Seek and Destroy: Hardest Hitting LBs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>*Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a Prep Redzone subscription*</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to defense, there are few things better than watching an LB flying downhill and lighting up a ball carrier or TE/WR coming over the middle. Those hunters absolutely live for those moments where they can punish someone and send a message to the rest of their opponents while doing so. There are several LBs across WI who have that ability to run through and destroy offensive skill players with their tackling. So many so that we are going to limit our list to the uncommitted athletes who fit this mold. Coaches, these are the animals you want quarterbacking your defense at the college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1570847"],"_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-69efd0e18984e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The most complete and hard-hitting LB among all uncommitted defenders is De Pere's [player_tooltip player_id='1570847' first='Cayden' last='Cavanaugh']. Cayden is an athlete with elite instincts. HIs ability to read, recognize, and react are so advanced that it allows him to play at 100 mph. That includes making contact with ball carriers at 100 mph, leading to devastating hits. Cayden's tackling is elite. He runs his feet through contact, and is so strong that he quickly ends forward progress and drives the offensive athlete backwards. You have to plan for Cayden because of his physicality, and high football IQ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617676"],"_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-69efd0e189913"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jack is a little different than the others in this list. He isn't an overwhelming 220 lbs athlete that can use that size and momentum to crush ball carriers. Instead he has done a great job strengthening his 205 lbs frame and become a great form tackler. Jack does a fantastic job of using his athleticism to also boost how hard he tackles. You see that closing burst that puts the momentum swinging into his favor, and from there the 2027 LB never stops his feet until he is burying the opponent into the ground. Jack's range and burst paired with his 205 lbs frame has made him one of the hardest hitting LBs in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2086649"],"_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-69efd0e18999a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Connor is a very stout LB. His strength is the focal point of his game. It is clear that there is plenty of power packed onto that 220 lbs frame. The hard-hitting LB can generate a lot of power without much space. Several highlights show him making those hard hitting tackles without space to gain a head full of steam. That innate power on contact also shines as he battles off the blocks of OL. Having an LB that can punish OL along with skill players would be a big boost to a front seven at the next level. Don't sleep on this kid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2064910"],"_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-69efd0e189a25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anthony reminds me of an old-school ILB. A 6'1" 220 lbs thumper who thrives vs the run game. Tackle to tackle Aker dominates with his dominant power. Power that can shuck IOL aside on his way into the backfield. Also power that can be triggered instantly when tackling, leading to him being able to completely shut down forward progress and drive ball carriers backwards. Anthony is a violent LB and a hidden gem coming out of Indian Trail.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["782976"],"_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-69efd0e189aaa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I assume trying to run through [player_tooltip player_id='782976' first='Jamal' last='Booker'] is similar to trying to run through a cement wall. The 6' 225 lbs ILB is a monster in the middle of the Waukesha South defense. Especially when it comes to defending the run game between the tackles. Jamal only got to play two games this past season, but even in that short time his highlights show an athlete who runs over guys when he tackles them. The violent change of momentum when he meets and drives back an RB is jarring to watch at times. Jamal is so powerful and has really good timing between his contact and powerfully driving his lower body through his tackle. The dude is violent!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1283344"],"_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-69efd0e189b35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another seek and destroy ILB is Make Chevalier of Appleton East. The 6'1" 215 lbs 2027 is a tone setter in the middle of the defense. Even in coverage there is a clip of him decleating a WR coming across the middle of the field. Maks is quick with his closing on the football and doesn't hesitate at the tackle. Instead you see that burst through the tackle to punish ball carriers and drive them backwards. Maks is a well rounded athlete at LB too, showing he can play in space and still flip that switch to physicality any instance he needs to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2103622"],"_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-69efd0e189bb4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anthony is an undersized athlete for the LB position, checking in at 5'9". However, the 2027 has packed 210 lbs onto that frame. That has made the LB more of a cannonball as he flies into the trenches against the run game. Along with the sheer size, Anthony also uses that natural leverage to his advantage. So he is able to pack a punch with his size and momentum and also do it while having the lower pad level. It leads to a highlight reel full of violent tackles that bury ball carriers. There are also clips of him using that combo to drive back OL then make the tackle on the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->