Top Off Ball Linebackers: Class of 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linebackers are some of the most versatile players on the field. Tasked with doing so much and lining up in so many different spots is not an easy task. Utah is full of versatile backers, but few can match these five players' skill sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406858' first='Cade' last='Ululave'] || Linebacker || 6'1 || 215 || Mountain Ridge High School || 2023</strong><br>Ululave might be the only player in the state of Utah who could be the best player at two different positions. The 6'1 linebacker is also an elite running back, but for this ranking, we'll focus on his ability to fill holes rather than run through them. Ululave roams the middle like a heat-seeking missile, and once he locks in on his target, it's all over. He has true sideline to sideline speed and mains the middle better than anyone else in the state. In addition, Uluave's time at running back has allowed him to analyze and accurately predict which hole or path opposing ball carriers will take. His strong vision and feel for the game also aid him in coverage, where he shines in zone. Uluave's combination of power and speed is rare to find on the field couple that with his heart, and you have one of the most imposing players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406912' first='Mateaki' last='Helu'] || Linebacker || 6'1 || 200 || Stansbury High School || 2023</strong><br>Helu plays with a passion that few in the state of Utah can match. Versatility is key to Helu's game as he lines up all over the field to confuse opposing offenses. He flies to the ball at a breakneck speed, and when he makes contact, the ball carries end up feeling it for days to come. Helus lays the wood and loves to get the crowd going with a big hit. The 6'1 linebacker has excellent vision, allowing him to find the ball and help make a play. Helu also plays running back and uses that shiftiness to avoid incoming offensive linemen. The Stansbury product is proficient in both zone and man coverage, where he is often tasked with locking down wide receivers. Helu has excellent closing speed when the ball is in the air and hits pass catchers with such force that it disrupts their focus. In 2022 Helu will continue to create chaos all over the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406868' first='Owen' last='Borg'] || Linebacker || 6'2 || 190 || Corner Canyon High School || 2023</strong><br>Bord can do it all. He has the rushing skills of an outside linebacker and can hunt ball carries while playing off-ball linebackers just as easily. The 6'2 linebacker is a sure-fire tackler who does not allow any player to rack up yards after contact. He remains patient in coverage and has excellent play recognition. Borg uses his speed to track down ball carries on outside runs and quarterbacks in the backfield. He makes his presence felt on each hit and has a nose for the football. Corner Canyon is always loaded with playmakers on both sides of the ball, but even amongst the best, Borg stands out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406871' first='Dave' last='Hollings'] || Linebacker || 6'3 || 200 || Dixie High School || 2023</strong><br>Hollings is one of the most athletic players in the state who can quickly make a play no matter where he is lined up. The 6'3 linebacker is an effective Blitzer who explodes off the snap and blows past offensive linemen to make plays in the backfield. Hollings is comfortable playing on or off the ball, and his coaches have no problem moving him around as he always seems to be involved in the tackle. He takes on and sheds blockers extremely well, filling the hole with bad intentions. As one of the most explosive linebackers in the state, Hollings will be a force for Dixie's defense this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406888' first='Faimafilli' last='Snuka'] || Linebacker || 6'1 || 230 || West Highschool || 2023</strong><br>Snuka is one of the toughest players in the state and never quits on a play. The 6'1 West linebacker is one of the state's best tacklers who makes play after play in the open field. He is just as tough in coverage, timing his hands perfectly to rack up pass breakups. In addition, Snuka does an excellent job of maneuvering in and out of offensive linemen to create tackles for losses and kill drives. Snuka quickly reacts in coverage and changes directions with pass catchers exceptionally well. The definition of a do-it-all backer will be one of the key cogs in what could be a massive season for West.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->