West Virginia 2023 Top 50: Linebackers
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The linebacker position has evolved over the years as defense’s are trying to combat with the up tempo and speed of opposing offenses and match personnel with personnel. What college programs are looking for in linebackers today are; athletes that…
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Continue ReadingThe linebacker position has evolved over the years as defense’s are trying to combat with the up tempo and speed of opposing offenses and match personnel with personnel. What college programs are looking for in linebackers today are; athletes that can move and react well in space, physical aggressive mindset against the run, and the ability to rush the passer on occasion. The ability to be a three down linebacker is crucial in today with offenses being so diverse.
Lets take a look at the linebackers from the 2023 West Virginia Top 50:
Kam Shallis Kam Shallis 5'11" | 215 lbs | LB Martinsburg | 2023 State WV 5-11 215 Martinsburg High School: Ranked 10th
The human wrecking ball, he flies all over the field while covering ground quickly and effectively and closes in on the opposing ball carrier with great ferocity in his tackling abilities. He has the ability to take over a game with his play and allows him to be a versatile chess piece for any defense.
Lucas Rippetoe Lucas Rippetoe 6'0" | 225 lbs | LB Hurricane | 2023 State WV 6-0 225 Hurrican High School: Ranked 16th
An instinctive linebacker that has good range and awareness to diagnosis plays quickly and effectively to make key plays throughout a game. He has the ability to make open field tackles with ease and get the ball carrier down effectively.
Mason Miller Mason Miller 5'9" | 185 lbs | LB East Hardy | 2023 State WV 5-9 185 East Hardy High School: Ranked 26th
A versatile athlete at the linebacker position that has good awareness to make key consistent tackles on a regular basis. He has good awareness to sift through traffic and make the play without any trouble.
Cody Shy Cody Shy 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB Spring Valley | 2023 State WV 6-0 220 Spring Valley High School: Ranked 27th
A physical linebacker that plays with high motor throughout the duration of a game to make consistent plays whether its against the run or pass. He demonstrates the ability to diagnose a play quickly and react with physicality to the opposing ball carrier.
Rickie Allen 6-1 195 Williamstown High School: Ranked 34th
A dynamic athlete at the linebacker position, he has the speed and awareness to position himself and make plays in open space. He has good closing speed where he can cover ground quickly and effectively against the opposing offense.
Phil Reed Phil Reed 5'11" | 210 lbs | LB Bridgeport | 2023 State WV 5-11 210 Bridgeport High School: Ranked 40th
An athletic linebacker that can stack and shed off blocks quickly and effectively to make the key tackle throughout a game. He has good awareness to be in the right position and take on oncoming offensive lineman to shed off them and make the play.
Jordan Harvey Jordan Harvey 5'10" | 215 lbs | LB Independence | 2023 State WV 5-10 215 Independence High School: Ranked 45th
A physical thumper at the linebacker position, comes down hill fast and physical and creates knockbacks on opposing running backs and even offensive lineman. He has a nose for the football where he can track down the ball carrier and make the key play.