Canadian Linebackers With Upside

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linebacker is one of the most physically demanding positions in football and one of the more challenging. These second-level defenders have to be equally as good against the run as the pass. Well, the youngsters featured today proved they're stalwarts against both and are consistent playmakers on the defensive side of the football. Some of them are names you may know, while others are just making their way onto scouts' radars. Keep a watchful eye on them as they continue to develop over the next calendar year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Carlos Teklu, 5'11" 210</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A true run stuffer that can line up as a walk-up or as an off-the-ball in-box linebacker. He's got steady tracking speed, takes proper angles to the football, and patiently scrapes down the line awaiting a tackle opportunity. He can quickly disengage interior offensive linemen, he has the strength to stun a back right in his tracks, and plays quite fiery. To me, his skillset projects him as a mike linebacker at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1217375' first='Jakob' last='Hertz'], 6'2" 200</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hertz has a decent frame for the position that he's still growing into, he's a tough tackler who plays with a low pad level, strikes on a rise, and speeds his feet on contact. He plays a mean, yet calculated brand of football and trusts his eyes. When he hits ball carriers generally they go backward and he's got enough athletic ability to run with slot receivers downfield. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='881386' first='Matthew' last='Gillespie'] 6' 195</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Superb closing speed, a quick trigger, and the ability to come to balance &amp; make tough tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He's got good instincts as a hook defender, shows the change of direction needed to evade second-level blocks, and is a natural at reading a quarterback's eyes. Matthew can hunt down ball carriers from behind and has a penchant for making plays on special teams as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1260696' first='Davyd' last='Muranets'], 6'5" 225</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davyd is an OLB/EDGE prospect with dynamite pass-rush ability. He shows strong hands out of his stance, he can line up in a two or three-point &amp; make an impact and he consistently fights to keep his outside arm free in the run game. He holds his ground at the point of attack, he can swat away passes if his rush proves ineffective, and has a relentless motor that is always fueled up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->