Prep Redzone All-State 1st Team: Linebackers
In this article:
Here are the premier headhunters we observed throughout the season. Check them out! Quinton Reese HEIGHT 6'0" POS LB CLASS 2024 Quinton Reese School: Ramsay Reese is a modern linebacker that can be used as a chess piece all over…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingHere are the premier headhunters we observed throughout the season. Check them out!
Quinton Reese
Quinton Reese
Reese is a modern linebacker that can be used as a chess piece all over the defense. Though he has the size to be an anchor in the run, Reese is one of the best cover linebackers in Alabama. His ability to patrol the middle of the field, make plays on the ball, and do something with the rock in his hands makes him an extra safety in the middle of the defense. Don’t get it twisted, though; Reese’s quick twitch and exceptional athleticism allow him to be an enforcer against the run. He can flow from sideline to sideline or get downhill and make plays consistently. In addition to that, he’s also adept at being a delay blitzer and generated five sacks as an interior linebacker which is highly impressive. As one of the more complete linebackers in the state, look for Reese to climb up our rankings and start to receiver power five offers.
Riddick is a futuristic linebacker that the game is shifting towards. With a 6’2 210+ pound frame, Riddick has sub 4.5 speed, the strength to be an edge rusher, and the tenacity of a traditional linebacker. Sounds like a Madden-created player, right? The Georgia commit’s film pops with astonishing versatility and dominance. One play he’s setting the edge/ keeping his outside shoulder and making tackles for losses, the next he’s surging through the line with straight power and bull rushes. Riddick also displayed an ability to line up in the slot and strap up receivers. While being a disruptive playmaker at every level of the defense, he served as a dynamic return man who made a couple of house calls this season- further proving he’s one the best all-around prospects in the state.
Russaw is a highly athletic linebacker who’s a heat-seeking missile on the field. His elite speed enables him to lock in on targets when flowing sideline to sideline, get downhill, and be extremely explosive on contact when tackling ball carriers. This elite short-distance burst/ closing speed makes him a tackle-for-loss machine and a constant presence in the backfield. Russaw is also extremely instinctive when flowing to the ball. He takes great angles, navigates through traffic, and seems to always be near the play. His speed, in addition to his awareness, allows him to play even faster and cause havoc as a blue-chip second-level player.