PRZNE 2024 Rankings Update | Under-The-Radar Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We continue our coverage of the 2024 rankings update by taking a look at some of the under-the-radar players by position. First off, we have a solid group of linebackers featuring thumpers, pass-coverage 'backers, backfield terrors, etc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out these five LBs that have been flying under the radar recently. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='245820' first='Nolan' last='Venner'] | Omaha North | 6'0" 205 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16121272/Nolan-Venner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nolan_venner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Omaha North LB [player_tooltip player_id='245820' first='Nolan' last='Venner'] is a player on the verge of a monster season and should be a crucial player in the Viking's front seven. As a junior, Nolan had a great season with 54 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries with an impact deeper than the stats. Nolan's bread-and-butter is playing a downhill style where he is allowed to pin his ears back and go hunting for the ball. He has the size and strength to hold his own against blockers with great hand use and tenacity to break away. Nolan isn't just a run-stopping LB either, as he does a great job getting back in coverage and patrolling the underneath zones. He is disciplined in coverage and does very well at keeping sight of the ball, even showing a great break on the ball when he sees QBs decide to tuck and run. Nolan has good closing speed for his position and is a sure tackler when he gets to his target. Very hard-hitting LB! Nolan reported an outstanding 31 ACT score which would explain his high football IQ and field/situational awareness that you love to see out of your LBs. Still looking for his first offer... DO NOT WAIT!!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16121272/636dd47096778a0b34257f20' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64875d8741562"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='675849' first='Caleb' last='Sherman'] | Gretna | 6'0" 200 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14877761/Caleb-Sherman">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/cmsherm05">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Due to Gretna's insane depth, linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='675849' first='Caleb' last='Sherman'] didn't see a ton of playing time early but really came on as the season winded down. Sherman went on to start at linebacker during the Dragon's deep playoff run, ending his junior year with 31 tackles. Caleb displays the ability to be a solid run-stopping inside linebacker. He showed solid range when chasing down ball carriers, even coming from across the field to make a play. Caleb has good size at 6'0" and 200 lbs, with more room to continue packing onto his frame. I believe Caleb should have a breakout senior season now that he'll have a bigger role on the defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14877761/639147e747982005382cfc79' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6486c71504dcd"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='516212' first='Ben' last='Gilliland'] | Bennington | 6'0" 195 lbs</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14899599/Ben-Gilliland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BenGilly35" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Badgers continue to pump out highly-productive, instinctive playmakers on defense. [player_tooltip player_id='516212' first='Ben' last='Gilliland'] stepped into a bigger role in 2022 and put up great numbers with 65 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and six sacks on the season. He's a disruptive linebacker that can make big plays at the line of scrimmage. He's a very elusive backer that doesn't seem to get caught up at the line of scrimmage very often, using either his speed or hands to slip into the backfield. Ben plays with a great motor and is constantly playing all the way through the whistle. He's a solid tackler with great technique and power behind his hits. I didn't have a ton of tape on Gilliland, so I couldn't see as many pass coverage reps to evaluate that aspect of his game. Excited to see more of Ben this offseason!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14899599/63397b39066bfe088c21d086' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6486c71504dfb"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='169934' first='Calub' last='Clark'] | Hastings | 6'0" 200 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14876226/Calub-Clark" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CalubC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hastings LB [player_tooltip player_id='169934' first='Calub' last='Clark'] enjoyed a solid junior season after earning a bigger role on the Tiger's defense. In the end, Calub finished with 48 tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, and two passes defended. Calub is a well-rounded inside linebacker that can handle both the run and play off-ball. He plays his gaps well and has developed solid timing on his blitzes. Calub's hand use and speed off the ball help him move off blocks with no issue. Clark's pass coverage is especially impressive, showing quick instincts and moving almost like a safety. He's smart about getting his hands up to disrupt the pass when the ball is near him. Expect Calub to take another big step forward in his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14876226/635ad2b857980d0410c1a816' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6486c71504e1a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='250613' first='Alex' last='Noyd'] | Cross County | 5'11" 215 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11708516/Alex-Noyd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexNoyd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Incoming senior [player_tooltip player_id='250613' first='Alex' last='Noyd'] is part of a very talented and tough 2024 class for the Cross County Cougars. Alex's primary role and best fit at the next level is linebacker, but he also stood out on the offensive line and can fill in on the defensive line as well. He does a great job getting downhill when he keys run and hits like a Mack truck when he gets to his target. Noyd also possesses top-tier strength that helps him shed off blocks. There weren't a ton of pass coverage reps in his tape, but Alex did show solid range in the ones I saw, and he does a good job attaching to tight ends/backs. Whether pass or run, his presence is definitely felt in the middle of the field. On offense, Alex is an extremely physical player that is always seeking to plant his opponent in the dirt. He moves well on pull plays and does great with second-level blocks. Alex recently received his first offer from Hastings College, which should hopefully open the door more!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11708516/63eafa8ab3c7fd0510943f8f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6486c71504e37"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->