Oregon 2024 Under the Radar: Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Up next on the under the radar series is the linebackers. Oregon has talent at the linebacker position with players like [player_tooltip player_id='278367' first='Brysen' last='Kachel'], [player_tooltip player_id='278405' first='Clay' last='Martineau'], [player_tooltip player_id='279169' first='Dexter' last='Foster'], and more. However, in this series, I look at some guys who may be getting a bit overlooked and deserve recognition. Here are five players at the linebacker position in Oregon that people need to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["383828"],"_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":"Up first is the impressive kid out of Valley Catholic High School, [player_tooltip player_id='383828' first='Noah' last='Holub']. Noah immediately jumps out because of his size, as he is 6'6u0022. That length is unteachable and could be valuable to many college football teams. Noah plays as an off-the-ball linebacker for the Valiants, showing great instincts, mainly when blitzing. College teams might also be looking at Noah as an EDGE prospect because of his length or something between an EDGE rusher and an off-the-ball linebacker. He may be viewed as a chess piece that defensive coaches can use however they need. Noah is an intriguing prospect, and I cannot wait to see what he does in his Senior year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["511315"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Next is [player_tooltip player_id='511315' first='Grover' last='Melo'] out of Central Catholic High School. Grover is a versatile player who plays a vital position for the Rams defense. He plays the stud linebacker position or a linebacker and defensive end hybrid. His ability to understand his role and perform stood out to me. He understood when to crash and when to contain. He also knew when to drop back into coverage and who to take out of the play. Grover is a smart kid, and I cannot wait to see what he looks like in his Senior year.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["278441"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Now we have [player_tooltip player_id='278441' first='Keaten' last='Fried'] out of Sherwood High School. Keaten is the definition of a sideline-to-sideline linebacker. He also plays running back for the Bowmen, so he is athletic. He excels at tracking down ball carries in open space, then shows off his impressive tackling ability. The thing I love most about Keaten's game is the way he is not hesitant, which is so important with his style of play. As soon as he knows who has the ball or what the play is, it is full-speed until the ball carrier is on the ground. If he can get stronger over this offseason, I would not be surprised to see some big offers come his way.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["520386"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Up next is the old-school middle linebacker out of Sandy High School, [player_tooltip player_id='520386' first='Alex' last='Hager']. Alex will be one of the best players in the Mt. Hood Conference this season as the Pioneer's middle linebacker. He is a very old-school type of player, as he is usually the strongest player on the field and will let his opponents know that with his game. He is very comfortable as a blitzing linebacker, where if he gets past the line of scrimmage, the ball carrier better hope he can outrun him because, let's say, Alex is not a very gentle tackler. I would love Alex to work on his agility this offseason, taking his game to the next level. I love watching Alex play, and I believe some collegiate teams will call for his services.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["520388"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Lastly, we have [player_tooltip player_id='520388' first='Owen' last='Hunt'] out of Nelson High School. Owen is an exciting player, as he also played a stud linebacker role for the Hawks. He is a fun player to watch as he looked comfortable both off the ball and rushing the passer. Owen is fast and can win with the speed around the edge. He is also a great tackler. He can make tackles out in space and is not afraid to be physical. I am excited to watch him as a Senior because adding strength to Owen's game will solidify him as one of the best linebackers in Oregon.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a95a711e05"} /-->