X Film Study 8: Final Look at Versatile Tacklers Across Oregon

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we wrap up this summer's X Film Study series, we're closing with a trio of linebackers who bring a diverse mix of physicality, instincts, and positional flexibility to the field. From reliable run-stuffers to athletic defenders with coverage upside, these prospects highlight the depth of talent developing at the second level in Oregon. Each of them brings something different to the table, and all are names to watch heading into the 2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NOTE: </strong>This is the final X Film Study post for the summer. Any further submissions will not be posted on the site.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19743945/66fd87db265f6129cbb6e3b6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6875fd624b4b7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1091644"],"_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-6875fd624de33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mealus is a throwback-style linebacker who plays downhill and thrives in the box. Also an offensive lineman, his physicality and leverage translate well to defense, making him a reliable tackler and tone-setter. While he's not as fluid in space, his size and toughness are clear assets that make him tough to deal with in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16764072/6715b2b6e5552f6c668b12ee' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6875fd624de81"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1110919"],"_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-6875fd624deff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tobin combines high-end athleticism with refined technique and field awareness. He excels both against the run and in coverage, demonstrating an advanced ability to read plays and react quickly. His ability to move in space and take efficient pursuit angles gives him standout upside as a three-down linebacker at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18280200/67f5e1be7c5aa4454e22b058' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6875fd624df3c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1345227"],"_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-6875fd624dfb0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Whitwood is a steady, well-rounded linebacker who brings consistent effort and athleticism to the second level. He moves well laterally and shows natural pursuit ability, often finding ways to stay involved in plays even when the action moves away from him. He still has room to grow in coverage, but his instincts and motor make him a valuable part of the North Eugene defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->