him to continue to develop into his frame, and the way he rolls his hips on tackles, and takes angles, as these are some of his strengths as well.