Class of 2021 Linebackers Being Overlooked
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After a thrilling and unusual 2020 campaign; recruiting season is now upon us. For some seniors this can be a very exciting time. For others, they’re hoping to get the chance to play at the next level. These are five…
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Continue ReadingAfter a thrilling and unusual 2020 campaign; recruiting season is now upon us. For some seniors this can be a very exciting time. For others, they’re hoping to get the chance to play at the next level. These are five senior linebackers that put together strong seasons, and that should be receiving more attention from recruiters.
Doug Grider Doug Grider 6'2" | 230 lbs | LB Halstead | 2021 State KS – Halstead, 6’2”, 236, MLB
Grider’s career numbers and frame should be enough to catch a recruiter’s eye. In his final season at Halstead, Grider racked up 120 total tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and four blocked kicks. He shows good awareness in pass coverage by blocking passing lanes, and bumping receivers off their shallow routes. His size and strength help him take on blockers, and he does a good job of reading where plays are going. As of right now it appears he hasn’t been offered. But I’m sure college coaches could use the Class 3A Defensive Player of the Year finalist.
Ryley Besler – Perry-Lecompton, 5’11”, 195, MLB
Besler ended his senior season at No. 3 in the state with 147 total tackles. The biggest thing that stands out on Besler’s film is his consistency as a tackler. Once he meets ball carriers one-on-one, he shows solid form and takes them down. He impressed me with me his coverage skills as well. He could’ve had multiple interceptions, but coaches will take pass breakups too. Besler’s athleticism and abilities translate to the collegiate level. Coaches may want him to add some size, but they should look more into this young man.
Hunter Schroeder Hunter Schroeder 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Concordia | 2021 State KS – Concordia, 5’10”, 195, MLB/ATH
As one of the leaders for the Panthers, Schroeder led the way with 83 total tackles on the season. Schroeder’s strength is impressive, as he uses it to fight through blocks. He doesn’t shy away from taking on linemen bigger than him either. He’s quick to find the ball and does a good job of not over pursing by taking the right angle. Schroeder also plays running back, so he has the athletic ability to cover the field in a hurry. Coaches should be reaching out to him because of the different ways they could use him on defense.
Anthony Hays Anthony Hays 5'11" | 210 lbs | LB Garden Plain | 2021 State KS – Garden Plain, 5’10”, 210, MLB
Hays impressed his senior season, piling up 130 total tackles. He shows good recognition of where plays are going and puts himself in the right position to make plays. This young man brings some force when he hits ball carriers. He won’t shy away from a one-on-one challenge. Anthony’s play this season has earned him a spot as a finalist for Class 2A Defensive Player of the Year. Although he hasn’t received much attention from recruiters, once they turn on his film they’ll see that he can play at the collegiate level.
Bryce Winsor – Pratt, 6’0”, 195, LB
Winsor was all over the field for the Greenbacks on defense. He was their leading tackler with 93 total in his senior year. Winsor’s athleticism sticks out on his film. His speed allows him to cover the field and he can beat ball carriers to the edge. One of the things he does well is timing his blitzes. He can time the quarterback’s cadence and shoot the gaps to blow up plays. His wrestling background makes him a solid tackler as well. Recruiters need to give this young a man a look, and they’ll see they can use his athleticism and physicality.