By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

There are many talented linebackers across our coverage area that features more than 60 teams. Below are some of the top linebackers to watch this season. This list is in alphabetical order.

NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on one of our other SEVEN football watch lists. In an effort to highlight as many players as possible, A PLAYER CAN ONLY APPEAR ON ONE LIST.

The football watch lists we will be releasing are: Quaterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers, Offensive Linemen, Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.

QUARTERBACKS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
RUNNING BACKS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
RECEIVERS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
DEFENSIVE BACKS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE

JAMBOREE PHOTOS – CLICK HERE
ALL FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS – CLICK HERE

Ryan Decker, Parkview Senior

The only player returning with more tackles from last year is VanGilder. Decker’s 158 tackles are the most in the Ozark Conference and they came in just 10 games, three of which he had at least 20-plus tackles. He also added eight tackles for loss. He should finish his career as Parkview’s all-time leading tackler.

Luke Gall, Carthage Senior

Yes, he’s the best running back in the Ozarks as well, but Gall’s long-term potential – collegiately and beyond – will be on the defensive side of the ball. He was the COC Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year and will be rolling into his fourth year as a starting linebacker. His 88 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and six sacks display his incredible football IQ and off the charts motor. The Air Force commit could make a push to be the Class 5 Offensive and Defensive POY, as well as Gatorade Player of the Year.

Ty Hartman, Nixa Senior

There aren’t many outside linebackers that are more experienced than Hartman. His range is impressive, which led to him notching 99 tackles, three tackles for loss and two interceptions, including a pick-6. He’s great in coverage and at setting the edge, so running at him or throwing his way are equally bad ideas.

Jax Glendenning, Lebanon Sophomore

We don’t like to compare high school players to other high school players, but if you’re looking for the next player to earn a major conference’s offensive and defensive player of the year awards, you’re looking at Glendenning. He finished his freshman year with 11 tackles for loss and eight sacks, starting just eight games. He added 465 yards and five touchdowns on just 38 carries offensively. It’ll be a long three years for the OC.

Ross Johnson, Lincoln Senior

A three-year starter, Johnson is another two-way force that has found as many accolades on the defensive side of the ball as the offensive. As a junior he finished with 87 tackles and three forced fumbles, earning a reputation as a big hitter and ball hawk. He added 1,305 yards and 19 touchdowns from his running back spot as well.

Carter Mahan, Ava Senior

Mahan is among the top pass rushers in the area after tallying 11 sacks as a junior. His ability to jump gaps in the offensive line is nothing short of impressive. But he’s not just a one-dimensional linebacker. He totaled 115 tackles with six games of double-digit tackles. He’s a one-man wrecking crew in the SCA.

Jackson Marrs, Seneca Junior

Marrs is one of the top running backs in the area, but his defensive efforts last year were equally impressive. He earned All-State, All-Area and All-Big 8 honors last year with 116 tackles and four tackles for loss. He also rushed for 1,383 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s also one of the biggest hitters in the Ozarks.

Cooper Roy, Fair Grove Senior

On a roster that loses nearly everything, Roy will spearhead Fair Grove’s defense. As a junior he earned All-Mid-Lakes Conference and All-District honors as linebacker. This fall he’ll have to lead a defense with inexperience all over the field.

Draven VanGilder, Joplin Senior

See ball, get ball is the way VanGilder plays football, which is a great thing for Joplin fans. As a junior he accumulated 173 tackles and five tackles for loss. While he’s great against the run, maybe the best part of his game is his motor. Which is why he can chase down plays sideline to sideline, as well as chase down quarterbacks and slot receivers.

Jackson Young, Kickapoo Senior

This is a unique spot for Young. He’s listed as a safety, but the more you watch him the more you realize he lives in the box and makes plays. He had 35 tackles and six tackles for loss as a junior. On a defense full of playmakers, he’s one of the best at stopping plays before they happen, particularly behind the line of scrimmage.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Kal Acklin, MV-BT/Liberty Senior
Nick Bagley, Warsaw Senior
Chance Benford, Carl Junction Senior
Kahl Berry, Bolivar Senior
Peyton Blecha, Kickapoo Senior
Cooper Buvid, Ozark Senior
Daniel Clark, Kickapoo Senior
Cooper Douglass, Republic Senior
Adam Lewis, Reeds Spring Senior
Khiler Nance, Lamar Junior
Connor Pointer, Monett Senior
Lincoln Renfro, Seneca Senior
Gavin Smith, Lebanon Junior