Spotlight Series: 2024 Linebackers
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New Jersey has produced some phenomonal Linebackers over the years, and the 2024 class is no different. At a position with so many different variations of play, it was very difficult to narrow the list to only five. However, I…
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Continue ReadingNew Jersey has produced some phenomonal Linebackers over the years, and the 2024 class is no different. At a position with so many different variations of play, it was very difficult to narrow the list to only five. However, I think this list is composed of everything this position has to offer. Speed, size, strength, and agility, each of these players express these elements at an elite level.
There’s a broad trend developing amongst the Spotlight Series; Don Bosco Prep is stacked in the 2024 class. Here is the next great addition to the list, Jayden Brown Jayden Brown 6’3″ | 215 lbs | LB Don Bosco | 2024 State NJ . By the time the offensive line realizes Jayden is shooting the gap, he’s already in the backfield wrapping up the back. He has incredible foot work for a 6’3″ athlete and has an uncanny ability to anticipate the play. You won’t regret catching a Don Bosco game this fall.
DJ Mangan DJ Mangan 6’3″ | 215 lbs | LB Irvington | 2024 State NJ is a perfect example of a classic middle linebacker. Accumulating 113 tackles and forcing 2 fumbles in 2022, he is the dependent player you need to command a defense and shut down every run before it gets to the second level. He has great size, and he will continue to stop running backs in their tracks in 2023.
Highlights
One of the fastest players on this list, Luca Gemma Luca Gemma 6’1″ | 195 lbs | LB Ramsey | 2024 State NJ was found flying around the field in 2022. A very fast twitch linebacker, his highlights look like a man shot out of a cannon. Just when you think the offense is about to extend a play, Luca came out of nowhere and put a stop to it before it fully developed. His overall speed and acceleration is also on full display as a running back. He will continue to dominate on both sides of the ball come 2023.
Something about Billy Obyrne Billy Obyrne 6’6″ | 230 lbs | LB The Hun School | 2024 NJ ‘s film made me feel like I was watching a college player on a high school field. He has qualities you don’t see typically develop until the next level. Lateral quickness, the ability to fill the hole, and a sure tackler, Davin has everything you’d want in a linebacker. Davin has received a few offers from D1 programs, but I expect to see more offers pour in once the season begins.
Zekai Wimberly Zekai Wimberly 6’2″ | 220 lbs | LB West Orange | 2024 State NJ was a swiss army knife for West Orange’s defense in 2022. Lining up as a defensive end, outside linebacker, and middle linebacker, it must have been near impossible for oppenents to keep track of him on the field as he continued to create mismatches. While his quickness across the field stood out, it was even more impressive to see him drive linemen into the backfield a few yards before wrapping up the running back. A great balance of speed and strength from this New Jersey product.