Linebackers to Watch: Missouri Semifinals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thanksgiving weekend brings us semifinal matchups all across Missouri. There are still some talented prospects left in the playoffs and I wanted to make sure I highlighted some of the top LBs in the state. Below, I break down five college prospects still playing in the postseason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1003183"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1003183' first='Christian' last='Brock'] has been a staple on Webb City's defense throughout his career. Be on the lookout for multiple schools to recruit the good-sized linebacker before spring gets here.  Christian shows a good combination of speed and strength flowing to the point of attack on outside zone runs and easily disposing of blockers that get in his way. Good size and power shows in huge collisions with ball carriers and pulling guards. Good instincts shows aborting blitzes in run defense and flowing to the point of attack. Watch for recruiters to continue evaluating Christian's postseason play to see how his middle linebacker projection stacks up against dominant high school rushing attacks.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1112410' first='Brady' last='Kerperin'] ","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Blair Oaks","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1112410' first='Brady' last='Kerperin'] committed to Air Force on October 18th. The heavy-hitting linebacker looks to cap his high school career with a second consecutive state championship victory. A good combination of strength and closing speed shows dropping ball carriers at the line of scrimmage. Good awareness and an athletic change of direction allows Brady to cover ground and stick to threats as an underneath zone defender. Expect recruiters to make note of Brady's power, top speed, and tackling ability once they evaluate his postseason play.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["861177"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='861177' first='Thomas' last='Coppinger'] may be the most overlooked defender in Kansas City. Thomas has received four different FBS preferred walk-ons this fall, and I would expect more schools to take note and offer the great-sized linebacker before he makes his decision. Good effort shows as a lead blocking fullback, while next level power gets displayed knocking defenders out upon contact. Thomas' football IQ and next level acceleration shows quickly redirecting to pursue outside runs. Good size, instincts, and quickness highlight Thomas' ability to be a true MIKE linebacker in college.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["285149"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='285149' first='Karvon' last='Jefferson'] may be the most versatile second-level defender in St. Louis. The hybrid linebacker has a chance to play a strong safety or $AM linebacker role in college. Expect Karvon's Midwest recruitment to explode this winter. Good closing speed, tackling ability, and great power shows exploding through ball carriers as a run defender. Karvon's instincts, acceleration, and smooth change of direction shows consistently filling in the run game from a safety alignment. Karvon looks bigger and more confident in his reads as a junior, and I know evaluators are excited to see how his postseason ends after Lutheran North's fantastic 2023 season.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["285142"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='285142' first='Jason' last='King'] has solidified himself as a top 2025 defender in the state of Missouri. He has received offers from Kansas, Tennessee, and Boston College since October, so don't be surprised when more schools across the country offer Jason before his senior year gets here. Jason has shown a rare combination of instincts and acceleration throughout the playoffs, and I know evaluators see his closing speed seconds after turning on the tape. Jason's awareness and tackling ability consistently allows him to stop screens behind the line of scrimmage. Good size, power, and a fast change of direction highlight Jason's ability to line up anywhere at the second level for a college defense.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6561a3c4c3040"} /-->