Exceptional Linebackers: Week 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These six linebackers played lights out in week two. They were all over the field and stuffed the stat sheet while helping their team's defense get off the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698537' first='Hutch' last='Fale'] || LB || 6'0 || 185 || Provo High School || 20225</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fale was fantastic in Provo's win at Olympus. The Bulldogs defense was put in some tough spots early, but Fale led his team to some huge stands in the red zone. He had a big sack in the second half that helped turn the tide of the game, and finished with over ten tackles. Fale did a great job getting around offensive linemen and bringing down running backs when they were within his grasp. He quickly reacts to plays and does a good job sniffing out reverse and play fakes. Fale is already one of the best linebackers in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nash Bailey || LB || 6'2 || 180 || 2025 || Fremont High School || 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Through two games, Bailey has racked up an impressive 26 tackles. In week one, he made 12 stops against Mountain Ridge, and in week two vs. Roy, he had 14. Bailey brings it every time he takes the field and is a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the Silverwolves defense. His closing speed is elite, and so is his hustle to the ball. Bailey takes great angles when closing in on running backs and pass catchers. He fearlessly fills holes play after play and does a good job shooting through gaps to bring down ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tristan Hogan || LB || 6'2 || 205 || Copper Hills High School || 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two weeks in, and Hogan looks like one of the breakout defensive stars in Region 2. Against Murray he did a great job shooting through gaps to bring down ball carriers. He's an exceptional athlete who can blitz and provide outstanding coverage. Hoggan had a pick-six, sack, and multiple tackles to stop the Spartan's offense. Hoggan was also all over the field in the Grizzle's win over Clearfield, where he had 10 tackles, three of them for loss, and two sacks in an outstanding season-opening performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698328' first='McKay' last='Wright'] || LB || 6'0 || 210 || Crimson Cliffs High School || 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright decimated the Miners offense with 19 tackles and half a sack in a narrow Crimson Cliffs loss to Bingham. He's lightning quick off the snap and with the way he processes what's happening around him. Wright goes hard each play and never seems to wear down. He does a good job flowing to the ball and can quickly close on running backs and receivers, even if him making the tackle seems improbable. Wright can drop back into coverage, and if he sees a quarterback about to scramble can take him down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cadence Hayman || LB || 6'2 || 185 || Ben Lomand High School || 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hyadmen had an incredible game against Mountain View. He had 10 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for a loss, and two hurries in an elite all-around performance. Haydmen has a quick first step he uses to beat offensive linemen around the edge. He can play on or off-ball linebacker, where his impressive combination of speed and strength helps him make big plays. Hyadmen possesses exceptional bend and does a good job taking on pullers to open up opportunities for his teammates. He's already forced two fumbles and could create several more turnovers before the season ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1100678' first='Lincoln' last='Rushton'] || LB || 6'1 || 185 || Canyon View High School || 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rushton has been a revelation for the Falcon's defense, where he has two dominant and identical performances. The Canyon View Linebacker posted eight tackles and 1.5 sacks against Mountain View and Pine View in the season opener. Rushtons posses impressive sideline-to-sideline quickness he uses to make plays all over the field. He is also a remarkable blitzer who quickly closes on quarterbacks. Rushton is on pace to be one of the top tacklers in Region 4 and one of the premier players on the Falcons' defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->