Rize's Linebackers Worth Paying Attention to

Rounding out our last batch of linebackers from this weekend's Rize event, we have some that are worth paying attention to. While they may not have made the Top Performer list, these backers are high on my list of players to keep an eye on over the next season. Rize was a great opportunity for these players to showcase their abilities, and they took full advantage of it.    [player_tooltip player_id='1908763' first='Ethan' last='Sekerka'] showed strong lateral quickness in early morning testing on Saturday, and that translated well once the on field drills began. He showed he was able to turn and run with ease, covering a lot of ground quickly. Ethan is the type of backer that can run sideline to sideline and consistently stay involved in the play as runners break to the outside. In coverage, he flashed real pass breakup ability by staying attached to route runners and keying in on their hands at the catch point. That awareness and movement skill set makes him an active presence in space and a tough matchup for backs and tight ends.     An athletic linebacker who looks most comfortable attacking the line of scrimmage, NJ's own [player_tooltip player_id='2076881' first='Tymir' last='Robinson'] thrives as a run defender. He showed the ability to play downhill, fill gaps, and pursue ball carriers with confidence. Coverage remains an area for growth, as some of the quicker route runners at the Rize were able to create separation, but that's a common part of the learning process for young linebackers. The athleticism and physical mindset are already there for Tymir, giving him plenty to build on and a lot to look forward to as he continues to develop.     [player_tooltip player_id='2129822' first='Fezo' last='Ivackovic'] has the look of a versatile linebacker with a tall, rangy frame and the athleticism to impact plays all over the field. His closing speed stood out early on in the day, giving him the ability to track down ball carriers from the backside and erase plays in pursuit. Just as impressive was Fezo's football IQ, as he consistently recognized routes early and positioned himself well in coverage. That combination of length, instincts, and range gives him plenty of upside in the state of New York.     The first thing that stands out to me whas Husayn's commanding presence at the Rize. He has all the traits you want in a true middle linebacker, playing with physicality, confidence, and a relentless motor from snap to whistle. He looks like the type of defender who thrives taking on blocks, filling gaps, and setting the tone for the entire unit. Husayn's trip from Delaware was well worth it given the impression he left on scouts and coaches.     For a 2032 prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='2045545' first='Jace' last='Tejada'] more than held his own against an older group of linebackers throughout the Rize. He showed an impressive burst attacking downhill, closing quickly toward the line of scrimmage and playing with confidence well beyond his age. There were a few moments in coverage where his feet stopped moving, but that's a minor technical detail that will improve with experience. Considering he's one of the youngest players in attendance, he exceeded expectations and put together a performance that speaks to his long term potential.     [player_tooltip player_id='1476876' first='Malachi' last='Bredy'] seems to get bigger every time I see him, and this was the first event where he truly looked like a linebacker rather than a running back. His added size complements an instinctive style of play, as he consistently diagnosed pass plays quickly and showed a knack for sniffing out the football. It's easy to envision Malachi growing into a very productive linebacker at Don Bosco over the next few years.     Mason Wattles showed throughout Saturday that he can accelerate upfield in a hurry. And when he meets ball carriers in the hole, he's capable of shutting down runs almost immediately. There were some growing pains when moving laterally, as his feet would occasionally stall or his pad level would rise when changing direction in space. With continued work on technique and consistency in his movement, Mason has the tools to develop into a complete linebacker.

Rounding out our last batch of linebackers from this weekend's Rize event, we have some that are worth paying attention to. While they may not have made the Top Performer list, these backers are high on my list of players to keep an eye on over the next season. Rize was a great opportunity for these players to showcase their abilities, and they took full advantage of it.