2025 Positional Breakdown: LB

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of the 2025 rankings risers and newcomers at LB.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Risers:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["348147"],"_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":"Rainey-Sale jumped five spots in the 2025 state player rankings to number two behind only [player_tooltip player_id='348137' first='T'Andre' last='Waverly']. A pure athlete with size at 6'2” 220 lbs. he possesses a versatile skillset to be difference maker at multiple positions at Bethel. Flashes elite level movement skills, short area burst and lateral agility to redirect and chase sideline to sideline. Good instincts and anticipation to quickly diagnose run/pass and locate the ball carrier. Does a great job avoiding blocks using a combination of quickness, technique, and strength. He's an attacking defender that is highly competitive playing a tough and aggressive brand of football. Has all the tools colleges look for in a hybrid DE/LB and the upside to be a very effective defender at the major D1 level. Currently holds 10 D1 offers with nine of them being Power 5 programs.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e4831254ec8"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ZaydriusS/status/1591176182502162432?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/ZaydriusS/status/1591176182502162432?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["693685"],"_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":"Recruitment is building for the 6'3” 220 lb. LB out of Lincoln with offers coming in from Nevada and Arizona this summer. He's an active and violent defender that can play the whole field. Can step up to take on lead blockers and fill inside while also using his speed to redirect and pursue to the boundary. He's patient with his reads but has good awareness and reactionary quickness to trigger and make a play on the ball. Plays with leverage and explodes at the POA to deliver strong contact and finish opponents to the ground. Puts himself in position to create turnovers and disrupt plays as they are developing at or behind the LOS. Finished his junior year with 92 total tackles including 54 solo and 10 TFL's. One of the top players in the state regardless of position and would expect his recruiting stock to continue its upward trend as he progresses.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e4831254f5f"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/dresiofetaui/status/1631106385277779968?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/dresiofetaui/status/1631106385277779968?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Newcomers:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["945849"],"_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":"Phifer has flown under the radar so far but could breakout as a junior with his skillset, size, and playmaking ability. At 6'0” 210 lbs. he's a solid all-around defender that plays fast and physical flying around sideline to sideline. High IQ player, that can quickly diagnose plays and process his reads to be in position and fill gaps. Can take on lead blockers and stack them with leverage at the contact point then use his hands to shed and disengage. Really strong tackler that shows a great ability to play in space, consistently demonstrates that he can break down and be a reliable open field tackler. Heavy thumper that drives through contact and finishes the play. Strong in the weight room that translates well to the field. Finished his sophomore season with 51 total tackles with 35 solo and four TFL's.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e4831254fc5"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/_tphifer32/status/1589397032929988608?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/_tphifer32/status/1589397032929988608?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["945877"],"_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":"Oudman does a lot of things well on both sides of the ball. At 6'3” 215 lbs. he's got good length and growth potential to go along with his natural athleticism and strength. He runs well and flashes plus body control and coordination at both LB and TE. Love his toughness and willingness to battle every single play at both positions. He's a high motor player that understands leverage and leg drive through contact to overpower opponents. Shows great balance at the POA. Possesses quick/active hands and uses them well to keep blockers away from his body and then disengage to free himself up to make a play on the ball carrier. Takes good angles and can deliver strong blows/hits but also does a good job finishing the play by wrapping up to the ground. Well-rounded player that has good potential and upside as he continues to develop.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e4831255027"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Ioudman29/status/1649501825849229312?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/Ioudman29/status/1649501825849229312?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->