Best of State Championships: LBs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The State Finals games are so fun because not only is it the 14 best teams executing their gameplans at a very high level, but also dozens of college quality athletes making plays and showing their talents. The collection of LB talent was a special one. We saw teams with loaded LB groups, and other teams with a stud leading the way. Here we are going to look at those individuals and look at what caught my eyes about them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["384586"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 8 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 2.5 Sacksu003c/emu003ernrnMilwaukee Marquette was loaded with talent this season, and the cream of the crop on defense was junior OLB [player_tooltip player_id='384586' first='Mitchell' last='Nigro']. Nigro delivered under the brightest lights too. We saw him make game changing plays against the run and pass. The 6'2u0022u0022 220 lbs edge defender is a strong, explosive athlete. Mitchell was a nightmare rushing the passer. His first step instantly gave him the angle and he used strong hands and the ability to transition speed to power to either bull rush or disengage with the OT. Mitchell closed quickly and offensive players knew when he hit them. Against the run, Mitchell showed the power to set the edge and keep the RB or QB from getting outside of contain. This is one of the top athletes at his position in WI. Get on him early.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6567de7dbf636"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405496"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 12 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 Sacku003c/emu003ernrnManny is another standout OLB, but the senior makes his big impact plays differently than the old school OLBs. Joseph dominates in space. He has excellent range to chase down plays across the formation, and he is so comfortable playing in space. You can rely on him to drop into a zone and close quickly on short passe in front of him. You can also have him play man coverage and he will be able to stay tight on the RB or TE he is guarding. Manny also possesses the quick twitch agility to be able to make the one on one tackles in space. Joseph is a steal in the Class of 2024. Check him out.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6567de7dbf6a0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["272320"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 10 Tackles, 1 TFLu003c/emu003ernrnTeams looking for that prototypical inside linebacker need to check out Talan. The 6'2u0022 225 lbs senior has shined in the middle of the Franklin defense for a few season now. With that experience has come strong instincts. Talan is quick to process plays, and instantly attacks with aggression. Summers brings the strength needed to be a reliable run stuffer. We saw him take on blockers and drive them off the ball, shuck them to the side, and make tackles at the line. The big LB is able to run through the blocks of OL better than most LBs. This is an athlete you can rely on in the interior of your defense. He is smart, strong, and has the size to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6567de7dbf6ff"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1102123' first='Tyler' last='Heinle']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Grafton","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 10 Tackles, 2 TFLsu003c/emu003ernrnAn underclassman who has repeatedly grabbed my attention this season, and in his Championship Game, was Grafton's sophomore LB [player_tooltip player_id='1102123' first='Tyler' last='Heinle']. The 6'2u0022 195 lbs ILB looks the part of a next level LB. He easily pursues and makes tackles from sideline to sideline. Tyler shows a burst in short yardage situations that gets him through the line to wreck havoc in the backfield. Heinle also has the agility to make OL miss as they try to get to the second level to block him. Tyler is also a reliable wrap up tackler. Tyler is on the rise, and will be a name to know over these next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6567de7dbf7b7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405476"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 7 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnAnother athletic OLB prospect that you can line up out in space is [player_tooltip player_id='405476' first='Will' last='Graffin']. The 6'2u0022 195 lbs made a lot of plays in the flats where he was covering slot receivers. Will has the change of direction and closing burst to be able to match up well in short areas against those type of athletes. The athletic senior will still pack a punch when tackling also. Will is a chess piece that you can use to take away a TE or pass catching RB at the next level. Give the senior a peek.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6567de7dbf80d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405604"],"_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 10 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnBrady made impact plays on both sides of the ball during his State Championship Game, but LB is where he looks his best. The  6'1u0022 205 lbs ILB was all over the field. He aggressively filled against the run, flowing with the line to maintain his gap, and powering through block attempts. The senior also was used to spy the athletic QB of Wrightstown, and proved he had the athleticism to be able to mirror the runner one on one and bring him down. UW- La Crosse has a talented prospect on the way.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6567de7dbf85c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brett Baumgartner","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Edgar","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 10 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnBrett is always around the football. This is the second time I watched him live this postseason, and both times the 6'4u0022 195 lbs senior was all over the field making tackles. The edge defender has the length to stay out on the edge at the next level. Brett has 4.7 speed to attack the edges with. He was stout against the Black Hawk/ Warren run heavy offense, forcing ball carriers back inside towards his help, or making the stop himself. Brett is also a talented TE who excels with his run blocking. The senior deserves a look at either spot.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6567de7dbf8e6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Sam Hogland","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Waunakee","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 9 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnSam and the Waunakee defense had their hands full against he run first, and almost exclusively, offense of Badger. Sam did his part, and had his name called over and over as he made tackles between the tackles to try and slow down the inside run game. Sam also had to worry about getting around the talented OL of Badger, and was able to make them miss on many of the plays where we saw him make the stop. Sam is a very productive player with good size. Don't overlook a key piece of a talented team.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6567de7dbf970"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Nate Schramm","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Milwaukee Marquette","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 6 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnNate was a surprise standout during the D1 State Championship Game. He had a solid game when you look at the stats, but the timeliness of those tackles are what stood out. The 5'10u0022 240 lbs LB got outside the tackle box to chase plays and impact plays even if he didn't get the tackle. The senior was also able to get pressure on the QB, and made tackles in space against the talented skill position players of Franklin. Nate is a potential D3 recruit to give a look.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6567de7dbf9f8"} /-->