Pries looks like the proto-typical middle linebacker. His anticipation and quickness to the hole are apparent and highlight how good of a between-the-tackles linebacker he is. Because of that combination, he is often in the backfield before the offensive lineman can engage. His quickness to the hole also translates to his work outside the tackles and in pass drops. His tackling form is evident after just a few seconds of watching his highlights. The junior collected 185 tackles in 2022.

Coming out of Class AAA Plainview-Elgin-Millville, rising senior LB Kadin Pries more than qualified as one of the top stock risers in the latest PRzMN 2024 rankings update, as he bumped up 14 spots when the publishment went live. However, with how big of a thumper the 5’11, 200 lber. was and how fun his film is to watch I wanted to save his writeup for this Hardest Hitters feature. Without excellent production in ’22, Pries posted 185 total tackles, with 22 TFLs, 5 PBUs, 4 FFs, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2 sacks, and did it impressively, showing off the prowess at the contact point to stick, crumple, and work ball carriers backwards in dominant fashion. Doesn’t matter who the RB is and how big he stands, Pries brings a ton of strength and aggressiveness at the point of attack, especially for 200 pounds, and also uses that strength impressively when bouncing blocking attempts off him and continuing to work forward. I also love how fast he closes, and that speed, along with how committed he is to every hit, leads to some massive collisions and some big plays behind the LOS. Pries also reads and reacts well to his keys and to where the ball is moving, and can blow a play up before it develops and before blockers can get in front of him. You are not getting extra yardage when he gets his pads on you, that’s for sure. No reported interest or offers, but his Twitter is somewhat inactive so I’m sure things are moving behind the scenes. Love the tape, Kadin!

Kadin Pries Junior Tape