2024 Linebackers With Plenty of Upside
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Summer camp is almost here for high schools across the state of Illinois and we for one cannot wait. We’ve got you covered, looking at some of the state’s top players in the meantime. Today, we’re taking a look at…
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Continue ReadingSummer camp is almost here for high schools across the state of Illinois and we for one cannot wait. We’ve got you covered, looking at some of the state’s top players in the meantime. Today, we’re taking a look at which rising senior linebackers have plenty of upside. Each of these guys showed a unique skillset on tape and I believe should be on coaches’ radars. Look for them to have big senior campaigns this fall and see their recruitment take a step forward.
As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!
Dominic Dixon, 6′ 190, East St. Louis
Dixon is smooth in coverage, lightning-quick when diagnosing a run, and has outstanding closing speed. He can shimmy down and make tackles in space, he’s a gifted blitzer that finds himself scot-free rushing inside and has a nose for the football.
Peace Bumba, 6’1″ 205, Champaign St. Thomas More
A twitchy athlete with outstanding balance & body control, to go along with insane production after producing 146 tackles in 2022. Bumba is shot out of a cannon once he gets a ball carrier in his sites, he’s got great instincts in zone coverage and can shed perimeter blocks with relative ease. He’s dynamic on the offensive end as a running back as well.
Jaylene Williams, 6′ 205, Madison
A hidden gem that plays like a bull in a china shop and makes you feel his presence as a tackler. Williams can fill interior gaps, he’s slippery against second-level blocks and has a motor that is always gassed up & ready to go.
JP Schmidt, 6′ 185, Immaculate Conception
A playmaker anywhere you put him with fantastic ball skills, adequate speed to run with two up the seam, and can quickly disengage to get off blocks. He’s got great spacial awareness, a natural feel for route concepts, and has outstanding range. Could project as a strong safety or nickel at the next level.
Dalton Brown Dalton Brown 5'11" | 205 lbs | LB Edwardsville | 2024 State IL 5’11” 205, Edwardsville
An old-school throwback Mike linebacker that plays angry for four quarters. Williams pursues the football with his nose on the ball carrier’s back hip, he can stun runners right in their tracks and can be a core four special teamer from day one.
Grady Catanzano Grady Catanzano 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Prospect | 2024 State IL 6’1″ 230, Prospect
A violent block shedder with natural change of direction and good build-up speed. This is a high-effort inside linebacker that is a punishing tackler with good read & react skills.