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 SIX 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: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers/Tight Ends, Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.
LINEBACKERS TO WATCH
Sam DeMott, Camdenton Senior
Few linebackers were more productive than DeMott. The All-Ozark Conference linebacker led Camdenton with 132 tackles and five sacks as a junior, doing so against just about every variation of offense imaginable in the OC. Camdenton moving to a multiple front defense, expect to see DeMott all over the field with freedom.
Gage Depee, Branson
New team, same colors and same production is on the horizon for Depee. He’s a coach’s kid and plays with that high IQ on both sides of the ball. Moving from Ozark to Branson where he won’t see too big of schematic changes will keep things simple for Depee. More carries for him out of the backfield won’t make life simple for opponents.
Cody Downing, Mt. VernonÂ
Each year we talk about players whose playing style is made for their league and Cody Downing is tailor made for the Big 8. The physical, down-hill backer lives at the line of scrimmage and making stops for loss. As a junior, he totaled 90 tackles with 22 tackles for loss. He’s good against the run and pass, a large reason why Mt. Vernon chopped its points allowed per game in half.
Hugh Eaton, Marionville
Eaton is incredibly entertaining to watch on both sides of the ball, but his ability defensively is elite. His straight-line speed is good, but his IQ and instincts allow him to play even faster than he is. He’s good against the run but great in pass coverage, which will help him moving forward in college. He’s another 1,000-yard rusher that also had 100 tackles, earning him All-State honors.
Daniel Fliflet & Sebastian Michaud, Reeds Spring Seniors
Last year this experienced duo combined for 244 tackles and 31 tackles for loss. That’s insane production. It’s one thing to make a play, but they’ve both mastered the art of making at or behind the line of scrimmage. Both are bigger guys and finish plays with physicality as well.
Rolly Fisher, Forsyth Junior
Earning Defensive Player of the Year honors at any level is impressive. It’s even more so the case when it happens as a sophomore, which is what Fisher did last year when he was named Mid-Lakes Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Fisher is just great at finding the ball and making a play, which led to him racking up 105 tackles as a sophomore. He added 779 yards and seven touchdowns as a running back. He has two monster seasons coming.
Khiler Nance, Lamar
Since the beginning of Scott Bailey Football at Lamar, the Tigers have kept a guy in the middle that is an absolute menace and Nance is the latest in that role. When the ball is snapped, he’s not retreating and he’s bringing the thunder with every hit. He had 102 tackles last year and is entering his third season as a starter.
Jonathan Williams, Joplin
If you’re going to be a linebacker playing in the COC, you have to be able to do it all and Williams is that kind of guy; there aren’t many holes in his game. He can run down plays sideline to sideline, he covers in space and he can even rush the passer. He totaled 96 tackles last year and earned All-COC honors.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Carson Allen, Mountain Grove
Kolbey Ballowe, Rogersville
Devin Adams, Central
Christian Brock, Webb City
Henry Campbell, Nevada
Javen Finkbone, Branson
Cole Gimlin & Kendall Curbow, Republic
Tyler Henry, Skyline
Isaiah Hopper, Waynesville
Griffin Jones, Lebanon
Mason McCurry, Bolivar
Trustin Richards, Rolla
Brody Rutledge, Liberty
Johnny Starks & Bentley Rowden, Carl Junction
Jack Whitlinger, Clever
Ethan Whitlock, Aurora
