Linebackers To Watch In 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The linebacker position has changed in the last 10 years due to the emergence of the spread offenses in today's games. They are some of the most athletic players on the field. Rushing the passer, playing the pass like defensive backs and being sure tacklers are just a few skills that are required. Here are several linebackers that fit that mold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["624141"],"_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":"Smith is a hybrid defender with the skill set to hit offenses from multiple angles and he has the versatility to line up at multiple positions in the Red Oak defense. Zach plays at a different speed from his opponents, he plays under control, he keeps his shoulders square to the ball carrier and he closes like a hawk pouncing on their prey. Smith takes on blocks well, he plays with superb leverage, he has a stout punch with violent hands and he attacks ball carriers and lets them know he's coming. Smith is a national recruit with double digit offers and recently narrowed down his top five to SMU, Houston, Arizona State and Washington State.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/13647684/6382bbda3448f708984f895cu0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/video/3/13647684/6382bbda3448f708984f895cu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["277438"],"_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":"Booker has been a multi-year starter on the Desoto defense and was a key cog in the Eagles run to the 6A Division II State Championship in 2022. Brandon has the speed to read, react and close on ball carriers in a hurry and he is a sure tackler. Booker plays fast, his footwork is clean and deliberate and he takes the proper pursuit angles, which enables him to makes plays from sideline to sideline. Brandon had a monster junior season, totaling 137 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries and 4 interceptions. Booker and the Desoto defense put on a masterful performance in the state semifinals against Jackson Arnold and Denton Guyer on their way to the 6A Division II title. The Stanford commit, is poised to lead the Eagle defense in 2023 as they look to defend their title.u003cbru003eu003cbru003e[embed]https://twitter.com/BrandonBooker31/status/1607077082382716929?s=20[/embed]u003cbru003eu003cbru003e[embed]https://twitter.com/BrandonBooker31/status/1611433241868701710?s=20[/embed]","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["414270"],"_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":"Justice has the skill set to lay down the law from the linebacker position. He comes down hill under control, he uses excellent leverage at the point of the attack and he lays the wood at impact. He has the versatility to line up on the edge and rush the passer, he has excellent bend, he runs the arch well and when he closes on the quarterback he has the awareness to cause turnovers and cash in them in for six. Justice blocked several field goals in 2022 and returned one for a score, showing off his speed to make a house call. He is a multi-sport athlete who excels as a hurdler for the W.T. White track and field team. Justice is on the radar on the recruiting trail and he has the tools that colleges covet in linebackers at the next level.u003cbru003eu003cbru003e[embed]https://twitter.com/MarkaviousJust/status/1646894849147166720?s=20[/embed]u003cbru003eu003cbru003e[embed]https://twitter.com/MarkaviousJust/status/1618745045632573440?s=20[/embed]","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["669306"],"_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":"Day is physical at the point of attack, he plays with great leverage and he reads and diagnoses plays quickly. Tyler takes proper angles of pursuit, he plays fast but under control and he is a sure open field tackler. Day has the athleticism, combined with the speed to play sideline to sideline and his ability to hunt down ball carriers are traits that stick out in his game. Tyler is one the top deep snappers in the Class of 2024, which makes him a valuable asset on special teams. He pick up an offer from Valparaiso late this spring and will have more suitors for his services heading into 2023.rnrn[embed]https://twitter.com/TylerDay09/status/1597402075230769153?s=20[/embed]","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649d0face17b0"} /-->