2022 Preseason East Texas Top 10 Linebackers

Size: 5'9 185

Stats: 89 TACKLES, 39 FOR LOSS, 7.5 SACKS, 2 FF, 2 TDS

KJ is an athletic, solid tackler in the middle of the Gilmer defense. He's built in the same stature of Jett Jones, and while plays a little faster, he's not quite on the level of the young goat. Jackson with an offseason, I'm sure will bring a physical element this year and be a dog for Gilmer this year.

Size: 6'1 205

Stats: First Team All District in 2021 -

W.T. plays like a seasoned veteran. He does a great job of being physical on the field, whether on offense or defense. The Leopards made the playoffs but their defense is looking to improve from a shaky 2021.

Size: 6'1 235

Stats: First Team All District in 2021

Jimmie Harper is a ball player. He can run like a running back and strike when he gets there. After a solid 100 plus tackle season for him as a junior, I expect his game and numbers to elevate for the West Rusk Raiders this Fall.

Size: 6'1 215

Stats: District Defensive MVP, #91 on the 2021 List

Barton is such a great player, so it's crazy to see him this low, but that speaks to the top end talent. Beau is intelligent, and you can tell he truly understands his team's scheme. He timed his blitzes perfectly in 2021, and his ability to track the football and make secure tackles was a major strength to his game. I'm ready to see Barton bring the boom this year a little more, Van will need as they nurture in a brand new offense this fall.

Size: 6' 195

Stats: District Newcomer of the Year, #52 on the 2021 List

Curbow is as solid as they come. He's technical, he reads his keys as well as anyone in the area. He doesn't miss tackles and will need to take his game to another level in order to improve a Lindale defense that gave up a lot of points last season.

Size: 5'11 215

Stats: #53 On the 2021 List

Brooks has incredible athleticism and when he decides to go it shows. He blossomed at the end of the year in 2021, really putting together a great string of games in the playoffs. Brooks leads a group of wolves with experience on that side of the ball that will need to be strong in order to breakthrough.

Size: 6'1 190

Stats: First Team All District in 2021 - #94 on the 2021 list

McFadden was all-district as an outside linebacker, but he lined up all over the field for PG last year. He could play safety, as well as RB and WR on offense. McFadden is just a great football player and I'm expecting him to take leaps going into his junior season.

Size: 6'1 240

Stats: First Team All District in 2021

Quin Hawkins graded out as a 89 last fall and that was me sleeping on him. Forget the technique or what's "sound." The plays Hawkins made alone should have landed him a spot; I'm a man, mistake made. He's an incredible athlete for his size, and makes plays men that heavy probably shouldn't make. He's a real Ball Hawk in coverage and will pick you off if you throw it in his vicinity. Throw in, he's a big time hitter and you've got yourself a certified player.

Size: 5'8 175

Stats: First Team All District in 2021 - #82 On the 2021 List

Boone is as instinctive of a player I've ever been around. He breaks rules, but he makes plays. He makes more plays than he costs you. He plays with an incredible motor. He has outstanding pursuit skills, and he's an absolute menace. He's all over the field looking to make big hits, and steadily finding a way to put his hand on the football.

Size: 6'1 210

Stats: First Team All District in 2021 - #87 on the 2021 list.

Tyanthony had the best mentor a sophomore linebacker could have in Kaleb Sells last year. He got the opportunity to watch a linebacker fly around, and playing with someone of that ability only unlocks your best football. Smith will have to shoulder the leadership position this year for the Jasper defense. With his impressive athleticism, he'll have no problem tracking the football from sideline to sideline, making plays from here to there along the way.