PRZPA 2024 Rankings Update: The State’s Top 10 Linebackers

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["97978"],"_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":"The 1st-Team All-State and 1st-Team All-American linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='97978' first='Anthony' last='Speca'] goes another update remaining at the top of the linebacker rankings. Although almost every linebacker took a bit of a tumble as far as overall rank goes, Speca still sits as the most college-ready linebacker in the state. He has serious competition breathing down his neck, however. [player_tooltip player_id='255047' first='Cameron' last='Lindsey'] and teammate [player_tooltip player_id='377047' first='Cole' last='Sullivan'] all garnered top LB consideration. Penn State lands yet another top positional player, we see if Speca can put forth a dominant senior campaign, it'll go a long way in terms of securing the top spot in November.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aff641aa175"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255047"],"_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_tooltip player_id='255047' first='Cameron' last='Lindsey'] ends up just one spot away from claiming the top linebacker spot among his 2024 peers, the closest he's ever been to that crown. Lindsey will likely put forth yet another special tape together, one that will have us at PRZ ready to make the claim that he's the best backer in the state. Nothing an Aliquippa prospect does surprises me at this point, so Lindsey graduating as the top linebacker in the state and forcing his hand with excellent tape is foreseeable. We aren't scared to make that claim.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aff641aa1dc"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377047"],"_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_tooltip player_id='377047' first='Cole' last='Sullivan'] is one of the higher risers on this list. We were far too low on Sillivan's game. After rewatching tape and attempting to see what Michigan sees in him, I concur on two things. One is that his rank needs to be inside the top 25. Two, that [player_tooltip player_id='377047' first='Cole' last='Sullivan'] is squarely in the top senior linebacker conversation. Depending on how the teammates play this upcoming Fall, you could expect to see [player_tooltip player_id='377047' first='Cole' last='Sullivan'] leapfrog every linebacker in his class in what would be an unprecedented jump. I'm sure the teammates hardly care about who outplays the other, so long as the team is winning ball games. That being said, I figure the two will make it known via tape which one deserves to be above the other. I would love to see the pair in action this Fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aff641aa226"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ColeSull18/status/1657173232774967296?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ColeSull18/status/1657173232774967296?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["256146"],"_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_tooltip player_id='256146' first='Remy' last='Bose'] stays inside the top five, despite many new names making claims for said spot. I could make a knee-jerk reaction and simply place [player_tooltip player_id='256146' first='Remy' last='Bose'] beneath the likes of Alualu and [player_tooltip player_id='858727' first='Zach' last='Ludwig']. That would be easy, considering the ladder prospect's recent recruitment. Yet I won't go back on previous grades. I still like Gateway's standout senior backer as a top-five prospect at his position. His skillset might not scream Power Five, yet this is a steal for any FCS program to land. UMass and Toledo offered Bose back in May of last year, with Akron joining the FBS bunch offering Bose in April of this year. I have a feeling an FCS team will give this kid the keys, make him feel at home, and wind up scooping up a top-five talent in the process.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aff641aa26d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["259541"],"_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_tooltip player_id='259541' first='Beckham' last='Dee'] is in a similar situation, in terms of rank and explanation, as [player_tooltip player_id='256146' first='Remy' last='Bose'] was. Just because he's committed to Air Force, doesn't mean I'm going to drop him out of the High G5 grade I placed on him back in December. FCS programs offered up in droves, making a serious push to land the Mt. Lebanon leader and champion. Toledo pulled the trigger first, yet Dee ultimately announced his decision to commit to Air Force Football. Coach Lamendola and staff have to be through the roof after bringing this kid in, he's going to be special.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aff641aa2b2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["858727"],"_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_tooltip player_id='858727' first='Zach' last='Ludwig']'s tape should have him ranked with the u0022ATHu0022s, as his junior tape provides some of the best two-way reps you can find out of athletes in the state. Doubles as a premier MLB, while also serving as South Park's quarterback. Ludwig will head to Michigan with a chance to develop as a BIG10 linebacker, alongside [player_tooltip player_id='377047' first='Cole' last='Sullivan'] who is ranked a couple spots ahead. Many question the competition level faced by Ludwig and South Park, I wouldn't hold that against the kid's tape, however. This is a debut rank I might add, as I somehow missed his junior tape on Hudl back in December.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aff641aa2f7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377365"],"_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":"My colleague and trusted WPIAL advisor Avery Hawkins clamored and vouched for [player_tooltip player_id='377365' first='Tyree' last='Alualu'] to elevate on our ranks. I certainly obliged. I had no problem doing so, as recruitment and size were the only things holding me back from placing him where his tape suggests he belongs. There's no denying the instincts and flash this young man plays with, so seeing recruitment heat up in his favor only solidified the move into the top 75. I would love to see how he continues to grow in terms of stature. His height/weight combination will be watched under a microscope.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aff641aa33a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TyreeAlux2/status/1675578423870373888?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TyreeAlux2/status/1675578423870373888?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255954"],"_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_tooltip player_id='255954' first='Nick' last='McGlynn'] jumps from the 200-250 range into the top 100. SJP lands another top-ten positional prospect, one that is headed to Army WP to play football for the next four years. very senior update, Army West Point lands kids from the 75-100 range. It goes without fail, [player_tooltip player_id='255954' first='Nick' last='McGlynn'] is the latest Pennsylvania piece scooped up by the academy. McGlynn was the hottest prospect in the state in terms of FCS interest, the clear prized possession among that conference. McGlynn has a top-five ceiling, especially will the Trotter's now out of the picture. High ceiling.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b09b43e6880"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["399274"],"_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":"Yet another top-ten linebacker who we could easily see make a move to u0022ATHu0022. Taking into account his role on the offensive side of the football, we flirted with Johnson ranking inside the top 100 at ATH too, much like [player_tooltip player_id='858727' first='Zach' last='Ludwig']. TE and DE are in this kid's wheelhouse, yet his build and skill set makes a full-time transition to linebacker make almost too much sense, especially at the next level. His influx of FCS interest resembles [player_tooltip player_id='255954' first='Nick' last='McGlynn']'s, as Johnson is one of the hottest names among FCS recruiting boards. Johnson has already impressed us here at PRZ, his junior tape did that. I am excited to see how high up these rankings Johnson can climb, with just one update left before he graduates.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aff641aa3be"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["855484"],"_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":"Doubles as an EDGE/OLB, Central Dauphin's [player_tooltip player_id='855484' first='Jett' last='Franz'] rounds out the top ten at the linebacker position, where I believe he'll have a future at the next level. 12.5 sacks to his name, racking up these totals with both his hand in the dirt or off at OLB. Very surprised to see a relatively low number of offers under Franz's belt, considering he carries a build much more suitable than some of the young men listed above. Lehigh extended an offer to Franz in June, with Monmouth acting as Franz's first offer coming earlier in the year. This kid is poised to shoot up our ranks, especially if he replicates the production he put forth last Fall. He's quickly becoming a favorite of mine.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aff641aa3ff"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/jett8franz/status/1668420838465363970?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jett8franz/status/1668420838465363970?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->