Sideline to Sideline:2023 Linebackers from West Virgina to Watch
The linebacker position has evolved from over the years as a multi-purpose defensive chess piece to be able to play more roles throughout a game. The ability to be effective in stopping the run and to be a key contributor in pass coverage is key to the position, the days of being a one-dimensional linebacker are over and the swiss army knife at the position is essential.
One trait that is sometimes passed over at the position, is the ability to rush the passer from the second level or off the edge. The ability to disrupt the passing game and the rhythm of the quarterback can be essential as well, along with the other traits that were stated before.
Let’s take a look at some of the top 2023 linebackers from the state of West Virgina:
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="58825" first="Mondrell" last="Dean"] 6-4 235 South Charleston High School (South Charleston, WV) </strong>
A versatile linebacker that shows the ability to be comfortable in space which allows him to recognize routes quickly and effectively to jump on the ball and make the tackle. He demonstrates good range and covers ground quickly, shows to be physical taking on blocks with good hand usage.
<strong>Kam Shallis 5-11 215 Martinsburg High School (Martinsburg, WV) </strong>
A physical battering ram at the position, shows functional strength at the point of attack with good hand strength to stack and shed blocks. He demonstrates good change of direction and the burst which allows him to home on blitz opportunities.
<strong>Landen Tasker 5-11 195 Fairmont High School (Fairmont, WV) </strong>
An explosive athlete that can cover a lot of ground and shows the ability to make open field tackles with ease. He is comfortable in space and understands route combinations in coverage and anticipates the ball in the air and makes a play. He is fearless when blitzing, times it up and attacks the gap with high intensity.
<strong>Michael Kruzel 6-2 180 Fairmont Senior High School (Fairmont,WV)</strong>
A tough instinctive athlete that has the awareness to see hole open up against the run and explodes through the ball carrier to make the tackle. He understands how to avoid traffic and congestion and flows to the football while getting off blocks. Has the ability to disrupt the quarterback with a solid pass rush, shows he can bend and set the edge.
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