2024 Lone Star State Linebackers to Watch
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The amount of talented linebackers in the state of Texas has college scouts from all over the country swarming to the Lone Star State. The class of 2024 happens to be loaded with numerous prospects that have the potential to…
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Continue ReadingThe amount of talented linebackers in the state of Texas has college scouts from all over the country swarming to the Lone Star State. The class of 2024 happens to be loaded with numerous prospects that have the potential to play on Saturdays in the future. In today’s article we are going to a look at some linebackers to pay attention to as spring football starts to heat up. Several names you may already recognize and a few you will recognize before the playoffs start up in November.
Payton Pierce Payton Pierce 6'2" | 230 lbs | LB Lovejoy | 2024 State TX -Lovejoy-6’2” 230-Pounds
The Lovejoy linebacker is one of the most disruptive linebackers in the state. Payton Pierce Payton Pierce 6'2" | 230 lbs | LB Lovejoy | 2024 State TX does an excellent job of reading the play and using his speed to get into the offensive backfield. Pierce has a good mix of speed and power and he uses both to defeat blocks and haul down the ball carrier. Pierce is athletic enough to the point that he seldom needs to come off of the field. He has seen his recruiting explode over the past six months. With 40 scholarship offers to his credit at this point. Look for a big season from Lovejoy linebacker in 2023.
Markus Boswell Markus Boswell 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Lake Travis | 2024 State TX -Lake Travis-6’2” 200-Pounds
Markus Boswell Markus Boswell 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Lake Travis | 2024 State TX is a linebacker that has impressive speed. He has no problem using his speed to defeat blocks and completely disrupt the opposing offensive backfield. Boswell is never out of a play and he has a motor that doesn’t seem to stop. He is a linebacker that does a great job of reading the play and he follows it up by making the tackle. Boswell has good skills when it comes to defending the pass. With his speed he can stick with most running backs. Up to this point, Boswell has earned nine scholarship offers and I look for him to rack up some more as the offseason continues.
Mitch Melton Mitch Melton 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Conroe | 2024 State TX -Conroe-6’2” 220-Pounds
Conroe’s Mitch Melton Mitch Melton 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Conroe | 2024 State TX is one of those linebackers that excels at putting pressure on the quarterback. He may not get to the quarterback, but he always has an impact on the throw. Melton diagnosis the play well and does an excellent job of making the tackle. As dangerous as Melton is in stopping the pass, he clamps down on the run quickly. Melton has a nose for the football and finishes tackles in impressive fashion. Over the past few months, Melton has earned six scholarship offers and is likely to earn more during the offseason.
Camden McKinney Camden McKinney 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Stephenville | 2024 State TX -Stephenville-6’1” 215-Pounds
Versatility is the name of the game for Camden McKinney Camden McKinney 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Stephenville | 2024 State TX . McKinney has put on display his ability to get into the offensive backfield at both the outside linebacker and edge rusher positions. McKinney is another prospect that does not quit on a play and he efforts to be in on every tackle. He does a terrific job of fending off blocks and getting to the ball carrier. McKinney’s play in the state championship game opened plenty of eyes. Keep an eye on McKinney this season, I expect him to have a big 2023 season.
Kaleb Blanton Kaleb Blanton 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Manvel | 2024 State TX -Manvel-6’2” 210-Pounds
Manvel’s Kaleb Blanton Kaleb Blanton 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Manvel | 2024 State TX puts on display impressive speed every time he steps on the field. He is an explosive player that does a great job of getting into the opposing offensive backfield. Blanton is able to put pressure on the quarterback by using speed to get by blockers. From a pass defense perspective, he is extremely impressive at dropping back into coverage. He can make plays on the ball and take it the opposite direction with little trouble. At this point in recruiting, Blanton has racked up 13 offers and he will likely earn more over the course of the offseason. He is a linebacker to watch out for this season.