Class of 2024 Rankings Update: Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We spotlight several highly ranked linebackers in the class of 2024 PRZ Texas Rankings, who are primed and ready to hit the college football scene and make an impact. These defenders have the skill set to make plays wherever they line up and their ability to make impactful defensive plays, are a main reason why they have been some of the most highly sought after recruits in the state of Texas. Let's discuss what makes these defensive standouts special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["628731"],"_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":"Smith has a well rounded game, he has the skill set to line up at all three linebacker positions and make an impact and he uses his speed to close in a hurry shutting down running lanes. Tyanthony plays fast with a high motor, his ability to close down on ball carriers and make plays all over the field are traits that stick out in his game. His senior season at Jasper, he hopped in the offensive backfield, playing quarterback in the wildcat formation, showing good speed, with the ability to break tackles and be elusive with the football in his hands. Smith signed with Texas in December and heads to Austin with chance to challenge for playing time early.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["628751"],"_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":"Pierce is a tackling machine, who has excellent field vision, he reads and reacts quickly to stuff the run and his ability to shock, shed and make tackles are what makes his game special. Payton is built like a tank, with broad shoulders and an extended wing span, which enables Pierce to take on blocks and make plays from sideline to sideline. Payton showed off his athleticism this past season by hopping on the offensive side of the football and playing running back for Lovejoy. Pierce had a monster season totaling 181 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, with 2 blocked kicks and reaching paydirt for 11 touchdowns. The Ohio State signee, looks to head north and continue to add to the tradition of great linebackers who have come through Columbus.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["413161"],"_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":"Boswell is one the most gifted defenders in the state of Texas. The speedy linebacker has the versatility to line up at all three linebacker positions, his ability to attack from all directions within a defensive scheme, raises his value and his great instincts enables him to read, diagnose and react quickly. Markus has the skill set to lineup and rush the passer. He shows an explosive burst within his first step, his ability to bend and contort his body to get past blockers, shows off his elite athleticism in space and he closes on the quarterback with intentions of making a big play. Offers from Sam Houston State, North Texas, Texas State, UIW and Arizona show that he has the tools to be a highly valued defender at the next level and whoever he ultimately signs with is getting a plug and play defender who will be game ready early on.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["269992"],"_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":"Blanton is a versatile defender who can attack from multiple positions, his ability to see the field well and make plays from all angles makes him a valuable playmaker defensively. Kaleb has the skill set to rush the passer off edge, he has an elite first step that allows him to attack blockers with his speed, he uses an array moves along with violent hands to keep his opponent from getting to his body and he closes on the quarterback with intentions of getting a sack or causing a turnover. When he lines up at middle linebacker, this allows him to attack offenses from sideline to sideline, showing off his range to make plays and he comes up in run support under control and lays the wood. The Rice signee, will definitely head to campus with the opportunity to challenge for playing time as a freshman.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a02e7fc9f65"} /-->