2028 LB New Additions: Midseason Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We updated our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2028-rankings/">2028 rankings</a>, and we've already had plenty of coverage on the offensive side of the ball. Now, we're turning our attention to the defensive side of the ball to look at the linebackers who were added to our rankings. Here are our 2028 LB new additions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2028 LB New Additions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1880225"],"_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-69055cc3d896a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When I scouted Middle Creek earlier this season, I came away impressed with the movement skills of the bigger Smith. He may ultimately end up as a full-time edge rusher, but right now, he's a guy who can play with his hand in the dirt or off the ball. He plays with consistent strength to stand up linemen and play the run. We may ultimately change his position at a later date, but I like him with the linebackers as of this writing, thanks to his lateral movement and high I.Q.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1969831"],"_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-69055cc3d89d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Watts has been West Henderson's top defender this year, on a defense that has allowed around 20 points a game. He has decent size and has been well-rounded, playing well in pass coverage, causing major issues for the offense in the running game, and flashing as an occasional blitzer. He's a young player we're looking forward to scouting further.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1970950"],"_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-69055cc3d8a22"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bynum is a bit undersized, but he can fly, getting downhill in a hurry. When he gets there, he's a thumper. He's decisive and shows a lot of the linebacker skills and techniques needed to excel. So, when he adds some weight, it's only going to put him in an even better position to be one of the better linebackers in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1925428"],"_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-69055cc3d8a6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Resendiz is new to the state and has had a great season for Christ School. He's a versatile defender who can play multiple linebacker spots and excels on special teams, making a few key plays on punt coverage this season. With another year in a high school weight program, he should get up to a size and speed that will impress college coaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1969830"],"_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-69055cc3d8abb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Griffin has proven himself to be a valuable asset for a budding Overhills defense. He can fly around the defense, and as the season has progressed, he's grown in pass coverage. He's a guy we're looking forward to scouting further, but we like what we know so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->