Under The Radar 5A Linebackers To Know

Matt DeBary August 12, 2023 @ 12:50 PM

Which 5A linebackers are bound for gigantic seasons this fall?   Prep Redzone has all the details...   Braden Henslee - Habersham Central   One of the more underrated linebackers in North Georgia, Henslee was extremely productive last year as a junior, lighting up the stat sheet just about every Friday night. He's one of the leading returning tackles in 5A for the 2024 class, making an eye-opening 109 tackles and 11 TFLs He's not the biggest linebacker you'll find, but he brings a physical presence in a 5-foot-10 185-pound frame. He's got some quickness to him and does a good job of dissecting plays and getting off blocks to find the ball-carrier. He does his job every play, and if he's not blocked with proper technique, he's going to make a tackle. He's reliable against the run and knows how to help make plays on special teams as well. He's the definition of "under the radar" and is bound for a giant 2023 season.   Caleb Washington - Grovetown   A true football magnet who made tackle after tackle all season long last year, Washington is a tough, hard-hitting linebacker who sends the ball-carrier backwards. At 5-foot-10 180-pounds, Washington brings a lean frame and has the ability to play linebacker and in the secondary. He sneaks out the run well and has a natural feel for the position. He's great in pursuit and can get sideline to sideline as well as any linebacker in the Augusta area. He can fly to the football and knows how to make a secure tackle in the open field. He plays physical for his size and made an impressive 99 tackles as a junior last year. He made at least 11 tackles in five games last year, showing why he's one of the leading returning tacklers in the area. Look for him to light up the stat sheet again this fall as a senior.   [player_tooltip player_id='1077513' first='Joshua' last='Ofor'] - Mundys Mill   An instinctive middle linebacker who knows how to cover, Ofor does his job consistently and was one of the more productive linebackers in the area last year as a junior. At 6-foot-1 210-pounds, Ofor has a lengthy frame and one of the most athletic players on the Mudys Mill roster. His versatility allows him to play both safety or closer to the box at linebacker. He has a nose for the football and one of the best, hardest-hitting tacklers south of Atlanta. He does hold a number of impressive Power Five offers, so it's hard to put him on an "under the radar" list, but watching his film form last year, it's clear he should have more. Last season, Ofor made 85 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, two sacks, and two INTs. Look for him to keep improving and have a massive senior season.   Daniel Stites - Jackson County   A hard-nosed linebacker who brings toughness and physicality to his game, Stites may not be the biggest or fastest linebacker in 5A, but he's someone who loves the game and has a great motor. At 6-foot-0 235-pounds, He has muscle and plenty of raw strength that allows him to bowl over opposing linemen and get to the ball-carrier. He plays with leverage, shows strong hands to get off blocks, and knows how to strike and deliver a big hit. Whether he's flying to the running back or rushing the quarterback, Stites is going to let his presence knows. Last year, the Jefferson native made 81 tackles, TFLs, one sack and one forced fumble. He understands his role and was a sure tackler all season long last year. Look for him to be one of the more productive linebackers in the Athens area again in 2023.

Which 5A linebackers are bound for gigantic seasons this fall?