Under The Radar Charlotte Linebackers To Watch
In this article, we take a look at linebackers stepping into the spotlight at programs across the city of Charlotte. Charlotte has become the premier area in the state of North Carolina when it comes to producing a large volume…
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Continue ReadingIn this article, we take a look at linebackers stepping into the spotlight at programs across the city of Charlotte. Charlotte has become the premier area in the state of North Carolina when it comes to producing a large volume of college players, and these players hope to jump on the radar of college coaches this upcoming season.
Jaden Smith – West Charlotte – Class of 2024
Jaden is 6’3 and 190 pounds and is just flat-out explosive as an outside linebacker. The Lions are creative in how they use him, and he is an absolute disruptor. Coming off of the edge, he is a flash in getting into the backfield going against slower offensive linemen. They also use him on some twist stunts, and he can make plays for losses in the backfield simply off of his excellent athleticism. He can play in space as well, showing good cover skills and an ability to tackle well in the open field. With his size, he has a great frame to grow and mature into a very good player on the next level. Watching his film, he looks more like a 2023 player so I expect his recruitment to explode based on his on-the-field skillset.
Beady Waddell V Beady Waddell V 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB West Mecklenburg | 2024 State NC – West Meck – Class of 2024
While we at Prep Redzone named Beady recently as an Under The Radar 2024 player in the state, I felt compelled to include him here just because I’ve seen him 3 or 4 times in live-action so far in his career, and I’m incredibly impressed with him not only as a player but a leader as well. Beady took his lumps as a freshman middle linebacker, and those hard lessons are starting pay off now as he enters his junior year. At a camp in March, I observed him set the tone and tenor of a whole competitive period – being vocal, showing leadership, and supporting his group on and off the field was great. As a player, he’s a physical stuffer in the run game and shows good ability to cover running backs and tight ends in short spaces. As a head coach’s son, his level of understanding of the game is off the charts as well.
Nick Garrido – Hough – Class of 2023
Nick is a very impressive middle linebacker for one of the top programs in the state – at 6’1 and 220 pounds he is at the kind of size programs like at the next level out of their linebackers now to play against more and more spread types of offenses. I love his consistent effort on his film, and an absolute sideline-to-sideline player – there are several instances where he is making plays outside of the numbers as an example. Nick is a great tackler in space and does a great job of doing HIS job – a reflection of a smart and well-coached football player. Nick currently holds an offer from Central Michigan University.
Trenton Santiago – South Meck – Class of 2023
Trent is another player I have covered for a few years – he has always played varsity football ever since he was a freshman. At 6’3 and 220 pounds, he has great size for an outside linebacker – and while his highlights are limited, he is a physical player that has flashed an ability to come off the edge and get to the quarterback. I expect colleges will be excited to see his first highlights from this upcoming season to see what else he can provide on the field. Trent does have an offer from Averett University, which I expect to be one of many he receives in his senior season.