Class of 2022 Hidden Gem LBs
Good linebackers come in many shapes and sizes and have varying play styles. Georgia football is riddled with impressive linebackers. The class of 2022 includes multiple prospects with much promise. With so many prospects, some do not garner the attention…
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Continue ReadingGood linebackers come in many shapes and sizes and have varying play styles. Georgia football is riddled with impressive linebackers. The class of 2022 includes multiple prospects with much promise. With so many prospects, some do not garner the attention they deserve. Let’s look at five linebackers whose names scouts should get to know if they don’t already.
Kalen Justice, Drew
Justice is a nice, promising backer. He has a nose for the ball and consistently meets defenders in running lanes. He plays with a high motor. Justice takes good pursuit angles, cutting off ball carriers from getting extra yards. He put forth a strong junior campaign, he had 118 total tackles, 84 solo tackles, and forced 2 fumbles in 10 games. He offers more than just run support, having sound coverage skills. He comfortable covering the underneath zones. Justice shows good movement and does not waste much time pursuing ball carriers. While Justice is a little undersized he possesses a lot of desirable traits for a good linebacker. Justice can be a good addition to a NAIA or D3 program.
Highlights
Ty Anderson, Thomasville
Anderson is a great linebacker with many promising traits. The first thing that jumps off his tape is his physicality. He can stand up ball carriers and can quickly fill running lanes. Anderson is good in coverage and does a solid job playing the middle of the field. He makes sure to use his hands to swat down passes. Anderson was impressive this season, he had 127 total tackles, 89 solo tackles, 17.0 tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. He is more than just a coverage linebacker, he has shown good ability coming off the edge. Anderson has a good first step when rushing and in coverage. Moves well and is a smooth runner. Anderson’s film shows that he has good footwork when sliding in coverage. After watching Anderson’s varsity tape I expect more universities to join Cincinnati, among others, in offering Anderson.
Highlights
Peyton Cromwell, Savannah Christian
Cromwell is a good, lengthy linebacker. His long arms help him wrap up ball carriers. He is strong enough to stand up ball carriers on contact. He had a great junior year, earning First Team All-State and Region Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1A Private Region 3. Cromwell ended the season with 146 total tackles, 61 solo tackles, 11.0 tackles for a loss, 1.0 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception. Cromwell has a great reaction time, quickly breaking on ball carriers. He makes great use of his hands and can shed blockers. He also gets his hands up in coverage, breaking up passes. Cromwell is a good coverage linebacker, his tape shows he can run with receivers. He’s a very promising prospect that could add value to a DI or DII program.
Highlights
Jacquez McGowan, Valdosta
McGowan is a great linebacker from south Georgia. He is an edge-rushing outside linebacker. His good swim move helps him get into the backfield consistently. McGowan has a lengthy build that gives lineman issues when trying to get their hands on him. He also uses his length well in open space to corral ball carriers. McGowan impresses when coming off the line of scrimmage, he practically lives in the backfield. He has a nose for the ball and quickly tracks down ball carriers. McGowan is capable of maintaining the edge and forcing quarterbacks to remain in the pocket. He showed much promise this past season and finished the year with 107 total tackles, 60 solo tackles, 30.0 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, and 1 interception. There is a lot to like about McGowan’s game and he is a prospect that should be on multiple colleges’ radars.
Highlights
Dialo Mosley
Dialo
Mosley
6'1" | 193 lbs | LB
Carver | 2022
State
GA
, Carver
Mosley is a great linebacker that can help defend the run and the pass. He is a physical player and a hard hitter. With his strength, he can stand up lineman and ball carriers. Mosley has good instincts, quickly finding holes and stopping ball carriers. Mosley’s film shows a player with a very quick reaction time. While he is a great run stopper he adds value defending the pass too. He is comfortable covering the middle of the field. Mosley also does a good job covering the curl to flat zone. After a great season, he made the GACA All-State Football Team and First Team All-Region in 3A Region 5. This was his second, consecutive time receiving that honor. He finished this past season with 127 total tackles, 84 solo tackles, and 11.0 tackles for a loss in 11 games. Mosley is a prospect worth keeping your eyes on this offseason and next season.
Highlights