Linebackers Stepping it Up 2022

The linebacking position in Ohio is exceptional for 2022 with the likes of players like [player_tooltip player_id="34375" first="Gabe" last="Powers"] and [player_tooltip player_id="34374" first="CJ" last="Hicks"]. There are some other backers, however, that are undersized and not as high profile but are top notch performers for their high school program. Here is a look at some of those players in the class of 2022. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118971" first="Chase" last="Maynard"]     5’11” 205     Jonathan Alder</strong> Maynard is a hard-nosed middle backer that attacks the football downhill and is physical at the point of contact both in taking on blocks and making the tackle. He displays excellent lateral movement in keeping tempo on the ball carrier and does a great job of keeping his shoulders square and legs free. Maynard understands zone defense and plays the middle hook zones with route awareness. <strong>Jay Stoker     6’1” 215     Cincinnati Princeton</strong> Even though he can line up as an interior defensive lineman, Stoker is his best as an edge rushing defensive end or outside linebacker. He is very quick off the ball and disengages from blocks instantly. Stoker has excellent agility and speed for a linebacker and gives great effort getting to the football even when action is away from him. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="124391" first="Luke" last="Abernathy"]     6’1” 220     Stow Munroe Falls</strong> Abernathy is an athletic inside linebacker who shows great range by making plays sideline to sideline. He makes plays in space and is just as sound pass defender as he is run stopper. Abernathy excels in special teams on coverage units and in blocking kicks. He also doubles as a tight end on the offensive side of the ball. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="143346" first="Toby" last="Smith"]     6’0” 215     Canfield</strong> Smith is one of the most active linebackers in the state in terms of getting to the football and making plays. He will move to a down lineman at times where he becomes nearly impossible to block when slanting and angling. Toby is determined to get to the quarterback when on the blitz and can redirect instantly, flipping his hips and accelerating to the football. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="63079" first="Tyler" last="Smith"]     6’0” 200     Grafton Midview</strong> Smith is a steady and reliable inside linebacker who makes plays by keeping his shoulders square and keeping balance and body control while shedding blockers as he closes in on the ball carrier. He is very instinctive and makes plays on draws and screens before they can develop. Smith is a very solid pass defender demonstrating the ability to extend through the hook to the curl zone.