2024 Top Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linebackers provide defensive leadership as well as playmaking skills. As prospects evolve into leadership roles in their upperclassmen years, they have larger roles to play. For those that play linebacker, there is an extra level of importance. Today, we take a look at some of the best linebackers in the Class of 2024 ahead of their junior seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='293302' first='Nylan' last='Brown'], 6'0, 225 pounds, Ben Davis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/nylan-brown/Gu1MddAZEeqAzqREozo6lw/videos.htm">[player_tooltip player_id='293302' first='Nylan' last='Brown']'s (Indianapolis, IN) Video "Freshman Highlights Scout D Vs Varsity" | MaxPreps</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='293302' first='Nylan' last='Brown'] serves as the centerpiece of the Ben Davis defense at his middle linebacker position. Brown is an instinctive player who can find the hole and plug it. Brown keeps his shoulders square to the line-of-scrimmage and makes the play. Brown can also spy the quarterback and stop him if he decides to break the pocket. Brown also covers kickoffs effectively. In 2021, Brown recorded 52 tackles with one tackle-for-loss. He added one sack, one quarterback hurry and one interception.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='109626' first='Trey' last='Stephens'], 6'1, 200 pounds, Merrillville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/trey-stephens/NNSmjMClEeqAzqREozo6lw/videos.htm">[player_tooltip player_id='109626' first='Trey' last='Stephens']' (Merrillville, IN) Video "[player_tooltip player_id='109626' first='Trey' last='Stephens']'s highlights Hobart High School" | MaxPreps</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='109626' first='Trey' last='Stephens'] lines up on both sides of the ball, making an impact at both middle linebacker and running back. Stephens is outstanding at dropping into coverage and playing the pass. Stephens can also line up further outside and rush off the edge. At running back, he does a great job of following his blocks and coming up with big plays. As a sophomore, Stephens compiled 95 tackles with ten tackles-for-loss. He came up with one sack, five passes defensed and a pair of fumble recoveries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='322427' first='Braydon' last='Durham'], 6'0, 195 pounds, Heritage Hills</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/braydon-durham/ID-njpn6EeqAzqREozo6lw/videos.htm">[player_tooltip player_id='322427' first='Braydon' last='Durham']'s (Lincoln City, IN) Video "[player_tooltip player_id='322427' first='Braydon' last='Durham']'s highlights Evansville North High School" | MaxPreps</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Any defense that needs a linebacker to set the edge and contain should look right at [player_tooltip player_id='322427' first='Braydon' last='Durham']. The outside linebacker fulfills his assignments in the running-game. He does a nice job of positioning himself and turning the play back inside. Durham is consistently around the ball. Once he gets the opportunity, he shows that he is a tackling machine. Durham is looking to build off a season that saw him record an astounding 116 tackles, 58 of which were solo. He added five tackles-for-loss and one sack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='334065' first='Ralph' last='Rogers'], 6'0, 190 pounds, Bloomington North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/ralph-rogers/N9sl16bbEeqAzqREozo6lw/videos.htm">[player_tooltip player_id='334065' first='Ralph' last='Rogers']' (Bloomington, IN) Video "Varsity Highlights " | MaxPreps</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='334065' first='Ralph' last='Rogers'] provides a dose of versatility by playing both middle linebacker and defensive end. Rogers can make plays in the backfield, but he defends the pass very well. Rogers has solid coverage skills. He understands his assignments and knows where to be so he can make a play on the ball. Last year, Rogers notched 49 tackles with six-and-a-half tackles-for-loss. He sacked quarterbacks four times and hurried them on an additional four occasions. Rogers defended against one pass and one forced fumble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->