2023 Midseason Stock Risers: LBs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have now completed the first half of the 2023 season and there have been plenty of athletes that have seen their stock rise through the first seven weeks of the season. Here are some linebackers that have really stood out during the first half of the 2023 season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["370283"],"_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":"Hedgesville senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='370283' first='Aydin' last='Fleming'] is at a new school and a new position this season and the move is paying off in a big way for him. Fleming is putting up monster stats and just set a new school record for tackles in a single game in his week six game against Jefferson with 26. Through the first six games, he has racked up a mind-blowing 112 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks. Fleming has slimmed down to around 205 pounds and made the move from defensive end to outside linebacker this season and is flying around at his smaller size. He's a rangy linebacker who can be effective in all phases of the position and has the athleticism to drop into coverage or rush the passer. Fleming also shows the willingness to be physical in run defense and hasn't lost his physicality since slimming down. I love the way he flies around and the effort and hustle that he plays with which has paid off with an offer from Dartmouth in the spring and D2 Charleston (WV) offered him this past week.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["892313"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Linsly standout senior middle linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='892313' first='Raymond' last='Kovalesky'] eclipsed the 20 tackle mark in their week five game against a very good Steubenville (OH) team and is performing as one of the best linebackers in the state right now. Kovalesky has the prototypical middle linebacker size at 6'3 225 and also has the toughness and physicality that you want in the position. He's a team leader and captain who can affect a team's offense by himself. Kovalesky is always sticking his nose in the play and isn't afraid to muck it up in traffic. He's always running to the ball and seeking to make the play which makes it not very surprising with how he's a consistent 100+ tackles in a season player. Kovalesky has some capability of dropping into coverage but he's at his best getting downhill on ball carriers.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["908993"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The best part of junior Scott linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='908993' first='David' last='Fennessy']'s game is his athleticism which was apparent when he slid back to safety in week 7 against previously undefeated Mingo Central. Fennessy is very quick and speedy and can play that hybrid OLB/Safety role at the next level. At 5'11 190, his size and athleticism are trending him towards that position, and watching his film at safety he can play there effectively. Fennessy is a downhill player and an aggressive tackler who isn't shy from contact. He's really good coming off the edge as a 3-4 OLB and can run down ball carriers from behind. Through the first five games, he has totaled 49 tackles, 7 TFLs, 3 sacks, and one forced fumble and interception a piece.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["908619"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"The Scott Skyhawks have a dynamic duo of linebackers with [player_tooltip player_id='908619' first='Ty' last='Mitchell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='908993' first='David' last='Fennessy'] and both have impressed so far in their junior seasons. Mitchell is actually currently in our rankings as a defensive lineman but is playing at one of their middle linebackers spots this season in their 3-4 front. Mitchell is a bit bigger at 6'2 215 and has the size that you're looking for at that position. I think he's plenty athletic enough to play middle linebacker and he'll be moved to that position in our rankings in the next update. Mitchell is a downhill player and very physical at the point of contact. He does a nice job hitting his gaps and is strong enough to fight off blockers if he meets them in there. Mitchell and Fennessy are one of if not the best 2025 linebacker duo in the state.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1034976"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"A new name to our radar and another 2025 linebacker name to know is Martinsburg middle linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1034976' first='Ace' last='Flores'] who came to the Bulldogs by way of Chambersburg (PA) last season. The 6'1 190 junior has looked good manning one of the middle linebacker spots in the Bulldogs' defense. Flores is a rangy linebacker that can drop into coverage or play downhill. He still has plenty of room to add more weight to his frame and get bigger and stronger. I like the way that Flores attacks and he has a ferocity to his game that you love seeing in a middle linebacker. I thought he looked pretty speedy in his highlights especially when getting downhill and is quick to the ball. Flores also appears to be a good tackler with proper form and the type of player who isn't likely to miss tackles. Added size and strength will really benefit him in the future which he has plenty of time to do with only being a junior.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["370470"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Senior St. Marys linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='370470' first='Josiah' last='DeMoss'] started the West Virginia high school football season with a bang as he picked off three passes in the 2023 Kickoff game against Doddridge County and hasn't looked back since. The 5'11 200 senior had 49 tackles and 4 interceptions through the first five games of the season and has been one of the top linebackers in Class A this season. DeMoss is a smaller linebacker but very athletic and is very good in pass coverage. He's plenty capable of being physical in the run game as well and sees a lot of time as a fullback on offense so there's no worry of lack of toughness. I could see him being a safety/linebacker hybrid at the next level with his size and athleticism where he could really excel.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["450997"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"George Washington junior [player_tooltip player_id='450997' first='Hunter' last='Giacomo'] is a safety/linebacker hybrid type of player and could play either position at the next level depending on how his body develops over time. I like him as an outside linebacker who can cover the slot man-to-man but still get downhill and rush the passer and defend the run. Giacomo is a fluid athlete that runs well and is agile which serves him well in pass coverage. He's put up 10+ tackles in multiple games this season and really has a nose for the ball. Giacomo has also seen plenty of touches on offense this season at receiver which shows you how athletic he really is. He's been garnering D1 interest and I believe he has the potential and ability to play at that level.