Kentucky Top Performers of the 2022 Season: Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the next installment of my personal picks for the top-performing players out of each position in the state of Kentucky, we will be looking at linebackers. The linebacker position is one of the most important roles on the entire football team as they are usually described as the captain of the defense. The best linebackers will always prevent big plays from happening by making crucial stops every snap. In Kentucky, there were many high-performing linebackers across the different divisions (A-6A). But today, we are going to narrow this number down to a few players who have exceeded all the other linebackers in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["490004"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='490004' first='Aveion' last='McAtee'] finished out the 2022 season recording the 3rd most total tackles in the entire state with 177 in 10 games which accumulates to roughly 18 tackles a game. His main attribute that contributed to his success on the football field is his explosive strength to throw down any incoming ballcarrier in order to make the stop. Along with that, Aveion's reflexes off the snap are instant, and his ability to get off his feet and accelerate quickly to the ball is extremely impressive. Aveion has also shown the ability to accurately read where the ball is going to go and he is able to get himself over and make the stop every time, which helped record all his tackles this year. Although he may be a senior and has not held any collegiate offers at this time, I believe that he will eventually find himself playing inside LB at the next level.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JTCJqu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["373781"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003ePast Analysis:u003c/strongu003ernrnVincent is a defensive stud in Class 2A, ranking 2nd in total tackles and 1st in forced fumbles with 3 of those he recovered. The sophomore Middle linebacker is one of the hardest-hitting defensive tackles I have seen out statewide. Vincent rushes toward an incoming ball carrier like a bull and hits them hard enough to knock the ball out of their hands. The young man is excellent as zone reads as he knows where to position himself and the defense on where the ball is intended to go. His defensive IQ helps enable him to get to the right spot and make the tackle. Whenever Vincent is on the field, his presence alone makes it lowers the odds for the offense to further advance the ball down the field. He also was a huge contributor to leading his entire defense to be ranked the 12th best team defense in Class 2A ball. It is scary how he has only played one year of high school ball, and he has plenty of time to further develop from just an elite LB to a top LB in the entire state. I expect him to get to that level very soon, maybe even this season for Owensboro Catholic.rnrnu003cstrongu003eEnd of Season:u003c/strongu003e Vincent ended 3rd in total tackles statewide finishing at 183 in 13 games played. As I have stated previously, the middle linebacker is still the most consistent hard-hitting linebacker in the state. Vincent has shown major improvements in his game from his game as a freshman, despite his freshman year showing him being dominant as well. The amount of potential in this kid is exponential, and the fact he still has 2 years left of high school ball means that you will see some top-tier highlights coming from the Owensboro Catholic sophomore. One aspect of his game that really shined in his sophomore season was his solid zone defense and reading off the quarterback well which helped him come up with a few interceptions and many crucial stops on defense. His overall athleticism and game IQ should not be questioned, and I am excited to see how much further development Vincent goes through and where his ceiling is. The future is bright for Carrico.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JNZ02u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["331694"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003ePast Analysis:u003c/strongu003ernrnGavin racked up an impressive junior season making 83 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 5 sacks for the Ballard Bruins. What is noticeable about Gavin's playstyle is his tackling mechanics. In other words, Gavin knows where to hit an opposing player's weak spot which enables him to make even the most difficult tackles. Along with that, Gavin makes accurate predictions based on his great field vision to make a stop where the ball is being put. The young man is also a ball hawk and has many traits that correlate with a Nickelback which makes him an even greater threat when the ball is thrown near him. Gavin checks off all the skillsets any college football team would be looking for in an LB. I would be wanting to recruit this man any chance I can get if I were a local school in need of an OLB like Gavin.rnrnu003cstrongu003eEnd of Seasonu003c/strongu003e: Gavin had a terrific 2022 football season, finishing 1st in total tackles statewide with 189, while also recording 12 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and 2 interceptions in 14 games played. The Ballard senior added 106 more total tackles this season compared to his junior year and this is due to his stellar development. What makes Gavin so incredible is his explosive pass-rushing ability and strength to easily slip past the offensive line to get to the quarterback. When blitzing, Gavin gets off the snap so quickly, the quarterback does not even have time to see him charging toward him, as Gavin takes the easy sack. His zone reads are top-notch every time he steps onto the field, as he plays off the direction of the quarterback's momentum and makes the defensive play where the ball is placed. There are not a lot of names I can think of that could have a decent chance at getting past Gavin on a 1v1 which goes to show how dominant this young man is. [player_tooltip player_id='331694' first='Gavin' last='Willis'] is currently committed to Bucknell, and I expect to see him shine there in the coming years.