High Steppers: Linebackers
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The Linebacker position is one of the most valuable spots within today’s defenses. Linebackers have to be athletic, as well as the best tacklers on the team. With the evolution of the passing, they have the capability to affect the…
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Continue ReadingThe Linebacker position is one of the most valuable spots within today’s defenses. Linebackers have to be athletic, as well as the best tacklers on the team. With the evolution of the passing, they have the capability to affect the game in pass coverage and linebackers are heavily involved with the pass rush. Here are several linebackers who are game breakers.
Bowman has a non-stop motor, he plays at a different pace from his opponents and he has the speed to make plays from sideline to sideline. Jonah plays the run under control, he has excellent pad level at the point of attack and his skill to take on blocks, allows him to flow freely. His closing speed to the ball carrier is what makes him special. He shows great patience when he attacks, he fills the hole under control and keeps his shoulders square to the ball carrier. Jonah’s ability to read and diagnose plays quickly, enables him to make plays. At 6’2 220 pounds, Bowman has a game ready frame for the next level. In 2022 Jonah filled up the stat sheet each week, totaling 92 tackles, 49 solo, 12 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Colleges will be making the trip to Prosper Rock Hill this spring to get eyes on Bowman.
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Jones plays fast, under control and delivers hits with a thud when he fills the hole in run support. Brandon has the ideal frame, combined with the top end speed that college defensive coordinators covet. His ability to be a sure tackler in the open field, cover receivers who line up in the slot, as well as running backs in pass coverage, make him a three down linebacker. Jones is weapon in the blitz game, he possesses the skill set to close ground quickly and his timely attacks are what make him a valuable asset on third downs. Jones superb eye discipline, which puts him in position to stop offenses in their tracks routinely and when he diagnoses the play, he hunts down his opponent. A two-time state champion with South Oak Cliff, Jones was a named 1st team all-state in 2022. Jones has offers from Arizona, Colorado, Houston, North Texas, Texas State, Tulsa, Michigan State, Washington and Missouri, who are schools that have made him target on their recruiting boards.
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Williams is a downhill linebacker, who makes plays from sideline to sideline and his next level speed shuts down the running lanes of his opponents quickly. He uses excellent eye discipline to read and diagnose plays and he has a seek and destroy mentality. Justin plays under control, he keeps his shoulders square in the hole and he is a sure tackler who brings a thud when he finishes a play. At 6’2 200 pounds, Williams has the frame that will allow him to add bulk and remain ultra athletic. Justin has narrowed down his top 6 schools to Texas, TCU, Texas A&M, Oregon, USC and Auburn.
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Keys runs with great speed to contact, with superb body control and packs a punch that his opponents feel. He plays with a high motor, he displays great technique and plays with great pad level at the point of attack. Keys is a playmaking linebacker, who roams the field from sideline to sideline and he runs the alleys with a purpose. He shows great instincts in pass defense and has the skill set to drop in coverage. In 2022, Keys stepped in front a of pass and made a house call for six. While Keys is no doubt one of the best linebackers in his class, don’t sleep on his skills as punishing running back. His combination of power and speed, with a nose for the endzone, was a potent weapon that Aledo used to capture their 11th state title in 2022. Keys put up phenomenal stats in 2022, totalling 123 tackles, as well as 13 touchdowns on the offensive of the ball. Offers from Oregon, Arizona State, and Tulsa within the month of February, show that his stock is on a steady climb.
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Boswell is a fierce competitor, who plays with his hair on fire and delivers a thump when he hits the ball carrier. His has a swiss army knife skill set, that enables him to be an effective an effective blitzer and he runs to contact with excellent closing speed. Markus plays the run under control, with great pad level, he runs the alleys well and he is a sure tackler in the open field. At 6’2 200 pounds, Boswell has a lengthy, long frame that allows him to add muscle weight and retain his fluidity in his movement when he gets on a college campus. The month of February has seen Boswell’s recruiting trending upward, with offers North Texas, Wyoming, as well as Tulane, Colorado and UNLV, who offered Markus in January. Boswell has the traits that playmaking linebackers possess that make them attractive on the recruiting trail.