Noah is another athletic LB that will be a big impact player in coverage. He is undersized at 6’2″ 195 lbs, but the tape is hard to argue with. Noah also plays WR and that experience has amplified his play on the defensive side of the ball when dropping into coverage. When playing in coverage, Noah has shown very fluid hips, natural change of direction, and the speed to run with outside weapons. The athletic LB has also shown great hands to create turnovers. Noah also offers the range to be able to blitz from the slot and get to the QB before the ball is thrown. Noah should see a big rise in his recruitment this fall as he takes the field roughly 15 lbs heavier than he was in 2022. He looks the part already of an excellent third down LB.

When I started writing this article I didn’t expect to include an LB, ignore the WR ranking, as one of the athletes who creates consistent fireworks on the field. Watch the tape and you will get why he made the list. First of all, even at 6’2″ 195 lbs, Noah is very effective in coverage. He has the footwork and body control to be able to play in coverage, read the QB, and grab INTs with his natural hands from his time playing WR. But to be included as an LB we needed to see more. Watch this kid when he plays downhill. He can go from the slot to the mesh point of the RB/QB before they can finish a fake or hand off and deliver big hits that put the ball on the ground. I believe this kid can create the same fireworks on the edge at the next level. Give his tape a look.

Pfafflin measures in at 6’2, 190 lbs and is an extremely smooth athlete. The Lyons Township product has phenomenal bend when blitzing off the edge and getting to the quarterback. He also had 3 INT’s as a junior, showcasing his ability to drop into coverage and take away the curl and flat. He plays very quick and uses his athleticism and balance to redirect on a variety of plays. Playing in space is not a problem for Pfafflin, as he closes ground quickly and finishes on tackles. With an impressive frame and plus athleticism, Pfafflin is on of the top players in the West Suburban Conference heading into his senior year.

Noah Pfafflin Noah Pfafflin 6'2" | 185 lbs | LB Lyons | 2024 State IL is another standout Lyons Township athlete to take note of as we head into the 2023 high school football season. With him getting looks from some big-time programs in the midwest, it is clear that his talent is already turning some heads. Noah is a natural athlete who plays the ball well on both sides of the ball. At outside linebacker, Noah has the speed and physicality to dominate the defensive edge of the box. In coverage, Noah has the ball skills to break up passes and generate turnovers. Overall, Noah has the talent to be a game-changing ball player on either side of the ball. Lyons Township has a good one in Noah, and I am looking forward to watching him ball out during his senior year.