Physical Playmakers: Kentucky’s 2028 LBs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're heading over to the 2028 class today to highlight a group of talented and physical linebackers who can take a big step this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1288478"],"_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-6a57d52ed4619"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hawkins is a big, physical downhill linebacker who likes playing near the line of scrimmage. He does a good job getting off blocks, filling gaps, and slowing down the run. He can also create pressure when turned loose and has the strength to affect plays in the backfield. The long arms and reach really stand out, and they help him keep blockers off his frame. Honestly, I could see him growing into a linebacker/defensive end hybrid as he continues to develop. The frame and tools are already there. Now it's just a matter of putting them all together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1640945"],"_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-6a57d52ed47bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clemmons is a good athlete with the kind of speed you like to see from a linebacker. He plays with good strength, isn't afraid to be physical, and does a nice job diagnosing plays before attacking. Against the run, he finds running lanes quickly and gets downhill without wasting much movement. He finished with 52 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and 1 sack, putting together a really solid season. The flashes are there. It wouldn't surprise me if this is the fall where everything starts coming together for him. I can see him being a high riser in the class because the talent and production are both there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2157623"],"_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-6a57d52ed48d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chatman has a good frame and size, and he's still growing into it. He shows quick twitch off the line, does a nice job finding gaps, and takes advantage when offenses leave one open. He's good against the run and has a knack for creating tackles for loss by getting into the backfield. I also like the range he shows and think there's plenty of coverage potential to go with what he already does near the line of scrimmage. He held his own as a sophomore, and it feels like he's ready to take on a bigger leadership role this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2248726"],"_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-6a57d52ed4a64"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson is a good athlete with a physical build, and it's obvious he spends time in the weight room because the strength shows up on the field. He's a two-way player with upside on both sides of the ball, but I like him more at linebacker because of his traits and downhill play style. He's not afraid to get physical, takes on contact, and does a nice job tracking the ball carrier through traffic. He plays with confidence and trusts what he sees. I'd like to see how he does this fall because I can see him taking off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["423489"],"_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-6a57d52ed4b6b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bryant is a strong athlete who plays with a physical edge. His wrestling background really shows up with his body control, balance, and core strength when taking on contact. He's a two-way player, but I like him more at linebacker because his strength and physical play style fit the position so well. He stays disciplined, doesn't overrun plays, and brings a good motor every snap. He looks comfortable playing downhill and making things physical, which is why I'd like to see him in the 2nd level permanently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->