#PRZTN Crystal Ball: Breakthrough Linebackers

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The #TN2025 crop of linebackers is deep this year with a variety of guys that fit different defensive schemes. Some prospects have already made it into the spotlight but these ten guys below are backers sporting the traits to breakout over the next few months. </h2>     (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='842802' first='Baylor' last='Necessary'] - Science Hill   - This East Tennessee talent has been on the scene as a top linebacker for multiple season's now but Necessary has yet to break through with offers. This is a talented tackler that consistently puts himself around the ball while delivering some violent hits. There are several questions as to why the Hilltoppers defender has yet to see college interest turn into offers but the guy doesn't stop working. Necessary is as dedicated as anybody from the #TN2025 class to his craft and desire to play on the next level. He will get there. It's just a matter as to what level that will be but trust me, whoever lands this guy will be getting a steady presence that loves the game and will do anything it takes to help his team win.    - - - - -    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='951112' first='Gunnar' last='Clary'] - Beech   - Athletic and fast with a great body to pack on more weight, Clary brings a lot to the field that screams college upside but for some reason, the Bucs senior linebacker has yet to see his recruiting take-off. This Mid-Tennessee talent is one of the more explosive, rangy backers we have from the #TN2025 class that can make tackles from anywhere on the field. Blitzing the backfield or dropping into coverage, Clary has the skill set to handle both while also sporting captain potential, someone that can make the defensive calls. It's taking time for Clary to break out but I feel it's coming soon, especially after coaches get to see him move and work in camps over the next two months.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ClaryGunnar/status/1779240276935970866 </div></figure>   - - - - -    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1213954' first='Jordan' last='Brown'] - Briarcrest Christian   - Many across the state may not know too much about this Memphis area linebacker but Brown sports some of the best upside of all at his position and the ability to work his way into the D1 ranks. The Saints senior defender has great size and length along with an athletic skill set that translates well to the next level. He shows excellent range on film along with a nice burst off the snap that screams pass rushing potential. Brown is a true edge guy that shows the ability to play with his hand in the dirt if needed but his best work comes from him standing up and getting after the quarterback or dropping into coverage. Keep an ear out for Brown moving forward as I expect buzz to start building for him over the coming months.    - - - - -    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='353388' first='Blake' last='Owen'] - Cookeville   - Owen heads into the 2024 season as one of the more productive offensive weapons we have in this state but his future in the college ranks will come on the defensive side of the ball where his athleticism, physicality and football smarts can be on full display. This coming senior season, Owen should be playing more linebacker for his Cavs team, which will give him defensive film to show college coaches and prove his worth for the college game. Owen is a heat seeking missile from his inside linebacker spot that can be excellent versus the run while having the speed to make tackles sideline to sideline. Brown has already offered and they won't be the last as Owen has the potential to land more and to be one of the best “Mike” linebackers in this state.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BlakeOwen3/status/1754213983433707573 </div></figure>   - - - - -    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1240386' first='Ahmoyre' last='Galbreath'] - Clarksville   - A two-way star for his Wildcats team, Galbreath is one of the more interesting linebacker prospects from this year's class as I could see him rise up the charts in a big way and become one of the pursued defensive recruits over the Fall recruiting months. Violent with a nose for the ball, Galbreath is a headhunter, a physical presence that shows excellent burst and closing speed and the range to chase down the ball from anywhere. Tons of potential for linebacker resides with this Clarksville area prospect that will still run the ball for his Wildcats team but his play on defense is what will get Galbreath to college and even possibly the D1 level.    - - - - -    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='850431' first='Mason' last='Ray'] - Brentwood   - Sporting good size (6'3 215 lbs) with a body that can take on more weight, Ray shows excellent upside as a college edge linebacker that has the unique skills for getting into the backfield. Looking over his junior film, the Bruins defensive standout shows excellent burst off the snap, closing speed to the ball and an agile lower base that allows him to get around and through would-be blockers. Ray is a bouncy guy that shows some twitch on tape that college coaches would enjoy developing. Playing alongside other fellow college guys last year, Ray might have gone under the radar but not anymore as I like this guy and his upside in college. I think you will hear more and more about this Williamson County linebacker over the coming months as a potential breakthrough performer.    - - - - -    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1137205' first='Matthew' last='Covert'] - Maryville   - Covert put together a very good junior season where he led the team in tackles but as we head into the summer college camp season, the Rebels linebacker has yet to see his recruitment take-off but it has the chance too over the next several months. Well put together physically, Covert immediately looks the part of a middle linebacker when he steps off the bus but what college coaches will like and be surprised with in camps and the season is his athleticism and speed. Covert had some of the best testing numbers at our PRZTN Winter Showcase where he displayed excellent instincts, range and closing speed. This East Tennessee talent is a true “football player” that I think will turn some heads with his game play this Fall and turn into a much wanted college prospect.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MatthewCovert3/status/1756323354791821429 </div></figure>   - - - - -    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='490634' first='Jomauri' last='Smith'] - Riverdale   - Aggressive with good size and closing speed, Smith is one of the more under the radar talents we have at the linebacker position and someone that I can see breaking out this Summer and Fall into a legit FCS, possible low level D1 prospect. What I like most about this Rutherford County backer is his ability to quickly read the play and react without hesitation. Smith shows excellent football smarts and instincts on film along with the speed to chase down the ball sideline to sideline. He fits the role of middle backer perfectly but his athleticism allows him to work the edge if needed as Smith shows upside as a pass rusher. This Fall season looks to be a breakout year for Smith as he is in line as a key starter, a veteran and possible team captain for a talented Riverdale team.    - - - - -    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='353446' first='Ethan' last='Johnson'] - Christian Brothers   - A versatile linebacker that has been used in a variety of ways on his Purple Wave defense, Johnson could be poised for a breakout senior year as a team leader and someone expected to produce at a high level each and every game. What leads me to believe a breakout year is on the horizon for Johnson is how he performed this off-season in 7v7 work. The Purple Wave linebacker displayed excellent coverage skills along with high level intelligence and the closing speed to chase down the ball. Even with standing at 5'11 195 pounds, Johnson could be one of the more athletic linebackers we have from the #TN2025 class. His size may keep some schools away but trust me, this Memphis area defender can play and provide a lot of versatility to the linebacking corps.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Ethan6Johnson/status/1769786337689756088 </div></figure>   - - - - -    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1246567' first='A.J.' last='Greene'] - Collierville   - The moment you turn on this guy's film, you immediately notice his aggression and speed, which are two traits that translate well to the college level. Greene is a fun player to scout due to his “wildman” style of play. He has no problems with running into the middle of the line to get the ball carrier in the backfield. The Dragons middle backer is a bit undersized at 6'0 200 pounds but he doesn't play like it, especially versus the run. Greene is a good athlete too that has room to grow with both his body and his game play. His game fits very well at middle backer where he can diagnose the play early and attack the run while providing a pass rush and drop back coverage. This is one West TN product to follow this Fall as I smell a breakout year upcoming!    - - - - - Three Others to Watch: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1170987' first='Kavion' last='Yancey'] - Hamilton, (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='219353' first='Lane' last='Sumerel'] - Ravenwood, (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1261893' first='Adin' last='Augustine'] - Smyrna   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospect-database/?player_name=&high_school_name=&class%5B%5D=2025&position%5B%5D=LB&commitment=">#TN2025 Linebacker Database</a>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Blake-Owen.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1155159" style="width:489px;height:auto" /></figure>