Here is a short list of some of the top prospects to know in the class of 2024 on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker. These players have made names for themselves and will develop into names that could be known not only here in the state of Texas but nationally.
CJ Miller (24) | 5’11, 200 | LB | Anna
Miller looks like he could mold into a dominant middle linebacker who is very athletic, can read plays, and cover the entire field side line to sideline. Shows good technique making plays on the football, shows he can read the quarterbacks eyes and bait throws his way. Also shows his study of game film and knowing opponents tendency. Last season CJ was a tackling machine totaling 131 tackles, 69 solo, 1 fumble recovery, 4 QB hurries, and 2 sacks. No offers as of yet, but plenty of interest for a player who looks he could do well at the next level.
Dillon Dixon (24) | 6’1, 215 | LB | North Shore
Dillon could very well be one of the top line backers in his class here in the state of Texas. Look for him to develop into one of the top middle linebackers in his class for North Shore. He’s got a great lengthy,– athletically built frame with long arms and looks like an unstoppable force of distraction on the field. Has the speed to track down any ball carrier and shows excellent open-field tackling ability, can also cover sideline to sideline. Get the popcorn ready ladies and gents,Dillon coming downhill is a scary site to see; this guy can light up some ball carries like Christmas tree’s. FBS prospects with a high ceiling for success at the next level and make an immediate impact and be a leader on that defense for any respective program.
Brandon Jones (24) | 6’1, 190 | MLB | South Oak Cliff
Jones is one that could land on a bunch of recruiting boards and be one who in short amount of time could pick up all the stars, awards, and the highest of rankings. He’s got excellent size frame with long arms, a very rangy player that can cover the entire back half of the field himself and is a leader on defense at that middle linebacker position for South Oak Cliff. Very physical at the point of the attack, physicality translates to his tackling shows he can explode into the backfield and get to quarterbacks in the blink of an eye with impressive speed and agility. Will be one special player for years to come.
Ty’Anthony Smith (24) | 6’1, 185 | LB | Jasper
Anthony is the next prospect up that everyone needs top know about, an elite linebacker who will be on a lot of recruiting boards. This is a special player with great size, a lean build, and be one who can lockdown the middle of the field or come off the edge and get after the QB or make a TFL. FBS caliber prospect that could end up with 20-30 offers plus and be ranked as one of the tops in his class. Huge potential for success at the next level and possibly beyond.
Dakyus Brinkley (24) | 6’3, 220 | LB | Seven Lakes
Brinkley is an elite outside linebacker who could very well be ranked nationally among the elite in his class. He has a lengthy, athletic frame with long arms and a solid build. He can come flying off the edge and can beat blockers with his speed, swim or hand moves. Also shows the ability to drop back in coverage and shut down receivers. Shows the athleticism to trail receivers, get his head around and make a play on the football. FBS caliber prospect who will be special at the next level as he continues to develop and add more mass to an already impressive frame.
Kyland Reed (24) | 6’1, 190 | LB | Mansfield Summit
They say speed kills and well Reed’s got plenty of it. His speed of the edge, paired with his long lengthy frame and arms, make him a hard defend for most to block. Very physical in his play, Reed could be considered a lethal edge rusher who shows some dangerous hand moves, and sometimes— never even going untouched into the backfield. Shows the athleticism to stand up or put his hand in the ground. An FBS caliber athlete who deserves all of the stars and offers.
CJ Miller (24) | 5’11, 200 | LB | Anna
Miller looks like he could mold into a dominant middle linebacker who the nation knows about. He shows he can be very athletic, can read plays, and cover the entire field. Has the speed and athletics to run down ball carriers and fill gaps. Shows excellent technique making plays on the football. Last season CJ was a tackling machine totaling 131 tackles, 69 solo, 1 fumble recovery, 4 QB hurries, and 2 sacks.
