Bay Area Rising Linebackers
’23 Mason Mini, Terra Nova HS Mini is a long and rangy athlete that can set the edge and make plays in space. A long strider, he shows closing speed on the outside while taking good angles when triggering and…
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Continue Reading’23 Mason Mini, Terra Nova HS
Mini is a long and rangy athlete that can set the edge and make plays in space. A long strider, he shows closing speed on the outside while taking good angles when triggering and bringing a nice thump at contact. He shows good COD abilities and natural bend/first step explosion off the edge and can also be used as a pass rusher. A high motor and tough kid, he covers ground quickly and is physical in the box while also able to cover bigger receivers and has ball skills/return ability. Idaho just offered and other FCS schools should gain interest and offer before the upcoming season ends.
’23 Daniel O’Leary, Marin Catholic HS
O’Leary is one of the most versatile linebackers across the region and can play in space and rush the passer effectively. A very smart player, he reads plays quickly and understands run reads while having a quick trigger when breaking and bringing a very nice thump upon contact. He shows a very active use of hands when getting off blocks and can close backside when pursuing while able to rush the passer and win with bend, first step explosion and speed off the edge. Also showing he can redirect and is a sure tackler in space, O’Leary will without a doubt be one of the top defenders across the MCAL this Fall that should draw FCS+ interest.
’23 Alex Hartigan, Saint Ignatius HS
Hartigan is a downhill thumper that makes tons of plays between the tackles and is a big time hitter at the POA. Physical and able to fill gaps quickly, he is a well put together kid that should find his home at inside linebacker in college. Against bigger blockers, he shows he can shock and win with leverage and quickly get off blocks while showing impressive lateral movement abilities for someone his size when scraping over the top. Also effective when applying pressure from multiple different angles, Hartigan is a well rounded inside player that should draw college interest as he can make a impact at the next level.
’23 Nathan Rooks Nathan Rooks 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB St. Vincent De Paul | 2023 State CA , St. Vincent de Paul HS
Rooks is one of the hardest hitters and most physical linebackers across the region and has been starting for the NCS D7 champs since his Freshman year. Having a very strong build and a big frame, he is a true in the box Mike backer that fills hard and is explosive in the short area when making plays between the tackles. Also able to drop down and play defensive end, he is an active pass rusher with a quick first step, violent hands and can overpower tackles with bull and power rush moves when coming off the edge and applying pressure from the second level. He currently holds offers from Morehouse, Puget Sound and Livingstone.