Future Focus: 2023 Linebackers
Interspersed throughout our city rankings are our Future Focus features. In each, we’re taking a look at some of the top 2023 players in the state at each position. Here, we’re introducing you to the sophomore linebackers that have caught…
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Continue ReadingInterspersed throughout our city rankings are our Future Focus features. In each, we’re taking a look at some of the top 2023 players in the state at each position. Here, we’re introducing you to the sophomore linebackers that have caught our attention.
Alex Bailey, 6’ 180, Hickory Ridge- Bailey is a linebacker-edge rusher hybrid that could play either position depending on how he develops physically over the next few years. He’s quick of the edge and has tested well this offseason at linebacker. He’s a guy that could provide a spark for the Hickory Ridge defense this season.
Ben Cutter Ben Cutter 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB East Lincoln | 2023 State NC , 6’1 200, East Lincoln- All Cutter does is hit people. No really, Cutter led the country in tackles by a freshman last season, racking up 137 in an incredible campaign. He has the frame to keep growing and with his instincts, could put up gaudy numbers again this season.
Stephan Zayachkowsky Stephan Zayachkowsky 5'10" | 200 lbs | LB Porter Ridge | 2023 State NC , 5’9 180, Porter Ridge- Even as a freshman, Zayachkowsky showed that he is one of the top linebackers in the Charlotte area. He plays a unique big nickel/off-ball linebacker position for the Pirates that really allows him to read the field and diagnose plays. He excels in both coverage and against the run and he’s one of our favorite defenders in the state, regardless of class or position.
Angus Weaver Angus Weaver 5'10" | 195 lbs | LB Polk County | 2023 State NC , 5’10 180, Polk County- Our goal at Prep Redzone is to make sure we don’t overlook some smaller school guys that are deserving of recognition. Weaver makes that easy as the 2-way starter put up great numbers on both sides of the ball as a freshman. He has room to grow and will continue to make noise.
Garvey Sterling Garvey Sterling 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Hough | 2023 State NC , 6’ 200, Hough- Sterling is a versatile linebacker and big hitter, playing everything from 3-4 outside linebacker to 4-3 middle linebacker. He’s dominant against the run and should get more varsity opportunities this season after a transfer to Hough.
Raymond McCray Raymond McCray 6'1" | 230 lbs | LB Washington | 2023 State NC , 6’1 230, Washington County- McCray stands out immediately on the field because of his size. However, it’s his quickness that impresses us the most. He has plenty of time to continue honing his craft. For now, he can win with athleticism and gets better every time we see him.
Dayreon Jennings Dayreon Jennings 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB Lee County | 2023 State NC , 6’ 220, Lee County- Jennings played extensively on the 3AA runners-up as a freshman, excelling against the run. As a sophomore we expect him to be a defensive leader and to put up some good numbers. He’s got the size and the speed, so he’s firmly on our radar.
AJ Richardson, 6’ 230, Kings Mountain- Like some of the other guys on this list, Richardson not only cracked the varsity rotation on a good team, but played well in the process. He’s a big, instinctive linebacker that has deceptive sideline-to-sideline speed. Expect to hear his name over the next few years.