Top 10 Returning Tackles Leaders in 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's look at some of the defensive fire power that will be returning to the field next year. Here are the top 10 returning leaders in tackles (11-man only).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>1. [player_tooltip player_id='516769' first='Korvin' last='Fritz'] | 2024 | LB | Pierce | 5'10" 160 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>141 tackles, 64 solo, 77 asst, 7 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Led the state in tackles and was a key part of the Bluejays championship season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Smart linebacker always seems to be in the right place at the right time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- He does a good job fighting through his blocks to make stops at the line of scrimmage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14953132/Korvin-Fritz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14953132/63d432f23448530b281d7096' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6418fac9867fe"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2. [player_tooltip player_id='516764' first='Kevon' last='Newsome'] | 2024 | LB | Benson | 6'1" 215 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats:</em></strong> 130 tackles, 58 solo, 72 asst., 10 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Kevon was a huge surprise this season as he erupted for the Class A lead in tackles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Lengthy, hard-hitting 'backer that can close on his target quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Great lateral quickness that allows him to flow from sideline to sideline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Hard hitter when he gets to his target.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16603511/Kevon-Newsome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KevonNewsome8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16603511/635a924557980d04c43da3a9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6418fac98682a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>3. [player_tooltip player_id='250625' first='Justyce' last='Hostetler'] | 2024 | LB | Grand Island | 5'11" 210 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>103 tackles, 26 solo, 77 asst., 6 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Justyce jumped on my radar after a productive sophomore season last year. He continued to impress with another highly productive season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Hostetler is a player with a great motor and plays hard on every play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- He does a great job exploding through his gaps and can time his rushed very well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14538949/Justyce-Hostetler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/justycehos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14538949/639a1c0aa677ed0560102467' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6418fac98684c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>4. [player_tooltip player_id='319575' first='Kyler' last='Lauridsen'] | 2025 | LB | Bennington | 5'9" 145 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>103 tackles, 55 solo, 48 asst., 14 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The only non-2024 prospect in the top 10.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Kyler fit in perfectly in the Bennington defense, allowing him to wreak havoc all over the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Despite being on the smaller end, he does a great job breaking into the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Very promising 2025 prospect! 2x Football state champ &amp; 2x Wrestling State champ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16387022/Kyler-Lauridsen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/kyler_lauridsen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16387022/6384d5874deb6c092ca5dfdd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6418fac98686a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>5. [player_tooltip player_id='250629' first='Xavier' last='Albertson'] | 2024 | LB | North Platte </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats:</em></strong> 101 tackles, 17 solo, 84 asst., 6 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16655101/Xavier-Albertson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16655101/634cba69e985240db88d2dcc' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64190bb459e4b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>6. [player_tooltip player_id='720941' first='Canyon' last='Hosick'] | 2024 | McCook | 5'7" 165 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats:</em></strong> 97 tackles, 75 solo, 22 asst., and 5 tackles for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14861063/Canyon-Hosick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>7. [player_tooltip player_id='250633' first='Mason' last='Chandler'] | 2024 | LB/ATH | Bellevue East | 6'0" 195 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats:</em></strong> 94 tackles, 63 solo, 31 asst., and 2 tackles for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Mason emerged as one of the more crucial players for the Chieftains after an early injury to their starting QB. Mason then took on QB1 duties and was the team's top tackler.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Very smart football player that plays instinctively but with a tough edge to his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Excellent downhill 'backer that does a great job penetrating at the line of scrimmage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Great lateral speed! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14852774/Mason-Chandler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MasonChand1er12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14852774/61745e0e06613e08cc158b44' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64190bb459e70"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>8. [player_tooltip player_id='250256' first='Beau' last='Ryan'] | 2024 | LB | Omaha Westside | 5'11" 210 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>93 tackles, 58 solo, 35 asst., 15 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the unsung heroes on the championship Warrior's squad. [player_tooltip player_id='250256' first='Beau' last='Ryan'] was a key part of the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Great ability to pressure the backfield and make big plays for a loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Very smart, instinctive with a quick twitch reaction when he keys run or pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Plays with a great motor and very physical.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Looks like he's bulked up to 210 pounds now... scary for opposing players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13371602/Beau-Ryan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/beauryan_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13371602/638635a132e6d1059c0e122b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64190bb459e8f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>9. [player_tooltip player_id='245883' first='Gunnar' last='Lym'] | 2024 | DB | Bennington | 6'0" 160 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>92 tackles, 40 solo, 52 asst., and a tackle for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Gunnar was an unsung hero in last year's championship team, this time, he was expected to be one of the leaders of the defense and he delivered big time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Smart player that can diagnose plays very quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Great closing speed with excellent ball skills to challenge for the ball if it's in the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Solid, break-down tackler that you can count on to get the job done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Also a great kick returner. Near the top in return yardage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17241544/Gunnar-Lym">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/gunnarlym2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17241544/638ebe7cd4684809bcdc12d2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6418fac98688f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>10. [player_tooltip player_id='516210' first='Grady' last='Robbins'] | 2024 | Gering | 6'1" 205 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>91 tackles, 56 solo, 35 asst., 9 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Grady was a player that stepped up big-time for the Bulldogs and really took command of the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- He uses his size and strength very well, willing to take on blockers at the LOS. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Quick to react when he keys on the run and can get downhill quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14827189/Grady-Robbins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/GradyRobbins3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14827189/63b74c06bd6a31051cb4cd4e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6418fac9868ac"} /--> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.</em> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->