Alabama LB Report: 5 Risers

Here are 5 LBs in Georgia that picked up some buzz this offseason.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Risers</h2>    Of all LBs in Alabama, [player_tooltip player_id='978262' first='Kentonio' last='Kelly'] might be the most instinctual player in the state. He is super refined in pass coverage, pinpointing receivers crossing across the field and putting himself in position to make a play on the ball. He might not be a thumper, but he clicks downhill and has enough muscle in his frame to generate some solid contact at impact. He is a fundamentally sound tackler, striking with good pad level and generating force from the turf. He doesn't have blazing speed, but his range and instincts are on display when he puts his cleats in the ground and runs to the football. Kelly might not be a top-tier athlete, but his instincts are off the charts, which allows him to compensate. He has picked up several D1 offers this offseason.     [player_tooltip player_id='744119' first='Bishop' last='Burkhalter'] is an energetic defender who can impact the game in multiple phases. He will line up as a traditional LB, play off the edge, and even cover a receiver in the slot. He is a good athlete, but his instincts allow him to wear multiple hats. He is always around the ball and arrives on time. His acceleration to impact is put on full display, opening up his stride and quickly getting to the ball carrier to make tackles. He is light on his feet and moves well laterally, allowing him to mirror the football and keep his shoulders squared to the ball carrier. It also allows him to get to a full stride easier. On underneath route concepts, he can match footwork well enough to give himself a chance, and he plays through receivers' hands when breaking up passes. Burkhalter will play at the D1 level, and he has a chance to make plays all over the field.     [player_tooltip player_id='1645215' first='Walker' last='Turner'] is a stout, physical MLB prospect who could thump today at the D1 level. He is vastly a downhill player, putting his foot on the ground and quickly closing to the football, striking with violent intentions. He strikes hard and with good pad level, often up-ending and de-cleating ball carriers. He has decent lateral mobility, making last-second adjustments to the path of the ball carrier. He can also drop back in coverage and show enough twitch to navigate in space. Turner works best in an alley, where he can fly downhill, put his hat down, and smack whatever is in his path. I believe he will do that at the next level.     Rhett Cofer has made a decent name for himself this offseason. He is listed at 6'2 215, but plays even bigger, often lining up on the LOS with his hand in the dirt and working off blockers with more mass. His motor runs hot, playing through the whistle and making several hustle plays, often outside of his zone. His speed is adequate, flagging down the football from across the field and playing sticky coverage when asked to do so. Projecting Cofer to a specific spot might be difficult, but his ability to set the edge and drop back into coverage might project best to an OLB spot.     [player_tooltip player_id='1127636' first='Ellis' last='McGaskin'] has established himself as one of the best 2027 defenders in Alabama, and for good season. He brings overwhelming speed and tremendous upside to the table. His 0-60 speed is phenomenal, quickly finding his top gear and using it to slip between gaps and thump ball carriers. He creates plenty of downhill momentum and doesn't stop when he makes contact. On tape, he hits hard enough to instantly drop ball carriers and rattle helmets. His speed translates laterally, allowing him to do patrol work sideline to sideline. McGaskin is only going to get bigger and faster, meaning his dominance will continue going forward. He should and likely will get a crack at the P4 level.

Here are 5 LBs in Georgia that picked up some buzz this offseason.