Linebacker groups to watch in 2021

We are returning to highlighting some units that look like – as a group – are going to cause opponents all sorts of problems once we start playing ball later this year. I have previously looked at some offensive line groups and some defensive line groups that – based on who they expect to have coming back – should perform at high levels. Today, I focus on linebackers. &nbsp; <strong>Becker Bulldogs</strong> Projected returning starters [player_tooltip player_id="18049" first="Brayden" last="Weber"], [player_tooltip player_id="18200" first="Teddy" last="Halvorson"], [player_tooltip player_id="18125" first="Caden" last="Dewall"], <strong>Thomas Halvorson</strong> The Bulldogs had one of the best defenses in the state in 2019. No team scored more than 17 points. They play a base 3-4 defense and return three of those starters and one major contributor. They are led by <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/08/recruiting-report-brayden-weber-becker-2021/">outside linebacker Weber</a>, an athletic defender who is physical enough to put his hand in the grass and give the Bulldogs some snaps at defensive end. Teddy and Thomas man the inside linebacker spots. Teddy is a solid, between the tackles defender who can also cover downfield. Thomas plays a similar game and shows excellent instincts filling holes. DeWall has the speed to cover ground at the other outside linebacker spot. &nbsp; <strong>Orono Spartans</strong> Projected returning starters [player_tooltip player_id="18159" first="Joey" last="Tilzer"], [player_tooltip player_id="23721" first="David" last="Wilfert"], <strong>Sam Swenson</strong> The Spartans lost the most games of any team on this list but return a core of three of their four starting linebackers to anchor the defense. With any luck – they will be healthy – especially <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/08/prospect-spotlight-joey-tilzer-orono-2021/">middle linebacker Tilzer</a>. The team’s leading tackler did it with a club on his hand most of the season. Wilfert sets the edge well but also gets off blocks effectively. He looks comfortable in space – either stretching out a play or dropping into pass coverage. Swenson is a physical outside linebacker who will also put his hand in the grass as a defensive end. &nbsp; <strong>Rosemount Irish</strong> Projected returning starters [player_tooltip player_id="18027" first="Jake" last="Ratzlaff"], [player_tooltip player_id="23691" first="Charlie" last="Barnick"], <strong>Erik Budin</strong> The Irish defense did not start the season well – giving up 28 points in a season-opening loss or end it well, giving up 34 points in a state semi-finals loss. In between, their base 3-4 defense surrendered no more than 21 points in their remaining nine games. Ratzlaff is prepredzonemn.com’s top-ranked senior linebacker – for good reason. Ratzlaff hits like a blocking tight end – which he is – and he covers like a defensive back – which he plays is some defensive packages. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/04/recruiting-report-charlie-barnick-2021/">Barnick can play both inside and outside linebacker</a>. He is a productive pass rusher who has closing speed and is solid setting the edge and filling the hole inside against the run. Like Ratzlaff – Barnick hits like a fullback – which he also is. When Barnick moved inside his junior year, Budin looks like he took over that role. Budin is solid on the edge, but he is also comfortable in coverage and when rushing the passer. &nbsp; <strong>Rochester Century Panthers</strong> Projected returning starters [player_tooltip player_id="18097" first="Donaven" last="Johnson"], <strong>Tommy Tankhamvang, </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="18194" first="Brian" last="Pautz"] If you take out their two games against Owatonna – where they gave up 44 and 43 points to a team that advanced to the state tournament and scored 40 points or more eight times in eleven games last season, the Panthers’ defense gave up more than 20 points just twice. Last season they were young at linebacker – this season – they will be loaded with experience. Talent-wise, it looks like Johnson stands out in this group. He has the speed and quickness to cover and blitz but is also a sure tackler in the box. Tankhamvang is also good in space but is the thumper of this group. Pautz is great in space – coming off the edge as a pass rusher or in coverage as he is used as a corner in some schemes.