'28 Multi-Positional Ballers Peaking At Right Time

The pre-season grind begins for real in a matter of days and for these junior defensive ballers it couldn't come sooner.   After awhile, the off-season grind becomes, well, a grind, and finally getting ready to play the game is exhilarating to say the least.   In this report we are taking a look at five battle-tested defenders who are versatile, multi-positional playmakers who have been grinding and have their skills and conditioning peaking at the perfect time.   So, without further adieu, let's see what these guys have been up to getting ready:     [player_tooltip player_id='1622499' first='Tommy' last='Knighton']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/tommy-knighton/"></a> , 6'1, 215, LB/RB, Blue Valley North, '28, up first for the juniors is a baller who caught my eye as a freshman who then proceeded to follow up with a dominating sophomore season (97 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and finished the year strong with double-digit tackles in three of his last four games). Once the season came to a close he moved right into training mode, pounding the iron and showing his game at a handful of camps, while also working on speed and explosiveness with Top Speed training. He also keeps in shape cross-training in lacrosse. As an OLB he uses his read and react skills coupled with a nose for the ball, to help shut down the run game between the tackles or blow through gaps to get in the backfield. He also has the burst and lateral quickness to quickly cut off backs trying to run wide. This guy keeps getting better every year and in year three is going to leave a path of destruction.     [player_tooltip player_id='1907001' first='Landry' last='Fitzgerald']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/landry-fitzgerald/"></a> , 6'2, 215, MLB/ATH, Liberal, '28, next up is a baller backer on the opposite side of the state who quickly developed into a rare freshman starting MLB for a 5A school in his inaugural season before his breakthrough year last fall (92 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a sophomore). This off-season he has trained hard and has elevated PRs in key lifts and measurables (460 squat; 300 bench & clean; 4.7 40; 34" VJ). He also showcased his game in camps at McPherson, Sharp Performance, Washburn and Pitt State. With his strength, speed and athleticism he can play any of the LB positions but is quickly establishing himself as one of the top MLB's in western Kansas. He has predatory read and react skills and with a quick closing burst, makes pounding tackles before backs even get to the line of scrimmage. This guy is ready to deliver an even more dominating season this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='2103536' first='Carter' last='Baker']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/carter-baker/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/carter-baker/"></a> , 6'4, 215, Edge/ATH, Eisenhower, '28, he is coming off an all-state season as a sophomore playing for Garden Plain last fall, when he had 70 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and 3 TDs. In the off-season he transferred to Eisenhower and has been busy training with Coach Tabor and PIA and lifting with his new teammates as well as showing his game at K-State, William Jewell and at the KU camp, where I saw him in action and was impressed with his athleticism and length. He has put the camp feedback to good use, incorporating coaching suggestions received to help fine-tune technique and make adjustments to his game. With ideal size, wing span and lateral burst, he also has the power to explode through blockers or use his athleticism to bend and burn around kick out blocks to get to the QB. This guy was a dominating force last year and is ready to take it to a whole different level this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='2101930' first='Jacob' last='Lewis'], 6'0, 185, LB/SS, Sterling, '28, last and certainly not least is the returning overall state leader in tackles regardless of class with an incredible 174 tackles (no that ain't a typo...). He also had 16 TFL, three sacks, picked off an interception and had five fumble recoveries. With outstanding anticipation, quickness and finishing speed, he can blow up inside run plays or use his speed to cut off backs on sweeps and options hitting the corners. He is also athletic and versatile enough to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball as well as return kicks. He teamed up with David Myers, 5'10, 175, RB/LB, Sterling, '28, (102 tackles, 8 TFL, one forced fumble and an interception, 200+ APY rushing, receiving and returns) who is a versatile playmaker himself, to form the most dangerous tackling dynamic duo in the state when they combined for a jaw-dropping 276 tackles between them...no wonder they won state with a couple of headhunters like these guys and the scary thing is they still have two seasons left.     In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action this fall – you will not be disappointed.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

The pre-season grind begins for real in a matter of days and for these junior defensive ballers it couldn't come sooner.