5 Small School Big Production Linebackers In The 2025 Class

<p>We're looking at 5 defensive players who came out and not only had big years for their programs, but locked themselves in as pieces to build around for the next few years. These guys are versatile with the potential to add to what they can do by the time they graduate.</p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='553151' first='Jesiah' last='McDaniel'] - North Judson San-Pierre - ATH - 6'0" 170lbs</h2>   <p>McDaniel came out and had a really decent year on both sides of the ball. Proving to add value in the receiving game as someone who can win downfield was a big addition for an offense that rarely missed a beat. To average just under 25-yards per reception while catching 7 TDs you have to be doing something right, and that he is. Winning while the ball is in the air is where he flourished offensively. Defensively though, is where he went off. Cementing himself as one of their defensive pillars moving forward, he put up 95 tackles, 5 interceptions, while causing or recovering 4 more fumbles. To be fair, McDaniel is actually the Safety for NJSP, but the way he clamped down the backend while playing the run on the regular, he seems like an extra linebacker who can drop back when needed. Good range, good angles, and the ability to anticipate routes has McDaniel ahead of schedule in some areas. By the time he graduates, he could be one of the more decorated defensive recruits in the NW Indiana area for good reason.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@Jesiah_McDaniel</strong></p>    <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='723003' first='Jaxson' last='Reynolds'] - Paoli - LB - 6'1" 195lbs </h2>   <p>Reynolds was really big for the defense this year and the role he took on. Whether he was lining up against a WR in the slot or back in the second level, he was trusted and earned that trust throughout the year. He's got good on-field vision and is able to get across the field in a hurry. He's able to string out plays and force them to go East and West while he has reinforcements arrive. He's got a knack for creating and getting TFLs by out finessing the lineman near the ball on the play side. Whether he was keying the run and coming downhill to make the tackle or flying down the field as a gunner on kickoffs, it's the same effort and intensity on every rep. A young player developing while keeping the intensity up is great to see. The confidence never wavers and he only gets better as a game goes on and he's able to feel out the offense. On the season, Reynolds put up 70 tackles, 5 TFLs, and forced a fumble. Overall, proving to be versatile and reliable while giving the coaching staff something to work with in the coming years puts Reynolds in a great spot to be successful for years to come.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@JaxsonReynolds2</strong></p>    <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='723004' first='Ralph' last='Eakins'] - Rushville - ATH - 5'10" 180lbs</h2>   <p>Eakins first year on Varsity did not disappoint as he came through on both sides of the ball for Rushville where they needed. The team itself didn't have a great year, but it had a few young guys breakout and show their potential with Eakins being one of those pieces for the future. Offensively, he was able to play RB and have moments where he looked pretty good. While it's not his normal position, to come out and be productive under the lights was big. Putting up those 200+ rushing yards and TD on those 46 carries gave him a chance to showcase his ball-skills. He then returned kick-offs for them for past of the year as well with a return long of 70-yards. As nice as all of that is, Eakins real future is on the defensive side. Phenomenal closing speed, and speed in general, allows him to patrol the entire field. He's been able to line up and play man coverage, drop back and cover a half, and come up to the LOS and play the run. He's even been a thorn on Defensive Special Teams blocking kicks and getting home. 93 tackles, an Interception, 5 batted down balls, and more fill out his stat-line. Eakins had 1 game last year under 8 tackles and that was just the first game. After that, he had 3 straight week with 15 tackles breaking out and finding his confidence while never looking back. In conclusion, Eakins had an overall fantastic breakout campaign while showing how versatile he can really be.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@RalphEakins_</strong></p>    <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='723005' first='Trinten' last='Richardson'] - Pike Central - TE/LB - 6'3" 225lbs</h2>   <p>Richardson had a really good season defensively, and then is developing as a TE who can line up with his hand in the dirt. He's off the line quick and able to get downfield in a hurry with the ability to win downfield contested catches. While not his primary position, the ability to move there in the future could be big for his development. Seeing things from the other perspective and getting a feel from what they need to do to win is always big for defensive guys which is why I love 2-way players. Defensively, he's physical and is able to play in the box as well as drop back into coverage. His big frame gives him a little extra raw power when he makes contact and as he develops in the weight room, he could be come a dominant player. He bends well and learns best when thrown into the fire. On the year, Richardson put up 77 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and forced a fumble. Consistency and development was nice to see, but to see him also be able to penetrate and infiltrate the run game at such a high level was huge. Richardson is someone to definitely keep an eye on moving forward because this could just be the very tip of the iceberg for him.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@Trinten34</strong></p>    <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='272857' first='Noah' last='Knigga'] - Lawrenceburg - LB - 6'2" 200lbs</h2>   <p>Knigga, in my opinion, remains as one the top LBs in the class and is only getting better. Just wrapping up his 2nd campaign he hit double digit TFLs again. Significant because the Lawrenceburg defense suffocated offenses all year long and forced 3-and-outs on the regular. They had 6-straight shut outs during the heart of the season and Knigga is a big part of that. Being able to regularly blow up the backfield, get in the QBs head, and make open field plays can really get to an offense rather quickly. His first 2-years, he has 28 TFLs with 14 in both seasons. Last year however, Knigga upped his totals across the board. 79 tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 forced turnovers round out his year. He's explosive, has violent hands, and is able to diagnose things as quickly as they're happening. The speed in which he played last year versus his freshman year was drastically different, in a good way. You can see the confidence he has on the field understanding he's one of the best players out there and knows what to do. Knigga is an absolute stud at the Line-backing position and by the time he graduates, I'd be shocked if schools aren't lined up at the door.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@KniggaNoah</strong></p>

We're looking at 5 defensive players who came out and not only had big years for their programs, but locked themselves in as pieces to build around for the next few years. These guys are versatile with the potential to add to what they can do by the time they graduate.