A linebacker that wears the number 0? Every ball-carrier’s nightmare.

Gavin Muller Gavin Muller 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB/RB Osage | 2027 State IA of Osage picked up an offer from Northwestern on Monday this week, likely thanks in part to his ball-pursuit and high-motor he plays with on the football field. He shows the ability to shirk off offensive linemen who try to reach the second-level, shedding blocks and making tackles in the middle of the field. Even if Muller isn’t able to bring down ball-carriers himself, he stops them in their tracks enough to get help from the rest of the defense.

Also used as a standup edge rusher, Muller can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

A historic season for Osage ended with the Green Devils reaching The Dome and finishing 11-1 following a loss to eventual champion Van Meter in the state semifinals. Muller was one of the true standouts during the successful run. The junior collected 39.0 tackles, 29 of which were solo stops. He recorded 11.0 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble. Muller rushed for 496 yards (8.7 YPC) and seven touchdowns, the second most on the team. He caught four balls for 94 yards and a score. Muller certainly looks the part during his 11th-grade highlight video. He does a really nice job playing under control while also being aggressive. Muller identifies plays quickly and flows smoothly to the football. Strength and active hands help him fend off blocks in pursuit. They also aid in disengaging quickly if he does get tied up. Muller’s frame has room to grow and fill out while maintaining agility and athleticism.

Muller got the job done on both sides of the ball last season. The sophomore racked up 57.5 tackles (43 solo, 5.5 TFL), and rushed for 287 yards and three scores. Muller’s 10th-grade highlight video reveals a football player guided by physicality. It’s embraced and utilized. Muller gets downhill quickly whether pounding the ball between the tackles or flying to it for a stop. The Green Devils take advantage of Muller’s size and athleticism on defense, moving him around the formation and exploiting of mismatches.