PSR Showcase Coverage: Linebackers That Caught My Eye Part I
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Our event coverage of Coach Pennisi’s PSR Showcase continues. First we will review positional breakdowns of prospects that caught my eye at each position. These breakdowns are only from my subjective on-site observations. They do not take into consideration film,…
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Continue ReadingOur event coverage of Coach Pennisi’s PSR Showcase continues. First we will review positional breakdowns of prospects that caught my eye at each position. These breakdowns are only from my subjective on-site observations. They do not take into consideration film, highlights, or anything else.
Incase you missed any event coverage, here are the articles currently published related to the PSR Showcase:
Top Linebackers from the PSR Showcase
Miller, a New York Product, impressed me by how he showed out during the showcase. Given his thick build, he was a stone wall during run pursuit drills. As he zeroed in on the ball carrier Miller created balance for himself by lowering is center of gravity and delivering a quick little wrap. Rarely did I see him get juked out during this period. Miller was also awfully physical with backs out of the backfield during skelly. His size and strength stifled backs within 5 yards of the LOS all afternoon, preventing them from getting loose on deep routes.
Highlights
Because he made the trek up the parkway north, for the second weekend in a row I had the opportunity to get my eyes on Justin Castillo Justin Castillo 5’7″ | 205 lbs | LB Cedar Creek | 2024 State NJ ; and for the second weekend in a row he did not disappoint. During competition phases of the event it was clear as day that Castillo is an instinctual football player – either he has taken plenty of snaps in his career at the position or been around some great coaches. He did a great job anticipating routes, maintaining leverage to impede receivers’ routes, and seemingly always made a play on the ball. Castillo also demonstrated great agility and mobility during bag drills.
Representing Lakeland Regional, Sabric did not disappoint and represented well. From his linebacker spot I noticed that he can change directions well. This helps big time when dealing with backs who like to bounce. Similarly, he appears to be a downhill player who takes great angles and attacks nearside hips. Sabric would benefit from breaking down when lining up for tackles. Being lower will help his balance and lead to sure tackles.
Perhaps one of the best looking linebackers to the naked eye Saturday afternoon, Olcott demonstrated the skills to match. I first noticed him during agilities, where he was in-and-out of his breaks with ease. He also showed that he has soft hands, catching the ball every time while taking pass drop sets during indy. During competition he made the most of his size and length. He typically played in a trail technique but would always be in competitive position to make a play on the ball because of his long arms and strides.
Garbolino was actually player who I got to chop it up with a bit. Garbolino shared that he will be moving from safety to middle linebacker. What I then proceeded to witness were how his safety skills flawlessly translated to linebacker. Garbolino did an adequate job of changing directions, but what impressed me the most was how rangey he was in taking his pass drops. He was able to cover so much ground with each stride. Similarly, his hips flipped and were quite smooth and fluid when mirroring the QB as well. In run drills his frame makes him a difficult defender to get around.