2023 Missouri LBs You NEED to Know!
Linebacker is my favorite position so I am probably the most critical of the players at the position. But I also understand, at an intricate level, what makes a good linebacker. The skills needed are different than any other on…
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Continue ReadingLinebacker is my favorite position so I am probably the most critical of the players at the position. But I also understand, at an intricate level, what makes a good linebacker. The skills needed are different than any other on the football field. A linebacker needs speed, anticipation, brains, leadership, and toughness, just to name a few qualities. These players are still growing into the position but are well on their way to making a major mark on their high school and eventually college programs.
Austin Romaine Austin Romaine 6'2" | 230 lbs | LB Hillsboro | 2023 State MO , Hillsboro (Unranked in 2020 to now No. 1 LB and No. 12 overall)
This sophomore playmaker is simply an athlete. If I was a college coach, I would offer him asap. Technically, Austin has a lot to work on in his game, but with his size, speed and natural feel for the game of football, he is natural. Also, a heck of a running back, Romaine never comes off the field. As a linebacker, once he learns the nuisances of the position, he will be a high-level starter for a top-flight program.
Luke Gall Luke Gall 5'11" | 200 lbs | RB Carthage | 2023 State MO , Carthage (Unranked to No. 2 LB and No. 23 overall)
Gall, as a sophomore, was usually one of the unrivaled players on the field in 2020. Either from his running back spot or stacked as a linebacker, Gall made plays all over the field. The kid is powerful, strong, explosive, and plays full throttle all game long. Watching him on film makes the viewer want to suit up and go hit someone. As Gall continues to add size and muscle, his stock will continue to rise and he will be a high-level recruit in the years to come.
Ceaton Pennewell Ceaton Pennewell 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Monroe City | 2023 State MO , Monroe City (Unranked to No. 3 LB and No. 30 overall)
Talk about a seek and destroy linebacker. Pennewell fits that bill. Everything Pennewell does fits the linebacker mentality. The sophomore flows behind the line of scrimmage well, then when he pulls the trigger to hit, he fires his cannon and explodes on contact. Pennewell has a good frame to add weight and strength. He already has a fine feel for the position so as he grows, so will his game.
Kaden Moore Kaden Moore 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Holt | 2023 State MO , Holt (Unranked in 2020 to No. 6 LB and No. 44 overall)
All you need to do is watch the first play of Moore’s sophomore Hudl video and your blood starts pumping and the juices start flowing. Moore’s short-area burst and quickness is uncanny for a young player and he always seems to be around the football. Kaden wants to be top LB in the 2023 class and with continued work and hustle, the Holt star just might have a shot.
Cameron Wright Cameron Wright 5'11" | 205 lbs | LB De Smet | 2023 MO , DeSmet Jesuit (Ranked in 2020 but No. 11 in 2021)
Wright played behind a stacked LB corps at DeSmet in 2020 but whenever Cam stepped on the field, he made a play. In the championship game versus Ray-Pec, a case could be made that Wright was the most productive linebacker for the team. Wright has improved his speed and strength. With another strong off-season and a starting job to hold down, look for the rising junior to rise in the rankings in 2021.