Bay Area Linebacker Breakout Stars

Photo: Luchi Casale Photos

Paul Gregorian July 10, 2022 @ 11:07 AM

OLB Luciano Casale, Los Gatos HS Casale is one of the top outside linebackers across Northern California and should see further FCS+ interest as he progresses through his Junior season. He is a long and rangy prospect that is fluid and comfortable in coverage/space while able to drop down and rush the passer off the edge with a natural bend and quick get off. Playing with violent hands at the POA, he has a strong bullrush while getting underneath blockers and extending his arms while showing a relentless motor when collapsing the pocket and chasing down quarterbacks backside when pursuing. His size, length, combination of speed, ability to cover and also rush the passer make him a very interesting prospect at the next level and one that should make an impact at the FCS+ ranks.   OLB Josh Tsai, Campolindo HS Tsai is a stand up defensive end/outside linebacker that has a big time motor off the edge and can cover the flats when needed while coming off a 12 sack season in 2021. Long and explosive, he is twitchy near the LOS with quick hands around the edge while showing closing speed and bringing a nice thump upon contact. Playing with a low pad level, he establishes inside hands quickly while locking out defenders and violently shedding blocks. Going into the Fall as a Junior, he should burst onto the scene as one of the more active pass rushers the Bay Area has to offer.   ILB Davion Smith, Archbishop Riordan HS Smith is a true Mike backer and a big time thumper inside that is physical in the box and has a strong build. A high IQ player, he has a quick play diagnosis while able to cover ground outside the tackles and tackle in space while recognizing screens/draws quickly and triggering. Navigating with a low pad level through traffic when getting into the backfield, he shows he can get off blocks against bigger blockers and is violent at the POA. At the next level, he will fit nicely into the Mike backer position and make a positive impact in college.   ILB/DE Frank Ward, Terra Nova HS Ward is a long middle linebacker that will most likely change positions in college to defensive end as he packs on more weight to his frame. A vertical and downhill plug, he can play various positions along the defensive line as well while violent upon contact and winning with initial punch and leg drive through contact. From the second level, he fills quickly while able to run through lead blockers with good pad level and make plays behind the LOS. Athletic for his size with some pass rush abilities already, he should fit nicely as a four down defensive end in college with plus athleticism.