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2J7n2Lu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["490011"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003ePast Analysisu003c/strongu003e:rnrnKangakole looked like a superstar last week, recording 19 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 interception against Marshall County. The senior is an aggressive outside linebacker that is consistently producing lots of pressure on the offense when blitzing. Although he may not be as big as some of the interior linemen, his strength should not be doubted as he can break through the offensive line with ease to pressure the quarterback. Along with that, his zone coverage is excellent due to his outstanding accurate readings of the quarterback's decision-making. With the performances he's been making this year, it's hard to understand why there is not much interest in this kid, do not sleep on him!rnrnu003cstrongu003eEnd ofu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eSeason: u003c/strongu003eKangakole continued to dominate his senior season after my previous look at him during the season. He finished off the 2022 campaign recording 145 total tackles u0026amp; 23 tackles for loss in 10 games played. Out of all the statewide linebackers, Jean Aime finished 2nd in total tackles per game sitting at roughly 15. What stands out the most about the senior's playstyle is his nonstop aggression toward pressuring the offense in any way he can. Whether that is to make a heavy hit on a ball carrier to make a crucial stop or blitz-rushing the quarterback to make them commit a bad play, Kangakole can do it all with ease. Although most of his impressive stats revolve around tackling for loss and total tackles, what I admire a lot about Kangakole is his extra effort plays like going after the ballcarrier from across the field and attempting to punch the ball out of him. Those extra effort plays solidified this top-performing spot and will help him be successful in his future. At the moment, Kangakole does not appear to have any offers however I am hopeful he will continue playing football at the next level in the coming years.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JhkqAu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["490002"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Bryce had an excellent season for Leslie County as he recorded 143 total tackles u0026amp; led the state in tackles for loss with 31 in 11 games played. Bryce is undoubtedly one of the best pass-rushing linebackers in the state. Combining his quick acceleration off the line of scrimmage and his fast reflexes to get off the line exactly right when the ball is snapped is a recipe for disaster for the opposing offense. What is also noticeable about Pugh is his amazing reads of the offensive positioning. In other words, Bryce is great at finding weak spots in the offensive line to exploit and act on them to make a critical stop on defense. There are many plays of this that ended up in a lot of tackles for loss and a few sacks for the Leslie County senior. As of today, he has not held any offers, but I believe his talent should not be ignored and I hope he does find his way on a competitive football team that he will thrive on, at the next level.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/BrycePugh_Real/mediau0022u003eTwitter:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a3995e5c755"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Honorable Mentions:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Braedon Waddle | 5-10, 205lbs. Class of 2023 | Estill County High School, KY | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12971529/Braeden-Waddle">Hudl</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='423659' first='Jack' last='Lonaker'] | 6-0, 220lbs. Class of 2024 | Randall Cooper High School, KY | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16001894/637433d9bd743e0ec892c0eb">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='489996' first='Layton' last='Abbott'] | 6-0, 195lbs. Class of 2023 | Pulaski County High School, KY | <a href="https://twitter.com/LaytonAbbott50">Twitter:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tyler Ballard | 5-11, 205lbs. Class of 2023 | Holy Cross (Louisville) High School, KY | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12668775/636bbc262aa69505547dc01d">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ramont Freeman | 5-8, 160lbs. Class of 2025 | Western High School, KY | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16272684/632d10388cd47e091cff64f2">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->