Georgia 2024 Top 50: Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The linebacker position has evolved throughout the years to become a multi-faceted chess piece for defenses around the country. The ability to have an athlete that can play well in space while being physical at the point of attack with oncoming opposing offensive lineman are some of the critical factors associated with the position. Linebackers in all defensive schemes have to have the ability to stop the run and be able to rush the quarterback while being able to cover if needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lets take a look at the linebackers in the 2024 Georgia Top 50!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/myles-graham/"><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='321434' first='Myles' last='Graham']</em></strong></a> <strong><em>- LB - Woodward Academy (#17 overall)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Reads the quarterback to anticipate and is a candidate to play outside.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Graham has value as an inside blitzer as well, showing the initial burst to shoot through gaps and disrupt the backfield.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Graham chases well in pursuit, and he also has the athleticism to play in space if asked to drop into coverage.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Combines very good instincts with above-average reaction skills. Almost always finds the ball in traffic.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jaqualin-birdsong/">[player_tooltip player_id='220736' first='Jaqualin' last='Birdsong']</a> - LB - Troup County (#41 overall)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Flashes closing speed and agility to reach passers from the blind side or up the middle before they can escape.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has the fluid hips and long arms to turn and run with tight ends, as well as excellent range when dropping into zone coverage.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He's very good in coverage when looking into the backfield in zone coverage.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/andrew-hines-2/">[player_tooltip player_id='127147' first='Andrew' last='Hines']</a> - LB - Woodward Academy (#43 overall)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Greet feel in coverage. Often arrives at the receiver at the same time as the ball, giving up few yards after the catch. Possesses straight-line speed to stay with or chase down receivers in man.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He's a natural in coverage, with the movement skills of a defensive back in man coverage against tight ends.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Shows a burst to close. Flashes explosive hitting ability and good lateral and downfield pursuit.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A bit stiff but makes the clean open-field tackle. Good effort in pursuit.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->