Seven Linebackers That Could Have A Breakout Junior Season
Jake Lemming
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<p>The state of Ohio has put out some impressive linebackers over the years, including names like Mike Vrabel, Luke Kuechly & A.J. Hawk to name a few. That trend shows no signs of slowing down, and this 2024 group has plenty of potential in its own right. The young men featured in this piece aren't exactly household names just yet, but make no mistake, their time is coming. Look for them to take even bigger strides this fall, and I believe you'll soon see some offer lists expand fairly quickly. With that being said, here's who to watch for this fall!</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='400114' first='Quan' last='Rhodes-Mckee'], 6'1" 210, Westerville South</em></strong></p>
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<ul><li>Well-trained eyes and steady instincts.</li><li>A comfortable zone dropper who will make you pay if you force the ball into a tight window.</li><li>Has an uncanny ability to create turnovers.</li><li>Will bait quarterbacks into making ill-advised throws.</li></ul>
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<p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207879' first='Brayden' last='Kohl'], 6'3" 210, Hilliard Darby</strong></em></p>
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<ul><li>Burst and body control lead to plenty of TFLs.</li><li>Impressive closing speed.</li><li>Engulfs backs behind the line with size and strength.</li><li>Sinks over the top of a vertical threat before breaking on anything thrown shallow in front of him.</li></ul>
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<p><strong><em>Max Shulaw, 6' 200, St. Francis DeSales (Columbus)</em></strong></p>
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<ul><li>A big-time playmaker that can make an impact in multiple facets of the game.</li><li>Always lurking around the football.</li><li>A special teams ace that could be a plug & play guy right away.</li><li>Consistent knee bend leads to adequate leverage on tackle attempts.</li></ul>
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<p><strong><em>Issiah Evans, 6'1" 195, Trotwood Madison</em></strong></p>
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<ul><li>An explosive athlete when he reads run.</li><li>Acceleration gives down linemen problems as a rusher.</li><li>Takes quality angles to the football.</li><li>Does a good job mixing up his pass rush between speed or power.</li></ul>
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<p><strong><em>Ty'Req Donlow, 6'1" 210, Ursuline</em></strong></p>
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<ul><li>Ridiculous bend around the edge.</li><li>Has the hands of a golden gloves boxer.</li><li>Relentless effort when it comes to getting to the quarterback.</li><li>Superb production finishing 2021 with 118 tackles, 12 sacks, and 17.5 TFLs.</li></ul>
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<p><strong><em>Caden Willson, 6'1" 215, Hilliard Davidson</em></strong></p>
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<ul><li>Unafraid to shoot an open gap behind the line & make a play.</li><li>Forceful when coming to balance & making tackles in space.</li><li>A tough man for pullers to block at the second level.</li><li>Plays with a bit of an edge to him.</li></ul>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='327696' first='Connor' last='Prewitt'], 6'1" 195, West Clermont</em></strong></p>
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<ul><li>Motor is always running.</li><li>Breaks are compact within the framework of his body.</li><li>More than willing to do whatever is best for the team (Kicked down at times and played as a true five-technique last fall.).</li><li>Retracing as a rusher leads to gimme sacks.</li></ul>
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The state of Ohio has put out some impressive linebackers over the years, including names like Mike Vrabel, Luke Kuechly & A.J. Hawk to name a few. That trend shows no signs of slowing down, and this 2024 group has plenty of potential in its own right. The young men featured in this piece aren't exactly household names just yet, but make no mistake, their time is coming. Look for them to take even bigger strides this fall, and I believe you'll soon see some offer lists expand fairly quickly. With that being said, here's who to watch for this fall!
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