Evaluating HS Linebackers

TreeFiddy · January 31, 2017

Some general guidelines:

P5 Linebacker

Height: 6-2
Weight: 220
40yd: 4.6
Bench: 315
Squat: 445

Intangibles:

Shows the ability to take over a game defensively. Active and causes havoc all around the field. Knocks blockers and ball-carriers backward and/or off their feet. Instinctive and plays downhill in the run game. Strong enough to play on LOS in HS if necessary but athletic enough to play in coverage. Explodes on contact, visibly changing the LOS or driving ballcarriers backward. Displays loose hips and great knee bend, plays under his pads. Can match up with anyone and run them down. Understands pursuit angles and can close time and space in an instant. Multiple year All-State selection with some recognition by national recruiting media on the high end. All Area/District and Multi-Year All Conference at a minimum. Defensive Captains with signal-calling experience are highly desirable for inside linebackers.

G5/High FCS Linebacker

Height: 6-1
Weight: 210
40yd: 4.65
Bench: 300
Squat: 435

Intangibles:

May have not shown the production of an elite P5 caliber recruit, but coaches at this level will still scholarship athletic high school linebackers as they believe they can coach them up into productive college players. Active player that’s constantly around the ball. Knocks blockers and ball-carriers backward on impact. Plays downhill in the run game. Strong on contact, can change the LOS.. Good knee bend. Can match up with most offensive players and run them down. Understands pursuit angles and can close time and space. Multiple year All-State selection with some recognition by national recruiting media. All Area/District and Multi-Year All Conference. Defensive Captains with signal-calling experience are highly desirable for inside linebackers.

Low FCS/D2 Linebacker

Height: 6-0
Weight: 200
40yd: 4.7
Bench: 295
Squat: 405

Intangibles:

Active player shows good movement. Stands blockers up and knocks ball-carriers backward on contact. Instinctive in the run game. Strong on contact. Solid knee bend. Pursues well. All Area/District and Multi-Year All Conference. Defensive Captains with signal-calling experience are highly desirable for inside linebackers.

Edited January 31, 2017 by TreeFiddy