2028 Rising Linebackers Ready to Break Onto the Scene

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 linebacker group continues to take shape as several new faces look to establish themselves as names to know in Colorado. This group features players who bring different skill sets to the defensive side, from explosive edge rushers who can create pressure to linebackers with the instincts and physicality to make plays around the football. With the upcoming season providing an opportunity for increased production and larger roles, these prospects have a chance to make their presence felt and climb the rankings. For more Colorado recruiting coverage, player evaluations and rankings, subscribe to Prep Redzone and use code <strong>DavisPRZ30</strong> for money off your subscription.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2222147"],"_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-6a7f603b24fed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hanna is a prospect who could become a major problem off the edge this season after showing significant development throughout the offseason. He has a quick get off that allows him to put offensive linemen on their heels and attack the backfield before plays have time to develop. Hanna can use a combination of strength and speed to work past opponents, giving him multiple ways to create pressure and disrupt the quarterback. His ability to consistently win at the point of attack will be something to watch as the season progresses. If Hanna can translate his offseason work into a high production season, he has the potential to become a must know name in the 2028 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2236270"],"_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-6a7f603b2505c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shields is a linebacker who brings the athleticism and instincts needed to make plays in the open field. He has shown the ability to track down receivers and ball carriers while using his speed to close space quickly. Shields can shoot gaps effectively and get into the backfield, giving him the ability to produce sacks and tackles for loss. He also displays strong tackling ability, allowing him to finish plays once he gets into position. His combination of range, quickness and instincts gives him the tools to make an impact from multiple areas of the defense. The upcoming season will be important for Shields as he looks to build on his production and establish himself as a name to watch in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2044835"],"_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-6a7f603b250b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">O'Connell is an edge rusher who has the ability to create chaos near the line of scrimmage. He plays with an active motor and can work through blocks to get himself into position to make plays behind the line. O'Connell does a good job shedding blockers and quickly finding the ball carrier, allowing him to disrupt plays before they have a chance to develop. His ability to consistently create pressure and make tackles in the backfield will be important as he takes on a larger role this season. With increased production, O'Connell could quickly become one of the names gaining momentum in the 2028 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2130174"],"_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-6a7f603b250fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cole is a middle linebacker who brings the ability to help solidify the middle of the defense while contributing in multiple areas. He has shown the ability to drop into coverage, work passing lanes and quickly bring receivers down after the catch. Cole also does a good job shedding blocks and flowing toward the football, allowing him to stay involved in plays as they develop. His ability to rally to the football is another strength, as he can help hold up ball carriers and give teammates time to arrive and finish the play. The next step for Cole will be consistently finishing with authority and limiting extra yardage. With his instincts and physical style, he is a name to watch in 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->