The Maryland/D.C. Linebacker, The Utility Knife of a Defense
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The game of football has evolved over the years and with offenses going no-huddle spread offenses that literally stretch the length of the field, defenses need to have athletes in place to counteract and defend the field. Gone are the…
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Continue ReadingThe game of football has evolved over the years and with offenses going no-huddle spread offenses that literally stretch the length of the field, defenses need to have athletes in place to counteract and defend the field. Gone are the linebackers of old where their main focus was to stop the run and focus less on stopping the pass, but now you see linebackers that are multi-dimensional defensive players that are essentially every-down playmakers for teams. They must possess the skill to be able to run sideline to sideline and be comfortable in the open field when covering an opponent one on one. Here are five 2022 Maryland and Washington D.C. linebackers that you should keep an eye on this upcoming year!
Jaishawn Barham Jaishawn Barham 6'3" | 230 lbs | LB St Frances | 2022 State MD 6-3 230 St. Frances Academy High School (Baltimore, MD)
The physically imposing linebacker diagnoses plays quickly and effectively by demonstrating the ability to stack and shed blocks and while he gets off blocks quickly, the thing that makes him stand out is once he sheds the blocks he accelerates through it! He moves well in space and has good range by covering quickly and shortening the distance between him and the ball carrier.
Kellan Wyatt Kellan Wyatt 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State MD 6-2 225 Archbishop Spalding High School (Severn, MD)
The athletically gifted Maryland outside linebacker commit is used in a variety of ways on the field, he is comfortable on the line of scrimmage being used as a hybrid edge rusher and demonstrates the ability to get into the opposing backfield by using a variety of pass rush moves. He is patient out in space and does not over pursue the ball carrier and can make the key open-field tackle.
Shon Reid 5-11 220 Archbishop Carroll High School (Washington D.C.)
A wrecking ball while on the field, this linebacker is full contact intensity while roaming sideline to sideline on every given play. He takes good precise angles to track down the ball carrier and makes key plays while in open space. He analyzes plays quickly and can position himself in the correct place at the correct time on a consistent basis.
Anto Saka Anto Saka 6'4" | 215 lbs | LB Loyola Blakefield | 2022 State MD 6-4 225 Loyola Blakefield High School (Towson, MD)
An explosive versatile defensive weapon while on the field, whether lining up as either an outside or inside linebacker and even at times putting his hand in the dirt and playing a rush end! He has a quick twitch coming off the ball with a very fast first step and gains ground quickly and effectively while getting after the opposing offense.
Chad Connolly Chad Connolly 6'1" | 180 lbs | LB Hunningtown | 2022 MD 6-2 215 Huntingtown High School (Huntingtown, MD)
A ferocious tackler that with his instincts and his ability to flow and close down the gap from him to the ball carrier makes for a top-level linebacker when he is on the field. He is very comfortable in open space where he can break down and make a big hit and create big opportunities for his defense.