2024 Rankings: Elite Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These linebackers dish out massive hits and decimate offenses with big plays. They may only have been juniors, but they stopped some of the state's top seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406962' first='Easton' last='Baker'] || LB || 6'0 || 205 || Stansbury High School || 2024 </strong><br>Baker is one of the state's most physical backers. He knows how to use the hit stick, and his highlight reel is like watching a demolition derby. As soon as he sees a gap, he shoots through it and obliterates ball carriers. Baker makes running backs and quarterbacks feel his presence with every hit. His ability to make tackles at high speeds is truly remarkable. Baker can line up anywhere on the field and has the closing speed to blow up plays. He's an elite blitzer and gets home on nearly every pass rush. Baker also does an outstanding job defeating blockers before making plays. The Stallions linebacker is one of the state's hardest hitters and best players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532683' first='Brigham' last='Morrison'] || LB || 6'0 || 180 || Bountiful High School || 2024</strong><br>Morrison is lights out in the middle of the field for the Red Hawks. He does a great job sifting through offensive linemen to locate the ball before dropping ball carries for a minimal game. Morrison does an excellent job wrapping up and finishing each tackle. In addition, he's outstanding in coverage. Morrison does a great job sitting back in zone coverage reading quarterbacks. He closes on pass catchers quickly and has good instincts that allow him to deflect passes. As a blitzer, Morrison takes good angles that force quarterbacks to make errant throws, or he gets home for the sack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532700' first='Mason' last='Jeppsen'] || LB || 5'11 || 165 || Box Elder High School || 2024 </strong><br>Jeppsen was a tackling machine for the Bees. His sideline-to-sideline speed allows him to make play after play. He finished the season with over 165 tackles, over five sacks, and created a few turnovers. Jeppesen was instrumental in Box Elders near upset of the eventual 5A state champion Lehi Pioneers. He does a great job locating the ball and avoiding offensive linemen in order to make the stop. Jeppesen also does a good job covering the middle of the field and can take the ball away if quarterbacks make a mistake. For Jeppsen to be this good as just a junior means, the sky's the limit for what he can do in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532694' first='Luke' last='Hansen'] || LB || 6'2 || 190 || Farmington High School || 2024 </strong><br>Hansen has great insects that make him a force to be reckoned with in both coverage and defending the run. He's an elite athlete at the linebacker position, capable of staying with pass catchers all over the field. Hansen is outstanding when dropping back and will often run the routes just as well as the quarterback's intended targets. He has exceptional hands and sells out to create turnovers. Hansen is a phenomenal blitzer and takes great angles when closing in for tackles. He can quickly locate and stop running backs to help his team get off the field quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->