Prospect Tour Preview: Five LBs to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For those new to the Prep Redzone Colorado scene and interested in a subscription, use code <strong>WESLEY30</strong> for 30% off your first subscription!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Colorado Prospect Tour kicks off tomorrow, which is also the third day of the NFL Draft. Watching former high school standouts achieve the ultimate dream for many players can inspire current prep athletes to continue developing their craft in hopes of landing a college scholarship and the opportunity to continue playing the sport.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more rewarding aspects of being a scout writer is recognizing top-tier talent during the earlier stages and watching as they progress through their journey. After a quick glimpse of the registered attendees for Saturday's event, a few names immediately stood out as players to be excited to see.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This article will briefly examine five linebackers set to attend the event who have made their way onto the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232168' first='Carter' last='Daniels'] </strong>(2025) is an inside linebacker from Mountain Vista who made a noteworthy introduction as a prospect during his sophomore season. He is a tenacious player with a high motor and competitive mentality. The physicality he possesses, mixed with his confidence in himself and his teammates, makes him a magnet for the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='571088' first='Emmanuel' last='Hill']</strong> (2025) is an outside linebacker from Pine Creek with the potential to become a breakout player in the near future. His agility, footwork, and ability to change directions quickly make him an excellent coverage backer who does a good job playing the flats, hook, and curl areas on the field. Hill's athleticism turns him into a versatile player who could possibly fill the role of a strong safety if needed, but his size and skills are what make him a standout outside linebacker worth watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='669194' first='Ashton' last='Shepardson']</strong> (2025) is a young linebacker from Cherry Creek with an extremely high ceiling. His overall athleticism makes him a player who can fill the interior backer roles or handle outside backer responsibilities. He is a high-motor player with a nose for the football who flies around the field and makes plays. His physical playing style incorporates a willingness to make contact, which results in him showing up on film near the ball at the end of just about every play. Shepardson has shown flashes of qualities and characteristics that fall in line with top-tier prospects, making his name one to circle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Vicars</strong> (2024) from Fossil Ridge is a radar pop-up whose film displays impressive athleticism. He does a good job at coming downhill and using his acceleration and overall speed to make plays in the backfield. His explosiveness helps to show his ability to change directions quickly and chase after ball carriers. Vicars is an interesting player who looks to have the potential to play as a box safety and add speed to the run defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='795472' first='Keian' last='Kaiser'] </strong>(2026) is a middle linebacker from Sidney High School in Nebraska, making him one of the listed attendees who is coming from out of state. His 6-foot-2 frame helps him stand out on film while highlighting his ability to move and pursue the ball. Being a freshman starter in the center of the box is an accomplishment within itself, making Kaiser a name to look out for during the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->