Positional Breakdown: 2024 Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Linebacker position in New York is an interesting one headed into the 2024 season because we are lacking a player who is easily the top #1 guy like we had last season in [player_tooltip player_id='232912' first='Zyian' last='Moultrie-Goddard'] or Moses Walker in the class of 2022. What we do have here is a couple of guys who are competing for that #1 LB spot with a whole bunch of prospects that could take that jump into the conversation. While most positions have a top guy and that guy likely won't change this season Linebacker becomes one of the more intriguing storylines throughout this season in New York considering how wide open this position group is and how there all these prospects and make big improvements in their game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>The Top Guy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["450493"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='450493' first='Eddie' last='Palumbo'] is very versatile linebacker that excels in coverage and working in space. Palumbo has great length at 6-4 and he uses that frame to be effective in coverage against tight ends, running backs, and even many receivers. Palumbo has really solid ball skills and does a good job of getting his head around when is covering 1v1 but also can keep his eyes keyed on the QB in zone coverage to read and anticipate throws. Palumbo is also a really solid blitzer and does a good job of using quickness and timing to win as a pass rusher. With really good feel for the game and awareness Palumbo reads the game well and does a good job of making the right play and not being over aggressive. Palumbo is a really solid tackler and does a good job of wrapping players up and when he is the second man to the ball prioritizes attempting to punch the ball or strip it loose. Overall, Palumbo is similar to the prototype of a modern linebacker and while he excels in multiple facets of the game he has not shown to be a standout defender but rather just a good defender on a good defense. Palumbo has all the tools but if he could really take the next step and be more physical and standout consistently he could move up the rankings and hold onto the top LB spot in the state.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-640f46e05a962"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Five Prospects To Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["253479"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another Catholic League LB and pushing for the #1 LB spot in the state is [player_tooltip player_id='253479' first='Nick' last='Parisi']. Although the #1 u0026amp; #2 linebackers in the state play very different styles of the position they both bring D1 level traits to their defenses. Parisi excels around the LOS and against the run. His strength and ability to neutralize and shed blocks are on par with a lot of defensive lineman with much bigger builds. Parisi can take on pulling lead blockers and make plays while engaged with offensive lineman. Parisi is a really solid tackler and not only can make arm tackles as running backs try and get to the second level but also is a really solid tackler in the open field. Parisi has shown some really solid positional versatility where he has lined up as an off ball linebacker or as an OLB/Edge type of player. Parisi does have some solid tape in coverage but more consistent reps against the pass would be a major plus for him this season and really round out his game as a linebacker. Luckily, Holy Trinity moving up to AAA will allow for a huge opportunity for Parisi to work against the best competition in New York.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["279551"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Probably the best athlete at linebacker in this state [player_tooltip player_id='279551' first='Larawn' last='Robinson'] is also a physical tackler who makes a ton of quality plays in the backfield. Robinson sees the game well and diagnoses the game really well. When Robinson can read what is happening in the backfield be becomes like a heat seeking missile to the ball. Robinson is a really solid tackler and does a good job of wrapping guys up not always going for the big hit. Robinson is also really solid in coverage where his athleticism and feel for the game shines. Robinson could generate some buzz this offseason due to his athleticism but during the fall needs to put together more consistant tape especially when it comes to making plays that standout on a consistent level.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["450895"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='450895' first='Hunter' last='Jantzi'] is a workhorse MLB for Canisius and reads the game so well from the position. Jantzi not only does a good job of processing plays and reacting but he does it at the same time allowing him to make plays 2+ yards in the backfield. Jantzi is a really solid tackler in traffic and can make plays solo behind the LOS. Jantzi has shown he can be solid in coverage and reads route patterns well. Jantzi could be the best linebacker in the state when it comes to diagnosing plays from the position but with some physical limitations and occasional overaggressiveness Jantzi certainly could improve this season. Adding some strength and power would help Jantzi get off blocks with more consistency and being more patient on some reps would definitely improve Jantzi's overall game.