2023 Rankings Linebackers 1-5
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Positional Breakdown of the LBs in the 2023 class. Here are the top 5 at the position: Kade Seip Kade Seip 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Lincoln North Star | 2023 State NE (Overall: 12) | Lincoln North Star…
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Continue ReadingPositional Breakdown of the LBs in the 2023 class. Here are the top 5 at the position:
Kade Seip Kade Seip 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Lincoln North Star | 2023 State NE (Overall: 12) | Lincoln North Star | 6’3″ 235 lbs
Kade is a player bound to blow up on the recruiting scene. Since getting his feet wet on varsity as a freshman, Kade has continued to grow into a strong LB. His junior year was his best year so far, with 71 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception, and a fumble returned for a touchdown. Seip is an inside LB with top-tier size, great speed, and sound technique. He’s excellent at tracking down running backs and ensuring they don’t escape once he has them wrapped up. Kade’s solid frame makes getting tackled by him feel like you’re running into a brick wall. Kade Seip Kade Seip 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Lincoln North Star | 2023 State NE is a true throwback MLB that plays tough and with a non-stop motor.
Brogan Ling Brogan Ling 6'3" | 200 lbs | LB Lincoln Southwest | 2023 State NE (Overall: 18) | Lincoln Southwest | 6’3″ 200 lbs
Get used to the name Brogan Ling Brogan Ling 6'3" | 200 lbs | LB Lincoln Southwest | 2023 State NE , a player I’m projecting to make big waves during his senior year. Playing an edge rusher role, Ling racked up 45 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and an interception. Brogan is a menace coming off the edge, using his speed and smarts to get past tackles. He does a great job setting up linemen and throwing them off their sets to get into the backfield. Ling has excellent size for his position and delivers punishing hits with every tackle. His athleticism helps his defensive coordinators use him in various packages, either unleashing him on the QB or having him drop back into coverage. In coverage, he uses his top-notch sideline to sideline speed to blanket TEs and backs coming out of the backfield. He is starting to get some FBS looks and should start to see the offers come flying in.
Jayce Wilkinson (Overall: 27) | Scottsbluff | 5’10 180 lbs
Part of a solid Scottsbluff LB group, Wilkinson continues to shine for the Bearcats. In year 3 we saw Wilkinson continue his development and look like a complete linebacker on the field. He is fast, physical, and competes until the final whistle. Jayce had a total of 57 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and snagged 3 interceptions during the 2021 season. In a matchup against Grand Island Northwest, I saw a very fluid athlete that is just as comfortable blitzing as he is blanketing pass catchers. He puts a lot of force into his tackles and really plays bigger than his frame, not backing down to big backs, tall receivers, or bigger tight ends. Jayce embraces the contact and is always in the fold. The Bearcats defense featuring Wilkinson and classmates Michael Thrash Michael Thrash 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Scottsbluff | 2023 State NE and Josiah Mobley Josiah Mobley 6'0" | 175 lbs | LB Scottsbluff | 2023 State NE is going to be dangerous. Coaches should be keeping close tabs on Jayce!
Tyler Stewart Tyler Stewart 5'10" | 225 lbs | DL Omaha North | 2023 State NE (Overall: 39) | Omaha North | 5’10 225 lbs
Tyler Stewart Tyler Stewart 5'10" | 225 lbs | DL Omaha North | 2023 State NE is a relentless LB that was part of one of the toughest front sevens in Class A this past year. Although Stewart doesn’t have much film available, from what I saw in person and rewatched some Omaha North games, there’s no denying his talent. Stewart accumulated 65 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and fumble recovery. He is excellent at using his leverage to shed blocks or straight up outmuscling his opponent. After not having a sophomore football season, Stewart came out firing on all cylinders and should do the same for year 4.
Cooper Jackson Cooper Jackson 5'11" | 190 lbs | LB Lincoln Southwest | 2023 State NE (Overall: 43) | Lincoln Southwest | 5’11″ 190 lbs
Cooper is another talented Silver Hawk LB that should continue to build on his impressive junior season. Jackson plays inside LB and has proven to be a tackling machine from this spot. This extraordinary junior finished his year with 83 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a recovered touchdown. Cooper is quick to diagnose the play and pick his spot to attack. He attacks his gap like a rocket and knows how to wrap up and lay into his opponent. He is very selfless and will do anything needed from him on the field. Jackson has tons of energy on the field and is constantly looking for ways to be involved in the play. This exciting 23 ’Backer is going to put on a show his senior year!