Five Linebackers That Caught My Eye

We’re moving forward as I continue my series on players that caught my eye this fall. The feedback and engagement on this series has been awesome, so as always, if you have players you want me to evaluate don’t hesitate to direct message me on Twitter (@whelms21). If you missed the first five parts you can find them below: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/12/five-quarterbacks-that-caught-my-eye/">Quarterbacks</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/12/five-skill-players-that-caught-my-eye/">Skill Players</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/01/five-offensive-linemen-that-caught-my-eye/">Offensive Linemen</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/01/five-interior-linemen-that-caught-my-eye/">Interior Defensive Linemen</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/01/five-edge-rushers-that-caught-my-eye/">Edge Rushers</a> For the first time in a couple of weeks, we move off the ball and look at the linebackers. <strong>Sakarri Morrison, 6’1 225, 2022- Lake Norman</strong> Morrison has one of the <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GHmfC">quickest first steps in the state</a>. As a blitzer he’s able to get between offensive linemen and blow up plays in the backfield. He also has the lateral quickness to get outside of the field and work sideline to sideline. He’s more of a downhill run stopper, but he flashed in coverage as a senior and should continue to hone that skill as he moves on to Mars Hill next season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="190662" first="Beady" last="Waddell"] V, 6’ 205, 2024- West Mecklenburg</strong> Waddell was one of the most productive linebackers in the state last year, leading his team in tackles in an All-Conference season. He put over over 100 tackles, including 17 for loss and four sacks while playing both ways. A coach’s son, he’s an intelligent player and has good size and speed, especially for his age. He’s a talented run stopper and is a pretty good running back himself. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="107034" first="Xavion" last="Coulter"], 5’11 220, 2022- Newton-Conover</strong> Coulter is an old school thumper, but I was impressed with some of the splash plays he made as a senior. He still played with the hard-nosed, run-stopping prowess we’ve come to expect, but he really improved in pass coverage and as a pass rusher. He’s currently unsigned with offers from Valparaiso and Presbyterian and has the talent to provide immediate help to a Division 1 program. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="141437" first="Antonio" last="King"], 6’1 195, 2022- Pamlico County</strong> King is <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GKcYL">safety-linebacker tweener that really excels in the box</a>. While I think he projects as a safety at the next level, he’s a talented high school linebacker. King is physical and a sure tackler, not afraid to mix it up in the middle and take on blockers in the running game. He’s an FCS talent but is still unsigned. A 2-sport athlete who excels in the classroom, King is one of the better unsigned prospects in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="173283" first="Chase" last="Christopher"], 6’1 215, 2023- Holly Springs</strong> Christopher does just about everything well. On the field, he’s a tackling machine with some serious athleticism. When he diagnoses a play and starts to move downhill, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/13241248/618af415da52800900587423">he gets there in a hurry</a>, displaying excellent acceleration to go along with 4.6 speed. Off the field, he’s first in his class and seems to be a genuinely great kid, the kind of guy coaches want to have in the locker room. He came across our radar right before we released our last rankings and is poised for a big jump in the next update.