In the Lab: Building the Perfect LB Recruit

<p>Building the perfect linebacker requires an immense amount of outstanding traits. We have identified nine key traits, and we could go even more in depth. However, we feel it comes down to these traits most of all. Just like every position, size, strength and athleticism all come into play. With the LB position, though, we also have several other areas to focus on. Things like pass rush, run defense, pass coverage, and tackling. For this exercise we are focusing on primarily off-ball LBs. Let's head into the lab!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frame Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">This may be cheating because Rhett is signed with Minnesota as a DE/LB and at his size I expect to see him at DE more than not. However, we saw Rhett plenty at LB in his career at Fond du Lac and that is how we have him ranked. With that said, Rhett's 6'4" 240 lbs frame is as elite as they come for LB frames. Size and length are off the charts and perfect for us when trying to build the Perfect LB Recruit. Size like this paired with the traits coming up, you can bet we will have the perfect LB when we are all said and done.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Run Defense Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">When it comes to our run defense there are a lot of ways we can go. What I decided to go with was one of the most physical, quick triggering, downhill thumpers that WI has to offer. LaMarcus Vinson of Rufus King HS punishes RBs. He is so quick to read the run and get on his track downhill to meet the ball carrier. When he does meet the RB it always ends violently with LaMarcus running over the ball carrier. Vinson is one of the best at flying through the trenches while staying clean on his way to the ball and the way he can close so quickly and turn that speed into hit power. We need this type of run defender for our Perfect LB.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Block Shedding Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">When it comes to playing LB it is so important to be able to keep yourself clean while battling through the trenches. LBs are always on the losing end when it comes to size vs OL, but they still need to be able to get off of blocks when an OL gets their hands on them. So to build an LB prospect we need to mold our game after the best at that. In my eyes that is Marquette's [player_tooltip player_id='384586' first='Mitchell' last='Nigro']. The senior LB plays all over the formation and has developed some excellent hand fighting moves to keep himself clean from OL and also allowing him to create separation from them when they do get their hands on him during a play. Our Perfect LB Recruit needs to have the block disengagement skills of Nigro to succeed.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pass Rush/Blitz Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">I love watching Jack play football, especially when he is asked to blitz from his MLB position. The junior LB has a great initial burst that helps him succeed whether he is right at the line or blitzing from his usual off-ball alignment. That burst allows him to beat linemen through gaps before they can pinch in on him or cut him off. When they do get to him Jack has shown the power to be able to run through those blocks. Once in the backfield the junior has the closing speed and range to be get to the ball and bring them down for the sack or TFL.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pass Coverage Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Cole has a lot of experience being asked to play in coverage. Whether it be dropping into a zone in the middle of the field or lining up over a slot receiver or picking up an RB out of the backfield. Cole has excellent body control so that he can move comfortably in space despite the bigger frame. He is also so smooth with his change of direction, whether it be laterally or flipping his hips and running. Finally, Cole does well at playing the ball and timing hits to break up catches. Hieptas was one of the easier choices when filling out these categories with talent.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Range Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Find the ball and you will find Brendan. Foley is so good at diagnosing plays and instantly attacking where the ball is going. The junior LB has the speed to easily go sideline to sideline and can make tackles near the sideline for little to no gain because he can get out there so fast. Brendan's acceleration also helps him roam around the tackle box very effectively. You see him go across the formation and still get through gaps to make a tackle for loss because of that quick diagnosis and trigger to attack. We need our LB that we are building to be able to attack the entire field like [player_tooltip player_id='700149' first='Brendan' last='Foley'] can.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tackling Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">This was the easiest choice in this entire series. Cooper is the state's all-time tackles leader for a career. He has all the tools to get him to the ball and when he arrives there is nobody better at ending plays and forward progression. Cooper attacks his opponent with violence, wraps up strong, and if he has his feet under him the senior is great at running through the tackle. As you watch through his highlights you see so many of those textbook wrap up tackles that drive the man back and you also see an athlete who will lay out for the tackle and throw his body wherever it is needed to get the stop. We need that relentlessness when building this type of Perfect Recruit.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Toughness Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">I love the way Landon plays the LB position. Every tackle attempt, every block shedded, every blitz, every chase down tackle. No matter the situation the senior LB is playing 100 mph and looking to deliver the hardest hit he can. If you watch through his highlights you see that physicality shine through rep after rep as he punishes offensive skill players. That type of physicality and effort is what we need in the toughness category when creating our perfect LB prospect in our lab. Duluth has a good one on the way, here.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Instincts Build</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Maybe the most important part of building out an LB is providing them with the instincts for the position. Giving them the ability to read and react so quickly that it seems like they knew the play the whole time. Giving them the understanding of angles and how to attack and get to the ball. Giving them the ability to understand game situations and know what to be prepared for pre-snap. Also give them the ability to have his entire defense in position before the snap. [player_tooltip player_id='1220659' first='Tyler' last='Heinle'] of Grafton best illustrates that ability in real life, and that is why he is the athlete we would mold our instincts around for our Perfect LB Recruit.</p>

Building the perfect linebacker requires an immense amount of outstanding traits. We have identified nine key traits, and we could go even more in depth. However, we feel it comes down to these traits most of all. Just like every position, size, strength and athleticism all come into play. With the LB position, though, we also have several other areas to focus on. Things like pass rush, run defense, pass coverage, and tackling. For this exercise we are focusing on primarily off-ball LBs. Let's head into the lab!