Ohio 2028 Linebackers You Need To Know

Ohio is renowned for producing linebackers who are physical, instinctive, and tough. The 2028 class is already showing signs of continuing this trend.   During this stage of the recruitment cycle, linebackers are less about production and more about demonstrating physicality, athleticism, instincts, and the ability to play in space. Programs like Withrow, Elder, Winton Woods, and Alder are consistently producing linebackers who understand leverage, pursuit angles, and how to play on all three downs.   There are four linebackers in this class who are starting to differentiate themselves at this early stage, each possessing unique skills that could lead to significant growth as they gain more experience and exposure during the summer camps.   34 – [player_tooltip player_id='2123365' first='Joshua' last='Erkins'] – Withrow – 6'1", 195 – LB   [player_tooltip player_id='2123365' first='Joshua' last='Erkins'] is the epitome of what we believe makes a linebacker in today's game: size, athleticism, and versatility. Measuring in at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Joshua already possesses a frame that should naturally fill in over the next three years, giving him long-term upside as an every-down linebacker.   Coming out of the program at Withrow High School, which has consistently produced top-notch talent in recent years, Joshua possesses traits that should translate well to the second level. He possesses size and athleticism that should enable him to play in space while also possessing the physicality to be used in more run-stopping situations. Early projections suggest that Joshua should possess traits that enable him to track the football, run downhill, and play laterally without losing his balance.   However, as he continues to progress as a prospect, it is important to note that the key for Erkins is to continue to refine his instincts and reaction time. Linebackers make themselves stand out as prospects if they have the ability to read plays quickly and get to the ball in an efficient manner. The training camps will allow him to display his skills in covering receivers and tight ends, his ability to make quick changes of direction, and how smooth he is in space when running alongside running backs and tight ends.   Given his physical makeup and training background, it is easy to see that Erkins is a name that will start to make some noise as he continues to progress as a prospect.   58 – [player_tooltip player_id='1974117' first='Pete' last='Fortkamp'] – Elder – 6'2", 205 – LB   [player_tooltip player_id='1974117' first='Pete' last='Fortkamp'] is another prospect at the linebacker position who comes into this year's recruiting class with a strong and well-built frame. In addition, he comes from one of the most prestigious programs in Ohio. The Elder High School Panthers have made a name for themselves as having one of the top programs in the state of Ohio. They have consistently produced top-level talent and helped their players develop into disciplined, physical players. [player_tooltip player_id='1974117' first='Pete' last='Fortkamp'] is no different, as he seems to be the next in line to carry on this tradition of producing top linebackers and defenders. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, [player_tooltip player_id='1974117' first='Pete' last='Fortkamp'] is the type of prospect that comes into this year's recruiting class looking like he is ready to play the linebacker position. His size and strength allow him to take on contact and stack blockers at the point of attack. This is important because he will have to contend with the physical style of play prevalent in Southwest Ohio. The reason [player_tooltip player_id='1974117' first='Pete' last='Fortkamp'] is such an intriguing prospect is that he has the type of frame that will allow him to keep getting stronger and more defined as he progresses.   His movement skills and coverage ability will also be on display in these camps. If his skills in these areas continue to grow, Fortkamp has the size and physicality to take his game to new heights in the coming years.   122 – [player_tooltip player_id='1652961' first='Terence' last='Moore'] – Winton Woods – 6'0", 200 – LB   [player_tooltip player_id='1652961' first='Terence' last='Moore'] is another linebacker who fits into the mold of what Winton Woods has become in terms of linebackers. They are athletic, aggressive, and always around the football. He stands 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds. He is compact and well-proportioned for his size and position.   Winton Woods consistently produces top defensive players, and those coming out of this program tend to possess excellent fundamentals and physical toughness. Moore is a linebacker who excels at attacking the line of scrimmage and playing sideline-to-sideline. He also possesses excellent instincts and a high level of motor skills. He also possesses the build and size to become a hybrid linebacker who could play both inside and outside linebacker, depending on the team and scheme. However, his work in covering receivers and playing in space will be critical in his development. He needs to become more comfortable in space and in covering receivers. He also needs to become more comfortable in his decision-making and reacting to plays. He will get his chance in these camps to prove how quickly he can react and respond in these situations. Linebackers who possess excellent physical skills and also possess the ability to cover ground quickly tend to rise quickly in these camps. Moore possesses these skills and could rise quickly in these camps.   144 – [player_tooltip player_id='1949296' first='Ben' last='Petzinger'] – Alder – 6'0", 190 – LB   [player_tooltip player_id='1949296' first='Ben' last='Petzinger'] is a well-rounded linebacker with a body type that offers plenty of room for development. Petzinger measures in at 6'0" and 190 pounds, giving him a body type that has plenty of room for development and growth, which is exactly what teams want to see in linebackers in today's game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1949296' first='Ben' last='Petzinger'], out of Alder, has all the traits that scouts want to see in young linebackers, such as effort, physicality, and the ability to make an impact in all phases of the game. Petzinger has the body type and playing style that could allow him to develop into a solid second-level linebacker capable of playing run and pass effectively.   What will be interesting to see with [player_tooltip player_id='1949296' first='Ben' last='Petzinger'] and prospects like him is how they continue to develop their body type as they gain strength and add more weight to their frames. Petzinger has all the traits that scouts want to see in young linebackers, such as effort, physicality, and the ability to make an impact in all phases of the game.   The camp season will be an interesting time for Petzinger, as it will allow him to showcase his lateral movement and coverage ability. Linebackers with this type of versatility and consistency will put themselves in a position to be viewed as one to watch in this year's class.

Ohio is renowned for producing linebackers who are physical, instinctive, and tough. The 2028 class is already showing signs of continuing this trend.