Prep Redzone All-State 2nd Team: Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the premier headhunters we observed throughout the season. Check them out!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["131892"],"_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a9a0262e4f4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Pickens is a rangy linebacker with a nose for the ball. The Jackson High product is extremely active on every rep and was one of the most productive players in the state. With 151 tackles, Pickens created massive problems for every offense he went against. As an ultra-instinctive playmaker, Pickens minimizes false steps, reads what's going on in front of him, and navigates to the ball with speed and physicality. This sideline-to-sideline style allows him to set edges on perimeter runs, disrupt screens, and shoot gaps while getting downhill. Pickens tremendous closing speed, open-field tackling, and playmaking skills remind you of elite strong safety and provided positional fluidity throughout the season. With a track record of proven production, outstanding film, and skill Pickens would be a steal if a major program takes a chance on him.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["261319"],"_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a9a0262e5e6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Woods was one of the better Mike linebackers in the state last season. He was a heat-seeking missile that constantly blew up plays and caused havoc for any offense he faced. Woods's ability to read and react sets him apart. You can tell he studies film and does an excellent job flowing to the ball with speed, physicality, and positioning himself to make plays. With a natural quick twitch in addition to him limiting false steps, Woods is one of the fastest linebackers in the state. When he does get to the ball he's a sure tackler who can be fundamentally sound without losing the impact of the hit, which is very rare. He does an excellent job taking good angels, not being flat-footed, and finishing plays with purpose. As one of the better linebackers in the 2023 class, Woods could definitely have an impact at the next level.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/malikwoods33/status/1589480842124201984?s=20u0026amp;t=6VrbPusng1HIPmHuhyaXWA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/malikwoods33/status/1589480842124201984?s=20&amp;t=6VrbPusng1HIPmHuhyaXWA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Malik Brown ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Center Point","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a9a0262e68f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown is one of the more versatile linebackers in the state. The 2024 prospect showed utility at almost every position in the front seven. With solid burst, pursuit, and instinct, he thrived as on off-ball linebacker who penetrated the backfield and mitigated gains on the perimeter. However, with a sturdy frame, Brown can take on blocks on the strong side and still find his way to the ball. This power also shows when he lines up at the line of scrimmage. With an effective bull rush and ability to win with straight power, Brown made plays on the edge and as an interior rusher which is highly impressive. Though he's a solid athlete, Brown flashes nuance when getting after passers with spin moves and active hands. Look for Brown to emerge as a diamond in the rough within the 2024 class.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MalikBrown/status/1586566491121635328?s=20u0026amp;t=6VrbPusng1HIPmHuhyaXWA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MalikBrown/status/1586566491121635328?s=20&amp;t=6VrbPusng1HIPmHuhyaXWA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->