2024 Rankings Newcomers: Linebackers
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Want 30% off of your subscription? Use promo code PaulG30 at checkout. Perhaps the deepest position group in the 2024 class across Idaho, the linebacker position is loaded with next level talent. Who are some new emerging names that had impressive Junior…
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Perhaps the deepest position group in the 2024 class across Idaho, the linebacker position is loaded with next level talent. Who are some new emerging names that had impressive Junior years and are having good off-seasons? Find out below!
Highlights
Craig can play all over the second level and even at the safety position, but should grow into a outside linebacker at the next level due to his length, frame and physical style of play in space and his cover abilities. He is a smooth athlete with good range/hips and closing speed and explodes through contact while taking good angles in the open field and is able to track ball carriers backside. Very fluid in the open field and breaking quickly while able to drop down in the box and take on pullers/blockers with a strong shock and shed, he is a versatile player that plays with good physicality and toughness. Craig also shows he can cover bigger receivers and trigger in zone coverage while playing with good eye discipline and block recognition in the box. He is a no brainer next level player and checks in as our top defensive back/hybrid within the 2024 class.
Rodriguez is a true inside backer with a downhill play style that fills quickly, runs through pullers/scrapers and plays with a low hat and strong punch at contact. He shows he can move quickly laterally and plays with a low hat when flowing near the LOS and fills quickly while knifing into the backfield with closing speed and a nice thud at contact. A sure tackler in space, he flashes a quick play diagnosis, closing speed and has a natural ability to bend and rush the passer from various angles. Checking in just inside our top 5 at a loaded position, Rodriguez is one of the states best and in line for a huge Senior season.
Morarity can play both inside or outside linebacker and has some cover abilities in the slot as well while very physical when re-routing and can turn and run downfield if needed while triggering quickly into the flats. He is a sound tackler in space and closes quickly while able to trigger on the edge and set it while not giving up ground and always looks to create turnovers when cleaning up. Playing in a loaded linebacker room in 2022 on the Mountain View defense, he should be the center of the defense in 2023 and will only continue to grow and develop into a next level kid.
Holman is a throwback tough and physical inside linebacker that is seemingly always in the backfield and shows a quick trigger in the box while a very sound tackler behind the LOS. He plays with a low hat when moving laterally inside the tackles and is athletic enough to turn and run in space while taking good angles in the open field and plays with tremendous backside pursuit and a high motor. He should gather interest at the D-II+ level and can make a impact at the next level.
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