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["521426"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='521426' first='Kahmari' last='Cook'] is one of the most physically gifted players in New York and his athleticism jumps out on tape. Cook's closing speed and tackling ability in open space are his best traits and if he is not by the ball he knows how to get their and do it fast. Cook is solid in coverage and does a good job of keying the offenses timing and breaking on the ball as soon as its out. In the run game Cook is physical, patient, and gets off blocks well on a consistent basis. Cook should be in for a huge year as Bennett loses some key pieces but where I want to see him take that next step is going above and beyond the plays he is expected to make and creating turnovers or negative plays on a consistent basis.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["269999"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='269999' first='Seamus' last='Miller'] is a very well-rounded linebacker who does everything well. Miller needs to develop a little more in terms of developing a part of his game to a more elite level which would elevate his overall play. In the field Miller is really versatile in his positioning and can impact the game from multiple alignments, even on special teams. In coverage, Miller is solid against RBs and TEs and against the run he can get off blocks well. As a tackler, Miller is physical and can make plays in space against twitchy athletes. Overall, Miller does not really have holes to his game but it is just about developing a skillset that is above and beyond his peers to take the next step.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-640f46e05aa69"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Sleeper Prospects You Should Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["277896"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='277896' first='Oshane' last='Martin Jr'] could be one of the biggest impact players that is not on the defensive line for Erasmus Hall this season. Martin Jr has some solid tape but in a LB group that has had so much talent over recent seasons there has not been a ton of available reps. However, this fall Martin Jr's speed and quickness should be on full display and his ability to make plays in coverage with really solid mirroring of receivers and good ball skills in addition to being a threat as a blitzer off the edge make him a candidate to create a lot of negative plays and turnovers for E-Hall. Martin Jr has shown a unique level of athleticism that not every LB is gifted with so if he can combine that with some quality tape in a larger role he could be a major candidate to jump up the rankings this fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["521446"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='521446' first='Abdoul' last='Bah'] is an incredible athlete for a LB and although he lacks some size he plays with really solid physicality. Bah is quick to the ball and does a a really good job of diagnosing plays and reacting. Bah's best play actually comes in coverage where his closing speed, ability to play really solid coverage, and limit yards after the catch when passes are completed make him a complete linebacker. Bah could add some weight and strength to help win more consistently against stronger lineman. Overall, Bah is a really solid player who wins with really good athleticism. Bah can impact the game from multiple alignments and has a ton of experience from multiple alignments so this fall Bah is a huge candidate to have a great season just based on what we see on tape.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["604458"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='604458' first='Finn' last='VanDerStuyf'] is really quick but a very physical linebacker. VanDerStuyf does a really good job of using strength and explosiveness to win against offensive lineman and has good length which help him win at the point of attack but also get off blocks. When given a free lane to the ball VanDerStufy is one of the biggest hitters in the class of 2024 and his physical tackling style lead to really consistent tackling both in space and in traffic around the LOS. VanDerStuyf is a quality blitzer whose timing and speed can get him to the quarterback. Overall, VanDerStuyf is a really solid player but could show some more in pass coverage where limited reps and more physical style of play by VanDerStuyf do leave that area of his game as a little unknown.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["450640"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"If there is anyone who could be primed to come out of nowhere it is [player_tooltip player_id='450640' first='Kevin' last='Johnson']. With Archbishop Stepinac losing a couple linebackers to graduating there are some open spots to #1 backer [player_tooltip player_id='450493' first='Eddie' last='Palumbo']. Johnson was solid on kick coverage for Stepinac and has elite size at 6-3, 225lbs to go along with really solid athleticism. While there is not much to go off in terms of his ability on defense Johnson has the traits to potentially be not just an intriguing name headed into the season but has the chance to make some plays this defense as Stepinac tries to replace multiple linebackers from last season.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-640f46e05ab49"} /-->