Kentucky’s Top Returning Performers: 2024 LB Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an action-packed season of high school football in the Bluegrass State in 2022, it's time to revisit some of the top performers from last season, focusing on an assortment of 2024 talent gearing up for another season on the field this upcoming fall. After breaking down the top athlete performers in the state of Kentucky, here's my list of the top returning 2024 linebackers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["423658"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64669fb6e2e39"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the top of my list of top returning performers is [player_tooltip player_id='423658' first='Jack' last='Chappell'], a 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker on the roster of North Laurel High School. The rising senior out of London, KY. was an explosive defensive weapon for the Jaguars as a junior last season. In 11 contests, Chappell picked up 52 total tackles, including 15 solo stops, 37 assisted takedowns, five tackles for loss and two sacks. Chappell additionally forced one fumble and hauled in one interception for 12 yards. In addition to solid size and speed, Chappell contributes excellent versatility and explosiveness as he can make quick stops, muscle past the offensive line, consistently pressure the quarterback and make sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12362314/62449528bd6bf313703d527b">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["313820"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64669fb6e2ec6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in at close second place on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='313820' first='DeAndre' last='Malone'], a 5-foot-11, 225-pound linebacker on the roster of Louisville Male High School. The rising senior out of Louisville, KY. was a defensive gamechanger for the Bulldogs during his junior season last year. In 15 games, Malone picked up 98 total tackles, including 45 solo stops, 53 assisted takedowns, 13.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Malone additionally forced two fumbles. In addition to impressive size and speed, Malone competes with excellent toughness and durability, showcasing his ability to stop the offense quickly, apply heavy defensive pressure and punish the quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16218250/638f673719af930ae86ebdb1">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["381930"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64669fb6e2f3f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Claiming the third place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='381930' first='Major' last='Brown'], a 6-foot-0, 180-pound linebacker on the roster of Lexington Christian Academy. The rising senior out of Lexington, KY. was incredibly impactful on the defensive side of the ball for the Eagles during his junior season, leading Lexington Christian's defense on the year. In 13 contests, Brown picked up 136 total tackles, including 86 solo stops, 50 assisted takedowns and eight tackles for loss. Brown additionally hauled in one interception for five yards. In addition to impressive size and speed, Brown is a naturally explosive defensive talent with the stat line to prove it. Brown's physicality makes him difficult to contain for the offensive line and he can also quicky make tackles and sacks, apply pressure and force turnovers with his toughness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2K0U9L">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["381911"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64669fb6e2fb4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in at number four on the list is [player_tooltip player_id='381911' first='Gray' last='Price'], a 6-foot-0, 200-pound linebacker on the roster of Greenwood High School. The rising senior out of Bowling Green, KY. made a huge difference on the defensive side of the ball for the Gators during his junior season, becoming one of Greenwood's top tacklers. In 11 games last year, Price picked up 65 total tackles, including 36 solo stops, 29 assisted takedowns and four tackles for loss. In addition to solid size, speed and toughness, Price exhibits excellent game knowledge, showcasing his ability to be disruptive on the defensive side of the ball. Price can make quick stops, muscle his way to the quarterback and apply heavy pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://share.qwikcut.com/637431210b88be13871036c0">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["653387"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64669fb6e3024"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finishing at number five on the list is [player_tooltip player_id='653387' first='Madden' last='Miller'], a 5-foot-10, 185-pound linebacker on the roster of Martin County High School. The rising senior out of Inez, KY. was one of the most efficient defensive standouts for the Cardinals during his junior season, leading Martin County in tackles on the year. In 12 contests, Miller picked up 152 total tackles, including 38 solo stops, 114 assisted takedowns, 13 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Miller additionally forced three fumbles, made one fumble recovery and hauled in one interception. With excellent size, speed and toughness, Miller adds solid defensive explosiveness, showcasing his ability to keep the offense in a constant state of pressure. Miller's physicality allows for him to make crucial stops, easily escape the offensive line and make sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14868953/63900a62da52a0034c0c3667">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->