Linebackers to Get Familiar with from PRZ PA Combine

After the QBs, WRs, and DBs left the field, it was time for the bigger guys to take centerstage. The linebackers were included in this group, and they did no disappoint, all of them performing well from individual drills to live action against the running backs. While not all of these players earned the title of Top Performer this weekend, this are all players that have attributes needed to excel at the position. With some fine tuning, these could be the linebackers you hear about come this fall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1506877' first='Kai' last='Taylor'] embodied pure athleticism this past weekend at the PRZ PA Combine. With a build more akin to a rangy safety, he brings a rare combination of speed and explosiveness to the position. Taylor could have easily competed alongside the defensive backs in the early session and thrived. As the fastest player in the linebacker group, he possesses exceptional twitch and the ability to close space in a hurry, flying upfield to disrupt plays before they can develop.   Beyond his straight-line speed, Taylor's reactive time makes him a natural in coverage. He demonstrated an impressive ability to mirror running backs through their routes, staying low through sharp changes of direction. This blend of quickness and field awareness solidified Kai as a game-changer on defense.     Kerry is a highly reactive linebacker, particularly effective around the line of scrimmage where his physicality and instincts shine. Though he occasionally struggled in open space against quicker, shiftier backs, his size and strength offer tremendous upside. When it comes to filling gaps, Kerry has the potential to be a disruptive force, consistently clogging up holes with authority.   This weekend, Kerry took meaningful steps toward refining his game, demonstrating a commitment to improvement that should pay off on Friday nights. With continued work on his foot speed and range, he has all the tools to become a reliable anchor in the middle of the defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='1265163' first='Jayon' last='Williams'], currently ranked as the number 8 linebacker in the state, has the physical frame needed to dominate at his position. While his footwork isn't the quickest, leaving some room for growth in speed, he steadily improved throughout the day, showcasing a willingness to refine his craft.   One of Williams' standout qualities is his physicality in coverage. He demonstrated a knack for disrupting the timing of plays, using his size and strength to knock running backs off their routes, throwing off the rhythm between the quarterback and receiver. This promising development hints at his potential to become a well-rounded force on defense as he continues to sharpen his movement and play recognition.     Graham showcased impressive lateral quickness during the individual drills at the PRZ PA Combine on Saturday afternoon, demonstrating the ability to plant his toes and change direction with fluidity. His low, powerful shuffle allows him to generate explosive movement when reacting to the movement of his opponents, a critical trait for any successful linebacker.   Despite his bigger frame, Graham stood out when matched up against smaller, shiftier running backs, proving he can hold his own in coverage. He even came away with an interception deep downfield, underscoring his ability to track the ball and stay stride for stride with quicker players, making him a versatile threat in both the run and pass game.     Jaydin brings a rare blend of speed and athleticism to the linebacker position, standing out as the most athletic player in the entire group. His agility and burst allowed him to cover a lot of ground quickly on Saturday, making him well suited for matchups against quicker backs and slot receivers. With his high ceiling, there's a clear path for him to potentially transition into a nickelback role, where his speed and coverage instincts could truly shine.   Though Jaydin is a bit thin for a traditional linebacker, adding size to his frame would significantly increase his rank within the state. As a rising player with a promising skill set, he's definitely one to keep an eye on as he continues to develop.     Garrett stood out as one of the brawnier linebackers in the group, combining size and surprising quickness. Despite his thicker frame, he accelerates upfield with impressive burst, filling gaps with authority and catching opponents off guard with his unexpected range. This blend of power and speed makes him a force in the run game, capable of plugging lanes and setting a physical tone.   In coverage, Garrett held his own against quicker running backs, showcasing disciplined footwork and awareness in the flats. He stayed tight to his matchups, maintaining good position without getting tangled up, which speaks to his versatility as a defender. Given his strong performance, he's a player poised to climb the rankings as he continues to sharpen his technique.

After the QBs, WRs, and DBs left the field, it was time for the bigger guys to take centerstage. The linebackers were included in this group, and they did no disappoint, all of them performing well from individual drills to live action against the running backs. While not all of these players earned the title of Top Performer this weekend, this are all players that have attributes needed to excel at the position. With some fine tuning, these could be the linebackers you hear about come this fall.