IL Rising Stars: Class of 2025 Outside Linebackers
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The Class of 2025 in the Land of Lincoln is loaded with talent at every position. Below are some Class of 2025 linebackers who burst onto the scene last season. As they prepare for their senior seasons, keep an eye…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2025 in the Land of Lincoln is loaded with talent at every position. Below are some Class of 2025 linebackers who burst onto the scene last season. As they prepare for their senior seasons, keep an eye on these rising stars at the outside linebacker position.
Mosley is a 6’2, 215 lbs outside linebacker from O’Fallon. The Class of 2025 prospect displays elite versatility, as he can play both on the outside and in the box. During his junior campaign, Mosley racked up 92 total tackles, with an absurd 19 tackles for loss. He is a physical tackler who possesses plus athleticism and unique instincts that show up in both the run and pass game. Mosley has the size and base to play tough on the edge, setting it and forcing the ball back in or making tackles in the open field. He is smooth in his curl drops and keys the quarterback to eliminate passing lanes. With an incredibly high upside, Mosley will continue to rise heading into his senior year.
Kingsbury is a dynamic outside linebacker from St. Rita. He measures in at 6’1, 220 lbs and plays with an extremely high motor. While Kingsbury possesses that traits that could also make him an elite inside backer, he played mostly on the edge for the Mustangs in his junior campaign. Kingsbury plays with a relentless pursuit that allows him to always find himself around the football. He is quick in short area and times blitzes well to wreak havoc in the pocket. He is also a stout tackler who knocks ball carriers backwards at the point of attack. Keep an eye on Kingsbury as he heads into his senior year.
Highlights
Cleveland is a highly athletic hybrid outside linebacker / strong safety out of Hoffman Estates. He provides incredible versatility to the Hawks defense, as the 6’3, 205 lbs playmaker can cover and tackle. Cleveland has the speed to play as a high safety that can run with vertical routes from slot receivers and has the size to get down hill and set the edge. An incredibly gifted tackler, Cleveland isn’t afraid to get off of blocks and initiate contact with both running backs on the edge and receivers coming over the middle of the field. This do-it-all player is due for a massive senior campaign. Don’t sleep on Cleveland as one of the top OLB’s in the state.
Ruby is a 6’2, 205 lbs outside linebacker from Oswego. He plays with an incredibly high football IQ and plays exceptionally well in space. Ruby is equally as good in the pass game as he is in the run game. He is a one-man wrecking crew against the exterior screen game, as Ruby can shed blocks by opposing wide receiver and tackle in the open space. He is smooth in his curl drops, showcasing the ability to eliminate passing lanes, sniff out screens, and rally to underneath throws. In the run game, Ruby gets downhill in a hurry to cut down ball carriers on the edge. Heading into his senior year, Ruby’s stock should continue to soar.
Highlights
Mays is a 6’3, 210 lbs linebacker from St. Laurence who can play both on the line of scrimmage and in the slot. The Class of 2025 playmaker possesses the ability to get off of blocks from tight ends and offensive tackles, using his hands and strong lower half to toss blockers off of him. He plays quick off the edge, surfing with smooth athleticism and chopping down ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage when unblocked. In the pass game, Mays drops with urgency to find his threat in the curl and eliminate underneath throws. He is physical in his re-routes and has the length to knock down level 2 passes thrown into his area. Keep an eye on Mays as he is poised for a dominant senior campaign.