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West Columbia (SC) As I continue to go through the different groups and phases of the football team and look a the strongest units, there is a lot of good linebacker groups. This group, like the defensive line, has several players who are major division I prospects and some whom have committed already. Here is a look at hte top linebacker groups in this segment of the Midlands Elite Units: The Linebackers
1. DUTCH FORK SILVER FOXES
One of the Midlands’ top linebacker is here, Chandler Perry (5’8,190), anchnors this group down. One of my favorite guys is John Buetow (5’10,215), who is an absolute physical beast. He will play in the middle, outside on the edge and even line up on the line. Senior Jaylen Hinton (6’0,200) will start this year and he is physical. Last season, even as a back up, he was the team’s fourth leading tackler. Paul Taylor (5’8,185) will see some time at safety but more than likely play on the edge as an outside linebacker. This is the strongest linebacker group in the midlands without a doubt.
2. LAKEWOOD GATORS
This is a very strong group of players. Junior Seneca Moore (6’2,205) may be one of hte top two or three LBs in the Midlands. He is joned by seniors Divon Woods (5’10,175), Jayden Jones (5’9,185) and Ryan Ridgil (6’0,180). Woods, Jones and Ridgil will all play both ways. This group is even stronger because, like Dutch Fork, they have a very good secondary playing behind them.
3. SWANSEA TIGERS
The Tigers return four senior starters to this group; they are seasoned and they are physical. Ricky Tyler (6’2,205) is one of the hardest hitting defensive guys in the Midlands. Chance Knight (5’10,220) is another hard hitter, as are Isaiah Dye (5’8,175) and Lydell Zeigler (5’10,205).
4. SPRING VALLEY VIKINGS
The Vikings return two solid starters at this position with Evan Javis (6’0,200) and David Wilson (6’1,220). Both of those guys are big, fast and physical. Joining them will be senior Jhorden Charles (5’8,190) and Ja’Kedrick “Jay” Davis (6’0,190). This is a very fast linebacker group who will be quick to the ball.
5. AC FLORA FALCONS
The Falcons have a group of fierce hitters and all are solid tacklers. This is a big and very athletic group of defenders. Returning seniors John Friday (5’10,185) and Mason Little (6’1,210) will anchor this group. Juniors Eric McClain (5’10,185) and Albert Perkins (6’1,215) are both very physical players, as well. Another player you will see in the lineup is Noah Kelson (5’9,190)
6. CA JOHNSON HORNETS
It’s no secret that I like Hornets’ linebacker Terrell Hopkins (6’3,190) as one of the most under rated players in the Midlands. He is a stud linebacker and he is joined by some good athletes in this group. Davan Rice (5’8,170) will rotate in this group along with starters Nygel Leake (5’9,70), Tavian Mitchell (5’10,175) and Rafael McKinney (5’11,200). This program does not get a lot of love from local media, nor supposedly “state-wide” sports sites but they are talented and one of the best groups of LBs in the Midlands.
7. WHITE KNOLLL TIMBERWOLVES
This is a very physical group of players and they are going to be aggressive. Junior Demenico Banks (5’11,230) returns after having a 79 tackle season last year. Jaiden Kimble (6’0,190), who will play WR, will also be in at linebacker. Junior Hayden Cushman (6’0,190). Junior Nick Pierce (6’1,195) is a guy who will play up on the edge but is athletic enough to drop back into this group, as well.
8. CHAPIN EAGLES
I like this group of linebackers. Seniors Nolan Beerman (6’0,175) and Van Vollenhoven (5’10,180) are both great with their different skills. Beerman is more of a rangy, lateral sideline to sideline guy while Vollenhoven is a downhill hitter. Sophomore Tanner Short (5’10,190) got a lot of playing time as a freshman is very strong in this group. The fourth guy and first year starter is junior Tyler Childs (5’11,215) and he can bring the lumber, as well.
9. FAIRFIELD CENTRAL GRIFFINS
The Griffins are always physical on defense and they return four starters at the linebacker spot. Seniors Stephano Gadsen (5’9,185) is back, along with JaShaun Manning (5’10,210) and CJ Sampson (5’10,180). Junior Myles Robertson (5’10,200) is back after having started as a sophomore for the Griffins. This is a solid group.
10. ANDREW JACKSON VOLUNTEERS
This is a very good group for the Volunteers. Senior Fuller Sims (6’1,200) is one of the top linebackers in the Midlands. He’s a phsyical player with good range and fierce tackler. He is joined by senior Kobly Waters (5’10,215) and Junor Kaden Hornsby (5’10,170). Look for junior Trey Thompson (5’11,205) to rotate in at linebacker, as well. He is the starting running back for the Vols. Seniors Tay Herbert (5’11,230) and Jace Fair (5’9,185) will also be in the rotation.
