2023: Game Wrecking Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To be an elite linebacker, you have to be versatile and willing to do whatever your team needs to get the win. These four make big plays all game long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406870' first='Sione' last='Westover'] || LB || 6'2 || 200 || Skyridge High School || 2023</strong><br>Only a select few defenders can match Westover's versatility. The swiss army knife linebacker can drop into coverage, stop the run, and blitz at a high level. He's fearless when taking on offensive linemen and will often inflict more damage than they do on him. Westover has elite traits that make him hard to stop when rushing the passer. In coverage, he does a good job manning his zone and, if needed, can cover tight ends. He takes good angels and makes every ball carrier feel his presence with each hit. Westover was one of the top defenders on the state's best defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406871' first='Dave' last='Hollings'] || LB || 6'3 || 200 || Dixie State High School || 2023</strong><br>Hollings is one of the best blitzes in Utah. He translates speed to power like few can and often steamrolls offensive linemen on his way to a sack. Hollings displays elite bend, and his quickness makes getting a hand on him challenging for offensive linemen. He can play on or off-ball linebacker with his speed which helps him track down ball carriers. In addition, Hollings hits like a ton of bricks and doesn't slow down when he's about to make a play. If he can't get home in time, he does a good job getting his hands up to bat passes down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406908' first='Collin' last='Sheffeild'] || LB || 6'2 || 190 || Skyridge High School || 2023 </strong><br>Our second Skyridge linebacker on the list and another dominant defender. Sheffield is an interception machine who has some of the state's best hands. He does an outstanding job disguising his blitzes, making it difficult for offensive linemen to tell what he's going to do. His football IQ is matched by few in the state, and he knows how to demolish ball carriers. He can drop into zone or lock down pass catchers in man. Sheffield does an exceptional job sifting through the front seven to locate the ball. In addition, he's a strong tackler and seems to make plays every time he takes the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406944' first='Christian' last='Blanch'] || LB || 6'1 || 200 || Fremont High School || 2023</strong><br>Blanch was among the state's leaders in tackles, and it's easy to see why. He's the complete package when it comes to being a complete linebacker. Blanch displays elite strength when dropping running backs in the backfield and when crushing offensive linemen. In addition, he does a great job locating the ball and possesses the sideline-to-sideline quickness to make game-changing plays. He does an exceptional job filling holes and shooting gaps to make plays. In coverage, he does a good job handling his zone, and if offenses make the mistake of throwing his way, he'll make them pay.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->