2025 Standout Ranked LBs Check-In (Pt. 2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're already over halfway through the 2024 season in the blink of an eye and it's time to spotlight some of our ranked athletes. Here's an update on some of our ranked LBs who have performed well to this point of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["908619"],"_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-67299190f40c7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scott's complement to [player_tooltip player_id='908993' first='David' last='Fennessy'] at inside linebacker is [player_tooltip player_id='908619' first='Ty' last='Mitchell'] who has put together a very good senior season as well for the Skyhawks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'2 215 senior has totaled 93 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 3 forced fumbles in 9 games this season as the key cog of the middle of their defense. Mitchell is a stout run-stopping MLB who is physical between the tackles and has the athleticism to shoot gaps and get consistent penetration into the backfield. He's also shown the ability to drop into coverage at times and has quality speed and quickness that will allow him to further develop in that area. Getting downhill is the strength of Mitchell's game right now, and he's a throwback type of middle linebacker who should receive D2 opportunities this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16266443/6714938b1b4193b984153e32' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67299190f40ec"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1106018"],"_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-67299190f412c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1106018' first='Jeffrey' last='Cowger'] has been a very good addition to the Fairmont Senior program this season on both sides of the ball after coming over from North Marion for his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Through 8 games, Cowger has provided a nice target on offense from his TE spot and has caught 9 passes for 177 yards and 3 touchdowns in an offense that has a lot of mouths to feed. We love his potential as an OLB/Edge type of player at the next level although he's still playing traditional DE this season. With his frame though, Cowger could grow into a TE or DE in college depending on how his body transforms in a college strength program, and has a high ceiling for both if he can put on the needed size. Cowger is long and athletic which gives him a great base to work with as his role in college is figured out in the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17189272/671597ad5872ebfc937734d7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67299190f414f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["908994"],"_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-67299190f418f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2025 Spring Valley LB [player_tooltip player_id='908994' first='Braeden' last='Booth'] has leveled up his game in his senior year and is playing the best ball of his career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Added size in the off-season has greatly benefitted his game and has taken his play to the next level. Booth is having a stock-rising season for the Timberwolves and has totaled 40 tackles in 8 games at OLB. He's very quick off the edge and can close down on quarterbacks and running backs away from his play side. Booth's athleticism allows him to play in coverage as well, and he can further expand that part of his game in college. He has very good pursuit speed and plays with high effort in tracking the ball down while also being able to affect opposing quarterbacks' throws. Even without elite length, D2 programs should be keeping close tabs on Booth as he awaits his first offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16794994/671948023b0d4daa920ff189' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67299190f41b0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["909002"],"_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-67299190f41ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another linebacker who is seeing his stock rise this season is Princeton's [player_tooltip player_id='909002' first='Jordan' last='Cooper'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cooper is a versatile linebacker who can play inside or outside for the Tigers but feels like a MLB at the next level. He's proven to have the ability to stop the run between the tackles when in the middle but has also shown he can come off the edge to rush the passer and create pressure as well. Cooper's frame lends towards staying in the middle in college but the versatility he's shown in high school should intrigue more D2 programs. He's a physical downhill player who sniffs out the run well and has the strength to make plays at the line of scrimmage. Cooper has received local college interest but more programs around the state need to get in on his recruitment. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15689171/67057f22e00a351ca790a575' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67299190f420c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1024773"],"_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-6729919100009"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2025 Huntington LB [player_tooltip player_id='1024773' first='Landon' last='Miller'] has greatly increased his stock this season which will be reflected in the final rankings update after the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller picked up his first offer from D2 West Liberty last month and is leading the Highlanders in tackles this season with 83 in 9 games. He's added some good size for this season which is the area he needed the most work in as his play on the field has been very good the past few seasons. Miller is another versatile linebacker who can play MLB or OLB and has the athleticism to walk up to the LOS in a 3-man front as an edge rusher or drop into a zone in pass coverage. The added size has made him stouter between the tackles in run defense while having the lateral quickness to stretch out offenses horizontally. More in-state D2 programs will enter the mix for his post-high school services based on his senior film. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16282011/66f56c10777d85e0de610777' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6729919100029"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->