The CMS Best – Linebackers
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The CMS Best series highlights the best players in the 20 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools in Charlotte. In this edition, we will be looking at the best Linebackers in this group – a group that can get after the quarterback, as…
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Continue ReadingThe CMS Best series highlights the best players in the 20 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools in Charlotte. In this edition, we will be looking at the best Linebackers in this group – a group that can get after the quarterback, as well as shed blocks and slow down the run game. These guys also have some ability to pass cover as well as some defensive backs!
James Nesta James Nesta 6'5" | 210 lbs | LB Hough | 2024 State NC – Hough
Nesta, an Oklahoma commit, is extraordinary at coming off the edge of the defense, especially from a two-point stance. His frame will be a good template to add weight to in the Sooners’ program. He also is a talented baseball player, so you may see him become a two-sport star possibly. James is a Class of 2024 prospect.
Julian Carmichael – West Charlotte
Standing at 6’0 and 210 pounds, this Class of 2024 prospect is one of the best 3-down middle linebackers in the state. Julian excels at pass coverage, showing great discipline in zone drops and ball skills when it comes his way. Julian had several interceptions in big games last season due to that skill. He has several offers, and I’ll be excited to see where he commits.
Tyquan Rankin Tyquan Rankin 5'9" | 210 lbs | LB Butler | 2024 State NC – Butler
Tyquan is his conference’s reigning Defensive Player Of The Year, as he had over 100+ tackles from the middle linebacker position last season. At 5’10 and 210 pounds, he currently holds an offer from UNC-Pembroke, and as a Class Of 2024 prospect, he will get some attention on recruiting boards once the early signing period kicks off, and schools begin to fill holes in their recruiting classes.
Dallas Brannon Dallas Brannon 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Independence | 2026 State NC – Independence
Dallas is a highly recruited prospect, holding offers from North Carolina, Missouri, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, East Carolina, and Miami. Playing middle linebacker this season, Dallas will get to show how well he moves in space and flows in filling gaps versus the run game, after playing more defensive line last season. At 6’2 and 200 pounds, he has a great frame to build upon and grow. Dallas is a Class of 2026 prospect.
Jyron Tosi Jyron Tosi 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Olympic | 2025 State NC – Olympic
Better known as “Chief” to Olympic Trojans fans, Tosi is a Class of 2025 prospect standing at 6’1 and 215 pounds. He excels in stuffing the run from his middle linebacker spot, showing a strong ability to shed blocks from linemen and h-backs and make solo tackles. An all-conference player last season, I expect Tosi to start seeing some recruiting interest this season for sure.
Beady Waddell – West Meck
Beady has committed to play football at Western Carolina on the next level, and he should excel there. He is a very athletic linebacker, who may have a future as a rover type of player in college, as he shows good ability to cover running backs and tight ends in short spaces. A great team leader, Beady also plays running back for his team, led by his father as the head coach. At 6’0 and 215 pounds, he is a 2-time all-conference player.
Kendric Davis – Palisades
Having offers from Liberty, East Carolina, Virginia Tech, Charlotte, and Alabama A&M, you would think more people would be talking about Kendric. The thing I love about him, as a Class of 2025 prospect, is his ability to really run sideline to sideline. At 6’2, that will really get you a lot of recruiting attention. Kendric has the potential to be a big-time player over the next two years here in Charlotte.
Tyrek Brown – Mallard Creek
Tyrek is what I would call a “run and hit” linebacker because he processes so well, it literally looks like he’s just running and hitting anything that moves defensively. He has an offer from Campbell, and I’m sure they’re impressed with his speed and fluidity in his movements. He is physical at the point of attack, and he tackles very well in space. At 6’1 and 210 pounds, he is a Class of 2024 prospect.
Anthony Walker Anthony Walker 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Hough | 2024 State NC – Hough
Anthony has committed to play football at James Madison University as a Class of 2024 prospect. At 6’0 and 220 pounds, Anthony is very physical from his middle linebacker spot and diagnoses plays very well and with excellent speed, is able to close any windows that open up quickly. He can also cover running backs and communicates well in zone coverage.