Which Linebackers Could Boost Their Stock in 2023?

Looking for tough, hard-nosed linebackers? Well, you came to the right place. Today, we wanted to look at which linebackers from around the state of Illinois are bound to break through and boost their stock this fall. These guys have shown plenty of potential on tape and I think they are going to turn some heads in 2023.   As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" />   Timotei Dan, 6' 205, Lake Forest, 2025   Dan has solid twitch to him, terrific closing speed, and can navigate through clusters of blockers. He's a consistent tackler in space, plays under control in zone coverage, and can find his way into the end zone after creating turnovers (two defensive touchdowns in 2022). He's tough & willing to fill interior gaps and is quite slippery as a blitzer at the point of attack.      [player_tooltip player_id='537227' first='Damian' last='Wilson'] 6'2" 240, Kaneland, 2024   Wilson has the size and aggression you look for in an inside linebacker prospect. He's a rugged striker who looks to assert his will on his opponents. He has noticeable upper body strength to go with a highly effective bull rush. This kid can take on just about anyone at the point of attack and won't give up an inch.      [player_tooltip player_id='1292666' first='Andy' last='Medina'], 6'1" 210, LaSalle-Peru, 2025   Medina is quite sudden on tape, he can take on blocks & keep his outside arm free and has a knack for causing disruption behind the line of scrimmage. His hands are quick to the point of attack, he's got a boatload of grip strength and he shows sideline-to-sideline range. He's an ideal fit as a stand-up outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.      Christian Kuta, 6'4" 225, Naperville Central, 2024   The first thing that jumps out to you about Christian is the god-given size. Beyond just the way he looks, he can dip around the edge as a rusher, will retrace when he gets too far upfield, and has an uncanny ability to come scot-free as a blitzer on stunts. He can provide run support as a late-fill apex defender on the inside and keeps his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage until the ball is handed off.      Kennarius Chandler, 6'3" 210, Kankakee, 2024   A playmaker who can make something happen via, interceptions, sacks, TFLs, or forced fumbles. Chandler has an impressive first step and has a lot of positional versatility. He makes easy work of getting off perimeter blocks and has the speed to cause serious issues on the backside of run schemes if he's left unblocked.

Looking for tough, hard-nosed linebackers? Well, you came to the right place. Today, we wanted to look at which linebackers from around the state of Illinois are bound to break through and boost their stock this fall. These guys have shown plenty of potential on tape and I think they are going to turn some heads in 2023.