Breakout Candidates: Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So many players next season are going to have much bigger roles with players graduating and players improving their skills over the off season. Here are a handful of linebackers who are breakout season candidates for next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='945849' first='Traevon' last='Phifer'] </em></strong>- 2025 - Archbishop Murphy HS - Traevon has shown why he's a top 10 linebacker in the 2025 class. He's a great tackler who drives opposing players to the ground with ease. Phifer is strong, one of the strongest players in the class and dominates both sides of the ball as he's a monster in the trenches as an offensive guard. His awareness is elite and his chase down ability is up there with the top in the state, be on the look out for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='348163' first='Carson' last='McKelheer']</strong></em> - 2025 - Eastside Catholic HS - Carson is a great playmaker and has huge upside at the linebacker position. He already played a big role for Eastside Catholic and will keep being a stand out on the field during his senior season next year. He reads offenses smoothly and accurately, knowing the actions quickly due to watching film weekly. Carson has a very bright future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='945877' first='Isaiah' last='Oudman']</em></strong> - 2025 - Lynden HS - Isaiah plays with great control on the defensive side of the ball, having great balance and athleticism. Oudman tackles at a high rate with good angles, rarely allowing ball carriers to get past him into the secondary. He's 6'3" 215 pounds but moves insanely quickly on his feet, being able to burst into the backfield to wrap up quarterbacks / running backs well. Oudman is going to have a big year on both sides of the ball next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='693768' first='Keagan' last='Howard'] </em></strong>- 2025 - Lake Stevens HS - Keagan is a leader on the defensive side for Lake Stevens, being the anchor in the middle for the team. He wraps up effectively with great anticipation and rarely misses the ball carrier. He is a high level prospect and should be getting looks from top D2/D1 coaches in the country. He is expected to carve out a bigger role on the offensive side of the ball next year too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1188110' first='Michael' last='Pulalasi'] </strong></em>- 2027 - Lakes HS - Now here is a player who could wind up as a top nationally ranked prospect come his senior season. He played extremely well last year, as a freshman. He wraps up nicely as a linebacker but can also rush the quarterback with the best in the entire state. Pulalasi is quick and agile on his feet, being a phenomenal athlete. This 2027 grad is just getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->