Top Breakout Linebackers Through Week 5
Now that we’re five full weeks into the season, we’re starting to see players across the state stand out and make a name for themselves. There are plenty of offensive players standing out, but there have been many defenders who…
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Continue ReadingNow that we’re five full weeks into the season, we’re starting to see players across the state stand out and make a name for themselves. There are plenty of offensive players standing out, but there have been many defenders who have stepped up too so far this season.
Here are a few breakout linebackers who are off to great starts this season…
Justin Ested – Kennesaw Mountain
Arguably the state’s most underrated pass rusher in the 2022 class, Ested is off to a great start for Kennesaw Mountain as a senior. He’s helped lead the Mustangs to a 5-0 record to start the season and he’s done an excellent job getting after the passer. The 6-foot-3 230-pound EDGE defender is incredibly quick off the ball and is fundamentally sound when getting after thee quarterback. He has some finesse to his game and has a nice spin move that he uses to get around bigger or more inexperienced offensive linemen. He still has time to add more weight and muscle, but right now it’s his speed and burst that maker him one of the region’s top defenders. He may only have two sacks this year, but he has 6 QB hurries and is constantly finding his way into the backfield. In their week 4 win against Sprayberry, Ested registered a stat in every defensive stat category. He had a sack, TFL, INT, FF, FR, QB hurry, and a PBU. His size and athleticism allow him to make plays in a number of different ways, and that could allow him to see more D1 offers coming his way.
Jonathan Echols – Heard County
One of the hottest 2024 prospects in Georgia, Echols is in the middle of a breakout season and his recruitment is taking off this week. The big do-it-all athlete stands at 6-foot-5 225-pounds and already shows signs of an elite pass rusher. He can already use his size and raw strength to dominate veteran offensive lineman, but his quickness and explosiveness off the ball is what makes him one of the top young 2024 defenders in the state. He’s lightning fast off the edge and has a great motor to get after the quarterback. He’s technically sound for his age and has the natural instincts to use his hands to get off blocks. He still needs time to develop, but he has all the raw tools that college staffs look for. He’s already one of the best players on the field at any given time, and he’s only a sophomore. In just the last few days, Echols has earned offers from Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Georgia Tech. So far this season, Echols has made 25 tackles and three sacks. Look for more offers to come his way over the next few weeks.
Whit Weeks – Oconee County
One of the top athletes in the Athens are, Weeks is off to a great junior season where he’s made an impact in all three phases of the game. He’s an outstanding linebacker who has made 35 total tackles so far through their first three games. He’s instinctive, he strikes, and he’s one of the smartest players on the field. He gets into the backfield in a hurry and uses his hands well to get off blocks. He’s got good size at 6-foot-2 205-pounds. He plays hard, he’s tough, he’s physical, and he leads a very strong Oconee County defense that gave up just two points in their last game. He’s a leader and earned some offers this summer from South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, among others. His fine play so far this season has led to an offer from N.C State, and he could see more coming this way. Weeks is bound to make play after play each week as Oconee County is off to a 3-0 start to the season with state championship aspirations.