Stockrisers: 2024 LB prospects in Kentucky to watch for

Now that the 2022 season of high school football has come to a conclusion and we're in the middle of the offseason, it's time to look back at some of the most impressive players out of the Bluegrass State that are primed to return to the field later this year. After breaking down the most impressive wide receivers, it's time to return to the defensive side of the ball. Here's my list of the top 2024 linebacker prospects in the state of Kentucky to watch for this fall.    [player_tooltip player_id='653387' first='Madden' last='Miller'], a 5-foot-10, 185-pound linebacker out of Martin County High School, gave the Cardinals a huge edge on the defensive side of the ball. As a junior last season, Miller was the top tackler on the team, collecting 152 total tackles, including 38 solo stops, 114 assisted takedowns, 13 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Miller also forced three fumbles, made one fumble recovery and hauled in one interception. What makes Miller so reliable on the defensive end is his overall versatility as he contributes excellent size, speed and toughness. Miller plays quick, hits hard and can quickly apply pressure to the quarterback. Miller should be an intriguing linebacker to watch later this year.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2K0jXD">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='381930' first='Major' last='Brown'], a 6-foot-0, 200-pound linebacker out of Lexington Christian Academy, was one of the most efficient defensive weapons on the Eagles' roster during his junior stint last year. Brown was the top tackler on the team, picking up 136 total tackles, including 86 solo stops, 50 assisted takedowns and eight tackles for loss. Brown additionally hauled in one interception. Brown is an incredibly versatile player as he contributes excellent size, speed and toughness. Brown can make quick stops and consistently put pressure on the quarterback, making him an intriguing defensive prospect to keep an eye on next season.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2K0U9L">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='495304' first='Landon' last='Colvin'], a 5-foot-11, 195-pound linebacker out of Campbellsville High School, was a huge gamechanger for the Eagles' defense during his junior season of high school football last year. Colvin was the top tackler on the team, collecting 135 total tackles, including 45 solo stops, 90 assisted takedowns, 17 tackles for loss and four sacks. What makes Colvin so efficient on the defensive side is his overall size, speed and awareness as he can quickly create pressure or barrel through the offense to make stops. Colvin will definitely be a linebacker to watch more closely this fall.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2JgVyM">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='653504' first='Phoenix' last='Eddington'], a 5-foot-11, 225-pound linebacker out of Perry County Central High School, was one of the most significant defensive performers on the Commodores' roster during his junior season. Last year, Eddington was the top tackling machine on the team, recording 119 total tackles, including 33 solo stops, 86 assisted takedowns and 6.5 tackles for loss. Eddington additionally forced one fumble and made one fumble recovery. What makes Eddington such a dangerous defensive weapon is his overall size and speed as he can catch the offense by surprise or muscle through it to make stops. Eddington will definitely be worth watching in the 2023 season.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15224220/63b7a615bd6a860820d669a8">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='653481' first='Cain' last='Grim'], a 5-foot-11, 180-pound linebacker out of Paintsville High School, was one of the most valuable defensive talents on the Tigers' roster during his junior season of high school football last year. Grim finished the season as the top tackler on the team, recording 112 total tackles, including 68 solo stops, 44 assisted takedowns and three tackles for loss. With excellent size, speed and field awareness, Grim is a difficult defensive talent to contain as he can make quick tackles, break free of offensive coverage and consistently put pressure on the quarterback. Grim will certainly be a linebacker prospect to watch more closely this upcoming season.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2KEpEM">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='313820' first='DeAndre' last='Malone'], a 5-foot-11, 220-pound linebacker out of Male High School, was one of the more important players on the Bulldogs' defense as a junior this past season. Last year, Malone was the second-best tackler on the roster, picking up 98 total tackles, including 45 solo stops, 53 assisted takedowns, 13.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. In addition to his outstanding size and speed, Malone's toughness allows for him to make quick stops and consistently put pressure on the quarterback. Malone should be an intriguing returning linebacker to watch this upcoming season.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2K0Ts4">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='381935' first='Hayden' last='Kiser'], a 5-foot-11, 195-pound linebacker out of Madison Central High School, was one of the most explosive contributors on the Indians' defense during his junior season of high school football last year. Kiser was the second-best tackler on the team, recording 65 total tackles, including 25 solo stops, 40 assisted takedowns, four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. With solid size and speed, Kiser can easily escape offensive coverage and make stops, and put pressure on the quarterback. Kiser will certainly be worth watching this upcoming season.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2JGXHV">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='423658' first='Jack' last='Chappell'], a 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker out of North Laurel High School, was a huge defensive contributor for the Jaguars during his junior year of high school football. Last year, Chappell was one of the most explosive tacklers on the roster, recording 52 total tackles, including 15 solo stops, 37 assisted takedowns, five tackles for loss and two sacks. Chappell also forced one fumble and hauled in an interception. Chappell has excellent versatility, contributing great size, speed and toughness. Chappell can put heavy pressure on the quarterback and make big stops to keep the offense at bay. Chappell will be worth watching next season as a senior.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2JGCvB">Tape:</a>

Now that the 2022 season of high school football has come to a conclusion and we're in the middle of the offseason, it's time to look back at some of the most impressive players out of the Bluegrass State that are primed to return to the field later this year. After breaking down the most impressive wide receivers, it's time to return to the defensive side of the ball. Here's my list of the top 2024 linebacker prospects in the state of Kentucky to watch for this fall.