2023 LB Spotlight
To play LB at a high level requires a lot of different intangibles. For starters, the position is one of the most physical positions within the game of football. Each play, LB’s are highly likely to make contact with another…
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Continue ReadingTo play LB at a high level requires a lot of different intangibles. For starters, the position is one of the most physical positions within the game of football. Each play, LB’s are highly likely to make contact with another player, while also having to be strong enough and balanced enough to not let it keep them from their assignment. Paired with this, LB’s also have to be able to read an offense and understand the flow of the game very well. This can be the very difference between a big play for the opposing offense, or a critical stop. Even if a LB has these two crucial traits, what sets them apart is if they also have the ability to change direction and redirect themselves in the direction in which the ball is. This includes passing plays, and running plays. While it is very difficult to have all of these traits and to be able to display them at a high level, coaches are also very important in further developing these traits and abilities. Sometimes, coaching can take a player from good, to great just by doing so. Regardless of these things, and the fact that the position is difficult to play, there are players who naturally have all of the intangibles, and developmental ability. These players find a way to shine- even if they are in a younger class. Below, we have shined the spotlight on some of our favorite LB’s in the 2023 class who we feel have a high ceiling in their current state, as well as with their developmental ability.
Shakai Woods Shakai Woods 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Douglas County | 2023 State GA – 6’1 205 Douglas County
Shakai Woods Shakai Woods 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Douglas County | 2023 State GA , from Douglas County High School already impressed during his freshman year. As a freshman, he already saw himself in the varsity lineup playing against some great competition. As a young player, Woods has already displayed the ability to be a willing tackler and that he is not afraid to stick himself in the mix of things. With this, his ideal size and length assists him when he goes to stop the run. Woods also has a good sink in his stance, and this allows him to be able to be quick in short area plays, and when he has to burst in a specific direction when the ball is snapped. While these are already strengths to his game, we would like to see him continue to develop in his confidence of the game around him, and his inconsistent and raw drop steps.
Isaac Hubert– 6’1 195 Creekview
To some, it may come as a surprise that Isaac Hubert made this list, especially considering he plays a majority of his snaps as an edge rusher. Despite this, we feel that within the next few years, Hubert will translate into a LB. Not only does he have the LB body type, but he moves like a LB as well. He has a good dip and rip, and uses his hands well, explodes off of the ball and when he changes direction, and he also has the ability to come downhill. Hubert moves sideline to sideline well as a 2023 player, and is already finding himself making big plays for the defense. We look forward to seeing if our prediction ends up being correct, and how Hubert continues to develop. Depending on his development in his Sophomore year, you can expect him to slowly pick up smaller offers.
CJ Allen CJ Allen 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB Lamar County | 2023 State GA – 6’0 190 Lamar County
It’s very easy to get excited about a player like CJ Allen CJ Allen 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB Lamar County | 2023 State GA . First, while he can definitely be a bit stiff and raw at times due to how he has the tendency to hop around, he also has a great deal of upside for a 2023 player. In his freshman season, Allen has displayed his ball skills, and an instinctive ability to play the LB position. Allen can read the run well, and with confidence, and shows flashes of being able to play in pass coverage as well. This is huge due to the changing game of football. Allen also has good feet, and a bit of a burst to him that translates into him making tackles, and plays on the ball carrier. Remember CJ Allen CJ Allen 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB Lamar County | 2023 State GA ’s name, and look for him to be a key factor for Lamar County’s defense in the upcoming 2020 football season.