2023 Overlooked Linebackers” Part 2

Matthew Klingenberger

July 20, 2022 @ 04:27 PM

Yesterday, we started the process of evaluating some of the underrated linebackers in the Class of 2023 who enter the season with a chip on their shoulder. Today, that evaluation continues with another group of under-the-radar linebackers who will be seniors this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id="300334" first="Jaden" last="Howard"], 5'11, 185 pounds, Hanover Central     [player_tooltip player_id="300334" first="Jaden" last="Howard"] can deputize as both a linebacker and a running back. At linebacker, Howard can line up outside and be a force when rushing off the edge. He displays a level of determination in his pursuit. This drive allows Howard to be able to chase down plays from behind. When he gets to the ball, it is almost a foregone conclusion that Howard will make the play. He is a reliable tackler, capable of bringing any play to its conclusion. Look for [player_tooltip player_id="300334" first="Jaden" last="Howard"] to ascend in his senior season at Hanover Central.     [player_tooltip player_id="300397" first="John" last="Shepard"], 6'3, 220 pounds, Franklin Community     [player_tooltip player_id="300397" first="John" last="Shepard"] is another prospect who can contribute on both sides of the ball. On top of being a linebacker, Shepard is a rugged tight end. He can also be effective as a ball-carrier. He is a good blocker, allowing for him to be in more on run plays and to protect the quarterback. On defense a season ago, Shepard secured 17 tackles with one-and-a-half tackles-for-loss and one quarterback hurry. Last year, he ran for a little under 500 yards with five touchdown runs. He caught 18 passes for 158 yards and a pair of scores.     [player_tooltip player_id="268287" first="Finn" last="Walters"], 6'4, 235 pounds, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory     In the last post, the linebacker group that Brebeuf Jesuit boasts of was alluded to. It is a deep group, capable of getting their team back to Lucas Oil Stadium. [player_tooltip player_id="268287" first="Finn" last="Walters"] has the potential to play either middle linebacker or defensive end. Walters can sprint to the outside to make tackles on run plays that go that direction. He does a wonderful job of keeping his shoulders square to the line-of-scrimmage until it is time to make his move. Last season, Walter totaled 73 tackles with almost half of those being solo stops. He displayed his ability to get penetration by recording five tackles-for-loss, two-and-a-half sacks and four quarterback hurries. Walters had five passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble. Walters added one blocked field goal.     [player_tooltip player_id="240788" first="Cole" last="Williams"], 6'0, 210 pounds, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory     Completing the dominant group that Brebeuf has in the middle of their defense is [player_tooltip player_id="240788" first="Cole" last="Williams"]. Williams plays with the aggression that is needed to be a solid linebacker. He reads plays well and then puts his foot in the ground and attacks downhill. He does a good job driving on the play. Williams is excellent at shooting the gap and making the play. A season ago, Williams recorded 92 tackles. As impressive as that stat is, he complimented it with seven tackles-for-loss. The Brebeuf defense has the makings of being a force again this year.

Yesterday, we started the process of evaluating some of the underrated linebackers in the Class of 2023 who enter the season with a chip on their shoulder. Today, that evaluation continues with another group of under-the-radar linebackers who will be seniors this fall.