Stock Risers: 2023 Linebackers Add More D1 Offers
If you want to win football games in Georgia, you have to have strong linebacker play. If you don’t have a defender who can control the middle of the field, you won’t be stopping many of the high-caliber offenses in…
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Continue ReadingIf you want to win football games in Georgia, you have to have strong linebacker play. If you don’t have a defender who can control the middle of the field, you won’t be stopping many of the high-caliber offenses in today’s game. Linebackers need to be strong enough to help stop the run, but have enough athleticism to cover the middle of the field against the pass.
There are quite a few linebackers who are seeing their stock take off, and this group in the 2023 class could see more major offers coming their way very soon.
Dion Crawford – Collins Hill
One of the more productive linebackers in all of 7A, Crawford is coming off an incredible sophomore season where he made 124 total tackles and 23 TFLs. It was only a matter of time before his recruitment take off, and it’s starting to really take off over the last few weeks. The 6-foot-2 215-pounder added an offer from West Virginia on his 16th birthday earlier this week, and added another offer from Tennessee on May 11th. One of the top sophomore defenders in the state, Crawford led an impressive Collins Hill defense all the way to the 7A state championship game last season. He was named 1s-Team All Region last year and the staff at Collins Hill expects even more from him in 2021. His heart and passion make him a special player as Crawford is willing to put his body on the line to win each play. Look for Crawford to be one of the state’s leading tacklers as a junior this fall.
After a good conversation with @luc_brian I’m thankful to receive my 10th offer from Tennessee. Thanks to all my coaches and teammates for making this possible. @GregoryLenny @SwickONE8 @jones8_jr @ChadSimmons . pic.twitter.com/HClf1U9GMr
— Dion Crawford (@dion_crawford21) May 10, 2021
Raul Aguirre – Cedar Grove
Looking for a guy who can run and hit? Aguirre is your guy. In a limited season last year as a sophomore, Aguirre was an impact defender for one of the top defenses in the entire state. He’s quick, agile, and knows how to deliver a solid tackle when he meets the ball carrier. The 6-foot-1 220-pounder loves contact and will bring a physical presence to one of the many schools that have offered him. He holds some major D1 offers already, but his stock continues to rise as he adds offers from programs across the country. After a big performance in the Atlanta Under Armour Camp this spring, the Cedar Grove standout has earned an offer from Oregon this week and could see more coming his way shortly.
#AGTG Blessed to receive an offer from The University of Oregon💚!! @CoachKWils @CoachMirabal @ChadSimmons_ @Mansell247 @therealkwat @bigmantakeover @Grindseason3 #backtowork 💯 pic.twitter.com/HwzNS6yAkv
— Raul Popo Aguirre (@lRaulAguirre) May 5, 2021
Troy Ford – Calvary Day
He may play some defensive end down the road, but the big outside linebacker is one of the top overall defenders in the Savannah area. He’s coming off a big sophomore season where he made 69 tackles and 5 sacks. He was great when coming through on a blitz and always found a way to get after the quarterback. The Defensive 1st-Team All-Region selection also made a big impact as a tight end, catching 11 passes and scoring four touchdowns as a tight end. He’s strong, thick, and has plenty of athleticism in his 6-foot-2 235-pound frame. He currently holds offers from Georgia Tech and Notre Dame but more are expected to come his way down the road.