2025: Lights Out Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These linebackers made plays all game long and never backed down from a challenge. They may have only been sophomores last year, but based on their tape, you would have thought they were four-year starters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698236' first='Taylor' last='Higham'] || LB || 6'0 || 215 || Mountain Ridge High School || 2025&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Higham was one of the state's top pass rushers in 2022. He's an exceptional athlete with elite bend around the edge. Higham is lighting quick off the snap and has the closing speed to track down quarterbacks. He easily converts speed to power and does a good job gaining leverage. Higham can play anywhere along the front seven and is an exceptional tackler in space. In addition, he's a skilled hand fighter who can defeat offensive linemen's initial moves. Higham also has excellent instincts and does a good job throwing his arms up to bat down passes when he doesn't get home.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698537' first='Hutch' last='Fale'] || LB || 6'0 || 170 || Provo High School || 2025&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few players in the state were better at locating the ball in 2022 than Fale. The Bulldogs sophomore linebacker has exceptional vision and the sideline-to-sideline quickness needed to make plays all over the field. He does a great job evading blockers and wrapping up. Fale is fearless when taking on any challenges on the field, and he always steps up without hesitation to fill holes. In addition, he's outstanding in zone coverage. Fale is patient when dropping back and does a good job of watching the quarterback's eyes and being aware of potential pass catchers over the middle of the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698242' first='Brant' last='Koford'] || LB || 6'0 || 215 || Fremont High School || 2025&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Koford was a force in the middle of the Silverwolves defenses in 2022. He may have only been a sophomore, but he had no issues taking down some of the state's top running backs last year. Koford possesses excellent strength and uses it to barrel over offensive linemen before making tackles for loss. He's also an exceptional blitzer who disguises his rushes well. Koford loves the game's physicality and ensures his presence is felt every time he takes the field. When he sees a gap, he shoots through it in the blink of an eye. He had over 100 tackles last year and should be even more dominant in 2023.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698328' first='McKay' last='Wright'] || LB || 6'0 || 210 || Crimson Cliffs High School || 2025&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright is the type of player who makes palsy no matter where he lines up on the field. His speed makes him one of the class of 2025's best defensive playmakers. Wright can go under blocks and still catch running backs in time before they get the edge. He can chase down pass catchers from behind and get around the edge lightning quick as a blitzer. He does a good job fighting through blocks and never gives up on a play until the whistles blown. In addition, Wright is an exceptional tackler in space, where he does a good job breaking down in space before making touchdown-saving tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->