North Coast Section Linebackers looking to dominate
The linebacker position comes with a lot of responsibility for those who wants to be around the ball constantly. You are seen most of the times as the captain of the defense to make sure everyone does their job and…
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Continue ReadingThe linebacker position comes with a lot of responsibility for those who wants to be around the ball constantly. You are seen most of the times as the captain of the defense to make sure everyone does their job and relaying the defensive call and a big key to stopping the run. These young, rising linebackers in the North Coast Section all were outstanding last season as they all achieved over 100 tackles respectively.
Mitch Russell – 6’2, 215 lbs – Cardinal Newman – Senior
Twitter: @MitchRussell20
Tallying 125 tackles in 15 games for Cardinal Newman last season, Mitch Russell proved to be one of the best linebackers in his league and section last year by achieving North Bay First Team All League Defense honors. He was the #1 non-senior tackler in the North Coast Section and what instantly jumped off my screen on tape to me about Russell, was his ability to react off the snap and his pursuit without hesitation. A little stiff as a player, but I did notice he was really good at keeping his shoulders square the entire time during a play, and his acceleration to get to the football was outstanding. He is a player that loves contact and he is an excellent tackler that does wrap up ball carriers. Averaging a little bit over 8 tackles a game, some of that credit goes to him being a smart football player as I watched him make plays on screens and plays that require a lot of film and practice detail.
Allen Gray – 5’11, 205 lbs – Montgomery – Senior
Twitter: @AllenMgray2002
Having the 4th most tackles last year with 123 in the NCS, was unfortunately one of the few bright spots for the Montgomery Vikings who finished 1-9. Allen Gray not only had impressive numbers but he did all that in only 9 games. Gray is slightly undersized but is a guy who can be versatile all over the field. On tape, I noticed his speed and explosiveness that allowed him to blitz and get in the backfield immediately and make plays. I can see him being interchangeable with safety if he wishes to pursue football after high school. A good, solid, physical tackler who can take on incoming blockers and disrupt. Gray did also show some agility as he also played running back for Montgomery as he averaged 4.8 yards a carry. That is definitely something that can help defend the shiftier running backs and quarterbacks.
Tyler Lepolo – 6’0, 195 lbs – Freedom – Senior
Twitter: @TylerLepolo
The First Team BVAL outside linebacker who had 108 tackles and 7 pass deflections last season, has received offers from Washington State and the University of San Diego so far. Reviewing his film, the first thing that stood out was that he can run and can get from sideline to sideline quickly. He is a rangey linebacker that can be a three down linebacker with his agility to be good in pass coverage. His speed can allow him to make plays all over the field and also, surprisingly, has a knack for sprinting and making tackles on special teams. Throughout the season, he was lined up on and off the line of scrimmage as an outside backer which bodes well for him for experience purposes. Being at the line, he kept contain and got off blocks to make tackles. His attributes can put him at safety depending on the scheme and at the college level, coaches may be interested a lot more in his versatility as he has a wide array of a skill set.
Josh Zeising – 6’2, 220 lbs – Monte Vista – Senior
Twitter: @JoshZeising
The 2 time varsity middle linebacker, checks the box for almost every category for me when reviewing Zeising’s tape. The big body frame of him standing at 6’2, registered 102 tackles as a junior and really fits the mike backer role exceptionally well. Zeising never seemed to be out of position as he scraped and became a sturdy tackler. Reading his keys, his instincts and defending the middle of the field against the run helped him be the 20th highest tackler in the North Coast Section. He brings a good stance with him with a forward lean ready to attack downhill and doesn’t not get pushed back on contact. His hips are good but not great, and I’d like to see him keep his head up more when tackling but his resume and on-tape performance has been very impressive so far. I expect more college interest to roll in for him, as he has received offers from schools such as the University of Puget, Whittier College and George Fox University.