Prep Redzone WI: Best 'Backers of the Bunch

The LBs came out ready to play. They needed to be because the coaching staffs put them in position to see what they had to offer athletically. What they can do moving around space laterally, changing directions, and running downfield in man to man coverage vs LBs and TEs. The best of the bunch and MVP of the position was [player_tooltip player_id='1306687' first='Bishop' last='Stoltz']. Read about his day in the MVP article HERE. To check out how the rest of the group did continue reading this article. Let's get into the group!    We saw a variety of LBs at the event. More of the traditional off-ball LBs that can bring three down versatility. LBs that are at their best in a pass rushing setup. And LBs that are more of that hybrid nickel/LB athlete. Ethan falls into that final category. One that is going to be best in third down roles or where a team needs a guy that can cover a slot. The 5'6" 185 lbs athlete did really well in space and with his short area burst and agility. That allowed him to impress with his ability in coverage and earn himself a spot in the Best vs Best reps to end the day. If a team can utilize him in coverage scenarios he could find a home at the D3 level.     One of the top performances of the position was the 5'11" 191 lbs athlete out of Appleton West. He was another member of the Best vs Best reps thanks to his strong day overall. That day started with a strong combine that included numbers like a 4.78 40, 4.47 shuttle, and an 8' broad jump. I got my first look of Mason during drills vs RBs in space. He did a really good job of closing quickly, flashing his speed and acceleration, to leave the RB no time to make a move on him. Mason carried that short area athleticism to coverage battles where he was able to again run downfield with the RBs and close quickly from the cushion the RBs had on shorter routes in front of him. I loved the way Mason flew around the field with aggression and power. It was the best of the group from what I saw. I'm excited to see his final season at West this fall.     A Prep Redzone WI Showcase veteran is the Racine Case LB [player_tooltip player_id='1251500' first='Aidyn' last='Wallin']. Wallin came back this time with a very well filled out frame compared to where we last saw him. His muscled-up build looks the part for the position. The combine numbers do as well. Aidyn ran 4.84 in the 40, 4.6 in the shuttle, and broad jumped 8'11". Despite the big leap in the size of his frame, those numbers match or beat what he did during the 2024 spring showcase. Aidyn now looks like a traditional three down LB. One that can handle the physicality to play against the run and also still has that athleticism to drop into coverage. I'm very interested to see the role he carves out on a very talented Racine Case roster.     Vicente checked in at 5'10" 205 lbs with a 6'1" wingspan. Solid numbers across the board plus he ran 5.00 in the 40, 4.75 in the shuttle, and jumped 8'1" in the broad. Solid numbers for a developing sophomore. What matters most is how you play with the talent you have. Vicente was ready for the day. He showed off the burst to close quickly. His aggressive, downhill play helped him standout while taking on RBs 1 on 1 in space. It also aided in him making some nice pass breakups in the quick passing game.     Seelen was a newer athlete on my radar, but he looks like he will be an athlete to keep an eye on as he develops in the loaded Verona LB room. He checked in at 5'11" 181 lbs, ran 5.09 in the 40, 4.65 in the shuttle, and jumped 8'4". I went to check out the tape because he was new to my radar. A lot of it shows his ability to play against the run. He is quick to close downhill and tackles hard and also shows range to make the chase down tackle. At the event Joseph did well in those one on one battles where they were making "tackles" on RBs 1 on 1 in the run game, matching his tape. I'm excited to see his development going forward.     An LB who has been on our radars for awhile already as a sophomore is [player_tooltip player_id='1620363' first='Barrett' last='Ruis'] of Hamilton Sussex, so I was looking forward to seeing how he tested and performed. He ran 5.09 in the 40, 4.44 in the shuttle, 7.2 in the L-Drill, and jumped 7'10". Barrett was ready for the competition level after spending last fall on varsity as a sophomore. On tape, Barrett did well playing in coverage and moving around in space. On the 18th he came out and showed that he is continuing to get better in that part of his game still. His balance and agility give him that effortless maneuverability in space. The arrow is pointing up for this kid.     Tyler definitely boosted his stock with his performance at the Showcase. The 5'11" 206 lbs junior dominated the combine with a 4.54 40, 4.32 shuttle, 8'7" broad jump, and 7.12 L-Drill. Great numbers for an LB that has shown on tape he is able to fly around the front seven making plays. Between the tape and the Showcase it is clear that Tyler fits well into that future three down role. The '26 is really good out in space. His strong base of athelticism makes it easy to drop into zone or run with an RB/TE. He is also able to close quickly on the ball to make stops. Tyler is an athletic LB with the physicality and power to be a three down LB.     We talked about how I was looking forward to seeing the sophomore in person after what he showed on tape as a varsity athlete in 2024. The sophomore checked in at 6'1" 186 lbs, ran 4.81 in the 40, 4.65 shuttle, 7.3 L-Drill, and jumped 8'9". Connor's speed gives him the ability to run deep with RBs/TEs and also recover if he is a step behind out of a route break. The sophomore played really well in the 1 on 1 tackling drills vs the RBs showing off his closing burst and short area lateral agility to make sure he was in position to make the tackle. With his size, physicality, and athleticism Connor looks like he is on his way towards being a three-down LB recruit.     One of my favorite athletes on the day was Tosin Kolawole. The 6'2" 207 lbs junior has an elite 6'7.5" wingspan with 4.53 40 speed, 4.35 shuttle, and 7.09 L-Drill agility, along with 9'7" broad jumps to show off his explosiveness. Tosin looked raw in coverage, but that is because he is at his best as a pass rusher off the edge. Tosin did well in the 1 on 1 tackle drills where he could show off his athletic traits to quickly get to the ball before the RBs could make a move. The big draw should be his length, first step quickness, and success as a pass rusher. More teams need to get eyes on this kid.     An under the radar junior LB that came out to show off his talents was [player_tooltip player_id='1570921' first='Leonard' last='Biddle Jr']. He checked in at 5'10" 180 with a 6'3" wingspan. Leonard ran 5.44 in the 40 4.88 in the shuttle, and 7.81 in the L-Drill. That wingspan came up clutch multiple times to recover in coverage including being able to punch the ball out last second a couple times. That wingspan gives him the ability to take risks and be a step out of position and still make the play on the ball. Keep an eye on the 2026 LB.

The LBs came out ready to play. They needed to be because the coaching staffs put them in position to see what they had to offer athletically. What they can do moving around space laterally, changing directions, and running downfield in man to man coverage vs LBs and TEs. The best of the bunch and MVP of the position was Bishop Stoltz Bishop Stoltz 5'9" | 190 lbs | ATH/LB West Bend West | 2027 State WI . Read about his day in the MVP article HERE. To check out how the rest of the group did continue reading this article. Let's get into the group!