Rising Stock Linebackers 2022 (Part 2)
Bill Conley
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Part 2 of the rising stock linebacker is composed, for a large part, of inside and middle linebackers that love the physical nature of defensive football. They are all sure tacklers that wrap, drive their legs, and finish the play.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34426" first="Evan" last="Spires"] 6”1” 215 Jackson</strong>
Equally talented versus the run or pass, Spires is consistently a big play defender. He attacks the run from proper angles and is a sure tackler in space. Excellent in pass coverage showing the ability to play the hook, to curl, to flat zones like a seasoned veteran.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91599" first="Connor" last="Jones"] 6’2” 225 Hilliard Darby</strong>
Opposing quarterbacks better not throw to the hook zones against jones or he’s liable to turn into six points on the interception return. Jones is just as effective as a run stopping downhill inside linebacker that drives his legs on contact often putting the ball carrier on his back.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34418" first="Casey" last="O’Toole"] 6’2” 230 Cincinnati Anderson</strong>
Strong in the core and upper body, Casey can smell out the inside run as good as any middle linebacker in the state. He engulfs the ball carrier before putting him to the turf. O’Toole is a natural at filling up inside creases and seams to often make tackles in the opposing backfield.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="120187" first="Carter" last="Brock"] 6’3” 215 Upper Arlington</strong>
Brock is a tall, lanky inside linebacker that is rarely out of position. He makes plays from tackle to tackle while keeping good tempo on outside runs. A physical tackler, he can slip by or under blocks to make the play. Brock is also a very solid pass defender in the hook zones.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34411" first="Gavin" last="Linkous"] 6’2” 235 Rossford</strong>
Linkous is one of the most physical defensive players in Division IV football. He can play any position on the defensive front but inside linebacker is where he shines. Linkous will destroy lead blockers on his way to making the hit on the ball carrier.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34405" first="Isaiah" last="Jones"] 6’2” 215 London</strong>
This rangy inside linebacker displays the ability to run sideline to sideline and close on the football from the proper inside-out angle. He uses his hands exceptionally well in taking on blocks, disengaging and getting to the football.
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