Our next linebacker prospect is Booker T Washington’s Jayden Oates Jayden Oates 6'1" | LB Booker T. Washington | 2024 State OK and he’s another one that we’ve seen grow into a very productive role on Fridays. Oates lines up on the outside and does a really good job of getting after the quarterback. That’s the first thing that stands out when you throw on his tape and it’s immediate as well. Oates got after the quarterback in their meeting with eventual state champion Stillwater. And even though he was losing the size battle against the opposing offensive tackle, Oates was too quick and used his speed to get into the backfield and that was the case throughout the season as well. Oates is probably a little undersized to be an outside linebacker at the next level when it comes to the highest level but he could absolutely transition into an inside linebacker. Oates has put together some really strong field and the more eyes get on it, the more he should blow up this offseason.

Earlier this season, Booker T Washington junior standout Jayden Oates Jayden Oates 6'1" | LB Booker T. Washington | 2024 State OK lined up mainly as a defensive end, but he could very easily be considering an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Oates is one of the more versatile players on the defensive side of the ball. He can play close to the line of scrimmage or he can back up and be more of a traditional linebacker. Based on his size, we have to lean towards Oates being more of a linebacker at the next level. And regardless of where he lines up on the field, Oates has found a way to be a productive part of Booker T Washington’s defense. We want to see more of Oates from his junior season after looking at his sophomore film. Similar to a few other linebacker prospects in this class, we’re waiting to see more film from this fall to compare him to other positions.