Breakout 3A Linebackers To Know In 2024 Class
In the peach state, it’s easy to find tough, physical linebackers who can play at the next level. We saw plenty of them emerge last year in 3A, and a few of them are ready for big 2023 seasons. Let’s…
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Continue ReadingIn the peach state, it’s easy to find tough, physical linebackers who can play at the next level. We saw plenty of them emerge last year in 3A, and a few of them are ready for big 2023 seasons.
Let’s take a look at who they are…
David Bucey – Savannah Christian
A tremendous two-way athlete who can dominate on both sides of the ball. Bucey proved last fall that he’s one of the top sleeper prospects in thee Savannah area. A wide receiver and linebacker. Bucey may not play against the best competition on a weekly basis, but he’s someone who makes play after play. No matter where he’s lined up, the 6-foot-1 195-pounder finds a way to make plays. At linebacker, he knows how to hit and brings plenty of speed to their defense. He runs, he’s physical, and can dissect plays before they happen. He reacts quickly and knows how to deliver a big hit on thee ball-carrier. He covers a lot of ground in coverage as well, bringing some versatility to his game as well. He can make plays in the secondary as well if he needs too. He filled up thee stat sheet defensively, making 100 total tackles and 18 TFLs. He’s a football magnet and constantly flew around the field. He also recorded five INTs, forced two fumbles, and recovered three more. He can absolutely play at the next level and should have a monster senior season in 2023 on both sides of the ball.
Russell Hunley – Monroe Area
A long, rangy safety with impressive ball skill, Hunley showed this year that he’s without a doubt one of thee top under the radar defensive backs in the Athens area. The 6-foot-0 185-pounder does a great job closing on the ball carrier and consistently takes a great angle to the ball. He’s a sure tackler who reacts quickly and then races to make a play. A consistent, reliable defender, Hunley excels both against the run and pass. He does his job and makes it look easy. In total, Hunley made 96 tackles on the season. He was all over the field and was someone that offenses needed to work around. He was excellent against the run while picking off two passes in coverage, breaking up five more. He was quick, active, and played consistent football all season long. He’ll be one of the area’s top defensive backs to know about in 2023.
Jacobi Jones – Mary Persons
One of the more underrated linebackers in Middle Georgia, Jones is a productive middle linebacker who does his job each and every play. He may not be the biggest or fastest linebacker around, but he’s a sound tackler who plays physical. He strikes hard, plays with his instincts, and always finds himself around the football. He does have a muscular frame on him at 6-foot-0 200-pounds and knows how to get off blocks using his strength and general quickness. He gets down-hill and knows how to wrap up the ball carrier both up high or around the ankles. A 1st-team ALL Region selection last year, Jones made 91 tackles as a junior last year in just 10 games. He came to play week after week, making seven stops in the backfield and picked off one pass. He made 16 tackles in two different games last year, showing that he can take over games as a defender. Expect him to have a dominant season for Mary Persons as a senior next fall.