’25 Rankings – New Addition LBs with Something to Prove

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These linebackers have something to prove this fall. Mostly from West Michigan, all of these LBs have found success in the past but need to bring it all together during their senior season. All of these players are ranked, meaning they're all great high school football players, but I think they're all just scratching the surface of their potential. Now, here are five LBs with something to prove! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1291381"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668427d148491"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sam is a very similar linebacker to Ike, listed above. He's an off-ball outside linebacker who is still developing his game, but I'm optimistic based on the LB talent surrounding him. There are a few true bright spots in his tape where Sam works through blocks and makes a great play on a running back. There are other times when Sam takes a long time to react and gives up way more yards than he should've. I truly believe that Sam is not far from being a dominant linebacker, he just needs to get his reps in and become more confident at the position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1290875"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668427d148442"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ike was a good role player last season for Forest Hills Northern. He played both running back and linebacker, showing promise in both areas. As a runner, Ike ran with purpose and fearlessness. I like how he shot through his holes and tried to make the most of his carries. Defensively, Ike's eyes were always in hte backfield and he was always looking to make a play. He's still a bit raw in that he takes a while to read and react, but once he reads, Ike shoots toward the ballcarrier. He's ranked relatively "low" right now, but could have a truly special senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1291363"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668427d1483ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There's a great chance that Terrence has himself a breakout season. With the new coaching staff at EK, I'm more confident than ever in Terrence's development. Last season, Terrence served as a solid off-ball linebacker. Once he diagnosed the play, he attacked. That said, Terrence was sometimes a bit slow in reacting, and that would gift the opposing offense precious yards. I know that Terrence can play linebacker at a very high level- he just has to get the reps in and earn it this season. I hope to shoot Terrence up the rankings after the 2024 season! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1290880"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668427d14839e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Solomon is someone I see having a breakout season. First off, he's a powerlifter, so you already know he has the strength needed to be a dominant linebacker. Predictably, he's an extremely hard-hitting off-ball linebacker. On several occasions, Soloman is given a free lane to the ballcarrier, and he takes full advantage, delivering a huge hit. Overall, he reacts well and tries his best to attack the ballcarrier. Though, there are times when Soloman reacts slowly or plays indecisively. If he can develop a bit more anticipation and always give 100% effort, he'll be a much-improved player. Right now, I'd call him an NAIA target. Lastly, I don't usually say this about prospects- but I think that Solomon could be a phenomenal College Rugby player. His physicality and strength transfer incredibly well to Rugby. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1290515"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668427d14833c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caleb is someone who's been a big part of this Mason program for a very long time. Last season, he served as a very good high school linebacker. Playing off-ball, Caleb reacted incredibly well to the run (inside and outside) and was not afraid to get his nose dirty. Even against some of the best teams in the state (DeWitt, FHC, etc) Caleb performed very well from his linebacker position. He has the eyes, reactivity, knows how to line up, etc. I believe that the two biggest things holding Caleb back are his height and athleticism. It's unfortunate, but 5'8" is far too short for D2's to offer. In addition, he has average athleticism from the testing times I've seen. Still, I fully believe that Caleb can be phenomenal Division 3 linebacker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->