Talent Pool Deep For Top Wichita-Area Linebackers

At the high school level linebackers come in all shapes, sizes and temperment, but the guys who are driving to be elite and are typically in the 100+ tackles range for a season's work there is a lot commonality.   Typically the battle-tested headhunter linebackers are not only fast and explosive, but have great read and react skills flying to the ball and the spatial awareness required to quickly dismantle blockers and work through traffic.   And, they all bring differing levels of swag to the position...   They also bring an advanced-level of physicality to their play, regardless of size, and cause big-time disruption to back it up; whether collapsing the QB-pocket coming off the edge, slamming the door shut on the run game between the tackles, or athletically dropping into coverage to help shut down the opposing team's passing attack.   In this report, we are taking a closer look at eight linebackers who have established themselves as among the best in the Wichita area at their positions and are looking to take the next step this fall to further showcase recruiting efforts.   So, without further adieu, let's check out what these guys have been doing to get ready:   [player_tooltip player_id='2087738' first='Jrayton' last='Dansel'], 6'0, 200, LB/RB/ATH, Andale, '27, (PICTURED ABOVE) first up is the returning Non-Senior Defensive Player of the Year who helped his team roll through the competition for another undefeated state championship. He is coming off a strong season statistically as well, with 85 tackles, forced six fumbles and intercepted a pass. He has had a busy off-season training for fall with Sharp Performance and this spring helped lead the track team to a state championship with a school record in the 4x1 relay and finished 2nd in state. He followed that up with a loaded June, making the all-combine team at the Lindenwood camp and also hit camps at Pitt State and South Dakota State later in the month. With his powerful frame and athleticism, coupled with quickness and great closing speed, he is a headhunter of an outside LB and a dangerous RB on the other side of the ball. Get your popcorn ready this fall as he is going to put on a show.     [player_tooltip player_id='944905' first='Drake' last='Blasi']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/drake-blasi/"></a> , 6'0, 205, LB/ATH, Maize, '27, next up for the top linebackers in the Wichita area is a guy I have been following the last few years and is coming off an all-state junior season helping lead his team to an unbeaten regular season record and finished 10-1. He was the ringleader of a strong linebacker core for the Eagles who throttled teams all year with their relentless pounding of the football. He is a versatile backer who can play inside, as an OLB or storm the gates coming off the edge. Using his football IQ and instincts to stay a step ahead of the offense, he piled up 100+ tackles, averaging double digits all year, to go with eight TFL and a pair of forced fumbles last fall. This spring and summer he has been focused on baseball while continuing to train with Coach Rashad. His training is paying off as he is up to 205 pounds and has his 40 time in the low 4.6s. This guy has his game face on and is ready to bring the sledgehammer again this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1594489' first='Joshua' last='Duerksen']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/joshua-duerksen/"></a> , LB/ATH, 5'11”, 205, Hesston,  ‘27, up next is an athletic, ball-buster of a LB who is coming off a 107-tackle season, averaging 11 per game, and added two TFL, a sack, a forced fumble and had a pick-6. With his next-level read and react instincts he makes plays all over the field, stuffing gaps in the middle, and using his closing speed to blow up outside runs behind the line of scrimmage. His off-season has been busy meeting/visiting with schools and just wrapped up track where he was one of the best in his class in the shot and discus and also had the speed and acceleration to anchor the 4x1 team. His off-season training is reaping dividends already as he has put on 10 pounds and is stronger/faster than last year with standout measurables (4.55 40, 39" VJ, 10'2" BJ, 545 squat, 335 bench/clean). He has been drawing D2/FCS interest with a Central Missouri visit coming later this month. This guy is going to be in search and destroy mode this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1652617' first='Maddox' last='Girard']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/maddox-girard/"></a> , 5'11, 195, LB/LS, Salina South, '27, after helping the Cougars stage a late-season rally that included two upset victories in the playoffs, this middle linebacker and long snapper was one of the key drivers of the turnaround. On defense he can play any of the linebacker positions but was primarily used as lock-down middle linebacker with baller instincts who plays with physicality from snap to whistle. With a powerful lower body, quick feet and aggressive hands, he shreds double teams and stonewalls the interior gaps in the run game. Once football was over he went right into wrestling and proceeded to have a record-breaking season and also continued to train for football with Sharp Performance.  His focus this off-season has been on bulking up and getting more explosive while emphasizing speedwork. He is also a standout long snapper and has continued to hone his craft in the off-season. This guy is ready for a big season this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='2101930' first='Jacob' last='Lewis']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jacob-lewis-3/"></a> , 6'0, 185, LB/SS, Sterling, '28, next up and last but certainly not least is the returning overall state leader regardless of class with an eye-popping 174 tackles...let that sink in. He also had 16 TFL, three sacks, picked off an interception and had five fumble recoveries. He flew under the radar early in the season, but quickly started tormenting offenses and became one of the top headhunter defenders in the state before helping his team win a state championship by year end. With outstanding anticipation, lateral quickness and a nose for the ball, he can blow up plays between the tackles or use his speed to cut off backs trying to hit the perimeter. He is also athletic and versatile enough to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball as well as return kicks. This guy is a ball buster who is ready to dominate again this fall.     OTHERS:     [player_tooltip player_id='2101931' first='Fisher' last='Elder']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/fisher-elder/"></a> , 6'2, 220, RB/LB, Wellington, '28, I recently reviewed this baller who is coming off a breakthrough sophomore season when he had 118 tackles, 9 TFL, 8 sacks and one FF. He is a three-way multi-positional baller who is versatile enough to help on offense as an all-purpose back and handled kickoff duties. This guy is ready to shift into beast mode this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1530394' first='Julian' last='Gallegos'], 5'11, 200, LB/DB, Eisenhower, '27, another baller recently reviewed and is coming off two straight strong years with 100+ tackles in each. He is a versatile defender who can play any of the linebacker positions or sink back into the secondary and play as a punishing strong safety. Momentum is building for a big season this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1585530' first='Mason' last='Moaliitele'], 6'0, 200, LB, Derby, '27, after a strong season shortened by injury he has been training hard and getting stronger and faster. Look for him and the Panthers to have a big year this fall.     In conclusion, get out and see these guys dominate this fall - you will not be disappointed. Also, DM me via X if you run across any players flying under the radar.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

At the high school level linebackers come in all shapes, sizes and temperment, but the guys who are driving to be elite and are typically in the 100+ tackles range for a season's work there is a lot commonality.

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Talent Pool Deep For Top Wichita-Area Linebackers

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