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["908101"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='908101' first='LeQues' last='Strother'] made his way back to the Mountain State from Kentucky to play his final two years of high school for Mingo Central and the junior linebacker has performed well for the Miners this season. The 5'11 200 junior is your classic downhill middle linebacker who is at his best hitting the gaps at the snap. Strother has been a consistent 10+ tackles per game player this season with limited playing time in some lopsided victories. He'll need to continue working on his reading and reacting so he doesn't get caught up in traffic at times but when he's firing off the snap Strother is very good at getting in the backfield. I'd like to see more pass coverage on film to see how he fairs in that aspect of the game but Strother is stout in run defense which shows up on the stat sheet.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["892318"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='892318' first='Xiomar' last='Henry'] has been one of the top tacklers in the state this season for the Nitro Wildcats and you can see why from watching his highlights. The senior linebacker has played in the middle and on the outside this season but I really like him at outside linebacker with his speed. Henry flies around and is very quick and fast for a linebacker which is why he's a leading tackler in the state. At 6'1 200 he still has plenty of room to keep filling out and getting bigger and stronger which would help his game even more. They'll even line up as a defacto defensive tackle at times and just cut him loose at the snap. Henry is always flying to the ball and playing with maximum effort which you want to see in any linebacker.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["892314"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='892314' first='Matthew' last='Stalnaker'] is a very athletic and intriguing linebacker prospect for Parkersburg who has also performed well at receiver this season. He's a bit lanky still at 6'3 180 but has the body that you can mold into a few different positions. I think Stalnaker best translates as an outside linebacker at the next level but you could definitely put some weight on him and turn him into a TE/H-Back as well. He's had a few big games on offense this season in that role and Stalnaker has plenty of athleticism to play there in college. He moves very well and agile for his size and has the frame to get a lot bigger. Stalnaker is the type of prospect that you take and figure out later if you're a college program and has a lot of potential and upside at the next level.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["908983"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"University junior [player_tooltip player_id='908983' first='Brock' last='Kehler'] is one of the more exciting 2025 prospects in the state and doubles as a Blue Blood wrestling prospect too. He'll likely wrestle in college and unsurprisingly so given how successful he's been in his wrestling career but Kehler could easily be a high-level football prospect as well. He's a legit 6'3 230 and moves very well for his size. Kehler also plays with a nasty streak and a physicality that you want in a linebacker but hate if you're an opposing player. He's a sure and aggressive tackler who will come up and thump you too. Kehler is just a natural athlete and hard-nosed player who is exciting to watch play any sport he chooses.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["160731"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"Nolan Meehlieb is an exciting linebacker prospect out of Jefferson who has looked very good so far this season. The 6'2 195 senior mans the middle linebacker spot for the Cougars and plays the position the way it's meant to be played. Meehlieb runs well and is a good open-field tackler. His pursuit is very good and shows higher level athleticism which is evident in pass coverage. Meehlieb will also come downhill and lay the wood on a ball carrier and tackles through contact. He's also a good tackler at the line of scrimmage in traffic. Meehlieb shows good reactionary time in both run defense and when in coverage. He's a physical tackler who doesn't often let a runner fall forward. Meehlieb is easily a scholarship athlete at the next level and only needs to continue getting bigger.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["908984"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"George Washington has a pair of talented junior linebackers in [player_tooltip player_id='908984' first='Guner' last='Flores'] and [player_tooltip player_id='450997' first='Hunter' last='Giacomo']. Flores is the bigger of the two at 6'2 200 and is the middle linebacker for the Patriots. He has a nice combination of physicality and athleticism and does a nice job in both run and pass defense. Flores can come downhill and tackle at the line of scrimmage or drop into coverage and make plays down the field. He's a hard hitter and stout in run defense but also athletic enough to pursue in space and downfield. Flores also does a nice job disengaging with blockers to make the tackle showing his toughness and strength. Flores and Giacomo will be one of the top 2025 linebacker duos in the state next season.","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["892323"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='892323' first='Lukas' last='Haney'] is a fun linebacker prospect in Class A for the Man Hillbillies that may eventually slide down to defensive end at the next level. Haney is a stout 6'1 235 who has played some defensive line in the past but is playing middle linebacker this season. He's also looked good at tight end on offense which was a pleasant surprise when watching his film. For being a bigger-bodied skill athlete, Haney still moves pretty well and makes some athletic plays on both sides of the ball. Haney does well when getting downhill at the snap and gets good penetration at the line of scrimmage when doing so. He does a good job of fighting through traffic to make the play and is also a physical tackler. His pursuit is also good for his size and can even make plays in space. Haney is a hidden gem in Class A and a prospect worth checking out.","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_player":["892316"],"_player_evaluations_14_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"Another safety/linebacker hybrid prospect name to know is Bridgeport's [player_tooltip player_id='892316' first='Tanner' last='Hathaway']. He's not the biggest but is playing inside the box more this season and is your typical tough Bridgeport Indian. Hathaway is playing outside linebacker this year and has looked good in that spot. I think that position works well for his size and skill set and can cover the slot and flats from his time as a safety in the past. Hathaway has also been impressive at times carrying the ball on offense and has put up some big numbers in a couple of games there. He's also a talented blocker in their single-wing offense which further shows you how tough and physical he is. Hathaway is a sure tackler who moves well and is an all-around quality athlete who can help your team in a variety of ways.","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":15,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65232ecf2b0fd"} /-->