Small School 23’s: LB’s To Know

The 2023 class is loaded with big time talent, yet some of that talent is hidden in small towns or small schools and it needs to be identified. All of these guys had significant roles during their sophomore season and have flashed solid potential to continue to develop into promising prospects. Take a look at 4 small school LB's from the 2023 class that you need to get on your radar: [caption id="attachment_62603" align="alignright" width="311"]<img class=" wp-image-62603" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/IMG_4502-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="311" height="233" /> Prescott High School[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="42932" first="Cody" last="Leopold"], <em>5’10" 185lbs, Prescott HS </em> Leopold is listed as an ATH, and is a flat out iron man and a two-way standout for Prescott. He shows a high football IQ with solid play recognition and stepped up big as a sophomore. Leopold has displayed solid instincts and reaction with good range. He closes well as a tackler and is strong at the POA with good functional strength. He has a nice striking ability when he gets squared up with opponents and is explosive through the hips. He racked up 95 tackles in 8 games played, and holds a tremendous amount of potential and upside as he continues to mature and develop. [player_tooltip player_id="110101" first="Jarred" last="Marquez"], <em>6’1" 200lbs, Yuma Catholic HS <img class="alignright wp-image-136303" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/PRZ-Generic-Gray-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="273" height="170" /></em> Marquez plays with high energy and a relentless motor and had a very significant role as a sophomore on the 3A state runner up Yuma Catholic squad. He displayed quick, violent hands to disengage from blocks and make plays behind or at the line of scrimmage. He flashes a good striking ability with strength at the POA. He has good physicality all around and seems to have a solid understanding of responsibilities in coverage. He racked up 88 tackles and was awarded "1st Team All-Region LB" and projects to have a strong junior season. [player_tooltip player_id="110093" first="Tyler" last="Mustain"], <em>6’2" 190lbs, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy </em> Mustain was a force to be reckoned with on the PRCA defense during his sophomore season. He sizes up with a good frame with solid length, and still has room to put on mass. He’s not overly aggressive and stays patient when needed, as he’s not fooled on misdirection. He consistently takes a nice pursuit track toward ball carriers and finishes with a good striking ability. He’s explosive thorough the tackle and strong at the POA. He was very impressive on special teams as he blocked numerous field goals by shooting through the A-gap. Mustain was awarded "1st team All-State LB" for 3A.<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-108908" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/PRZ-crop-750x492-1613408357-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="110107" first="Caden" last="Shipley"],<em> 6’0" 175lbs, Paradise Honors HS</em> Shipley still has room to put on weight as an OLB, but has shown solid potential and is developing nicely. He was very effective on the edge and flashed quickness with a good initial ball get off on blitz packages. However, I would like to see Shipley improve his instincts, which I believe will come with experience and maturity for him. He’s displayed good speed to make plays on the opposite sideline, as he shows excellent pursuit. He can make plays lateral down the LOS and will be a key player for Paradise Honors this upcoming season. &nbsp;