Most Overlooked 2022 LB’s
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The Class of 2022 has elite talent at the linebacker position and is the deepest I have seen to this point. There are going to be players who get overlooked because of this, but have the skill to be game…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2022 has elite talent at the linebacker position and is the deepest I have seen to this point. There are going to be players who get overlooked because of this, but have the skill to be game changers at the college level. Every LB on this list has great football IQ, which allows them to play fast and make plays. Here are the most underrated linebackers in the 2022 NC class:
Orlando Leon Orlando Leon 6'2" | 195 lbs | LB Watauga | 2022 State NC , LB, 6’1 and 185 lbs, Watauga HS
Leon is a patient LB that waits for the play to develop before he attacks and maintains gap discipline. He is very good at recognizing the play design, then displays impressive closing speed to make the tackle. Leon uses his hands to disengage from blocks against offensive tackles and even stopped the ball carrier while being blocked. Orlando is also a special teams ace that could contribute on any D-1 team.
Cody Hardy Cody Hardy 6'5" | 235 lbs | LB Parkwood | 2022 State NC , LB, 6’5 and 235 lbs, Parkwood HS
Hardy is a tone-setting LB that plays with extreme power and physicality on every single play. He is very difficult to block as a result and tackles opposing players with great force. Cody is a relentless athlete that makes touchdown saving tackles inside the redzone and runs across the field for the stop. Hardy is elite at setting the edge on running plays and can also pressure the QB at a high rate. Delivered at the biggest moments.
Gavin Hudson Gavin Hudson 6'0" | 230 lbs | LB West Stanly | 2022 State NC , LB, 6’0 and 235 lbs, West Stanly HS
Hudson is a smart LB that takes excellent angles and showcases incredible instincts. Gavin can get to outside runs because of his underrated speed and almost never misses a tackle. He is one of the best run stuffing linebackers I have ever watched and seems to always be around the ball at the end of the play. This strong player blocks punts and consistently shoots the A gap, as well.
Dru McClough Dru McClough 6'3" | 265 lbs | DL Maiden | 2022 State NC , LB, 6’3 and 265 lbs, Maiden HS
McClough is a high-effort LB that can diagnose the play direction immediately and then react before any block arrives. This allows him to play fast on the field and trust his gap integrity. Dru is very good at setting the edge because of his ability to shed blocks and instinctual mindset. He is an efficient tackler and should be used on both running and passing downs.