The 6’3, 230 lbs linebacker committed to Ohio University over the summer. He is as good a run stuffer as one will find, as Startz possesses the rare combination of size, speed, and instincts that makes linebackers elite. He can diagnose run plays in a hurry and scrape to the ball quickly to meet the opposing running back at or behind the line of scrimmage. Startz is a surehanded tackler, as he brings it on every single tackle, running his feet and driving the ball carrier backwards. He is also highly athletic, as he appears smooth in coverage and can eliminate space when tackling in the open field. Startz’s playmaking ability will be on display all night against the Mustangs.

Startz is a 6’3, 230 lbs inside linebacker who will head off to Ohio University after this season. He plays with instincts that allow him to diagnose the run and get downhill quickly. Whether it’s shocking and shedding offensive linemen or taking such a direct angle that he can’t be touched, Startz has a nose for the football that you don’t see too often. He is an incredibly secure tackler, as he fires his hips and hands through ball carriers and drives them backwards at the point of contact. Startz also runs extremely well, especially considering his size, and flows to the ball to make hard tackles in the open field look easy. Keep an eye out for Startz commanding the middle of the Caravan defense in his final season.

Committed: Ohio

Massive Mount Carmel LB Parker Startz Parker Startz 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Mt Carmel | 2024 State IL brings great size (6’3, 220 lbs.) and high-quality competition experience into his future home’s LB room, as the Ohio Bobcat commit became a big addition to their 2024 class on June 28th when he committed to the MAC heavyweight competitor. Oh, and he’s also only 16 years old, is coming off a 7A state championship with the Caravan, and held over 10 D1 offers from the likes of Marshall, Kent State, Northern Illinois, Army, Toledo, Ball State, Miami (OH), Bowling Green State, Western Michigan, and Akron. Plus, he’s one of the state’s hardest hitters, a fact that became quite clear after watching his junior tape during the PRzIL 2024 rankings update. Startz packs a massive punch off only a couple of steps of momentum, and when that massive frame makes contact, it freezes, wrinkles, and always drives ball carriers backward, even in big-time 1-on-1 situations with RBs in holes between the tackles. The strength, size, technique, and go-hard attitude into contact is a tough mix for opponents to withstand, and he also annihilates blockers, laid big hits in the run & pass game as well as on special teams, and consistently negates positive gains once he puts his pads on opposing ball carriers. This will very much come in handy at the next level, and Startz also closes well, reads and reacts well, is comfortable in space, and can bang between the tackles or pursue out to the sideline. Additionally, he’s got some strong plays and hits on kickoff coverage, which when combined with his size should help him get college reps early. I can’t wait to see what kind of hits he pops off as he helps Mount Carmel’s quest for another state championship in 2023. Ohio got a good one!

Parker Startz Parker Startz 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Mt Carmel | 2024 State IL is a linebacker who is already getting some attention from some big time programs around the midwest. The 6’3 Mount Carmel athlete helped the Caravan to a big state championship run in 2022 and is looking to do the same in his senior year. Startz is a physical player who thrives at getting downhill and stopping any inside run that comes his way. Parker is also a natural at finding where the ball is going and closing the gap to make a play on the ball carrier. Parker is also strong in pass coverage, and waits in his zone before trying to make a play on the ball. Overall, it is clear why there is so much buzz around Parker in the recruiting game. If he continues to follow this trajectory, he is going to continue to stack up offers heading into his senior year.

The CCL has, have been, and always will be manufacturing massive linebacker prospects, and the Mt. Carmel Caravan have a good one on their hands in 6’3, 230 lb. Parker Startz. Still only 16 years old, Startz helped the Caravan to a 14-0 undefeated Class 7A state championship this past fall and has seen his personal and team success pay off with five FBS offers since January 20th, with Marshall, Miami (OH), Ball State, Toledo, and Army joining the four MAC competitors who offered the ‘backer last spring. His 2022 highlights show off an ILB who is a hammer at the point of attack and efficient, conscious, and consistent in his footwork and body positioning in his reads and responsibilities. He doesn’t waste steps, reads his keys and the field well, and closes quickly. Good comfortability in space for a LB for his size and thumps ball carriers like you’d hope a 230 lber. would. Production and success against good competition, successful film, and college-ready size are a few of the many things going for Startz as a prospect.

Mr. Startz finished the night with 11 tackles as he was working gap to gap and triggering downhill quickly between the tackles to meet the ball carries in the hole for little to no gain on the play. It doesn’t show on the stat line but throughout the night he was taking run blocks head on to jolt the run blocker upright and forcing the ball carrier to bounce outside. The result of this was his fellow teammates rallying quickly to the ball to secure the tackle to keep the opposing team behind the sticks working on 3rd and long consistently throughout the night. This young man has another year left of HS ball left and already has offers across the MAC and P5 interest. Be sure to keep a close eye on this young man as his stock is still rising.

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