Linebackers are like the quarterback of the defense. Normally, they’re the ones who make adjustments and keep everything moving smoothly. They do it all on defense. They sack the QB, force fumbles, grab interceptions, and stuff the run. Coaches of these players should have a lot of confidence in their leaders of the second level on defense. These are our top 5 linebackers in the Summit Athletic Conference for 2019.
#1: Camden Rogers- Homestead
Camden Rogers had one of the most impressive stat lines from a season ago with 14 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks. While he spent a lot of time in opposing teams’ backfields, he also had 99 total tackles in last year, the most of any player who will be returning in the SAC. His explosiveness on defense will make him one of the most exciting players in 2019. Roger was All-SAC First Team last year, and Second Team in 2017.
#2: Hayden Ellinger- Bishop Dwenger
Dwenger’s stout defense in 2018 can be credited in part to the numbers Ellinger put up. 12 TFL and 10 sacks in his junior year mean that the 4A state champs will be returning an All-SAC caliber player for the 2019 season. Look for Ellinger to make some big plays on defense this year.
#3: Nik Martin- Homestead
Another senior Spartan makes the list as Homestead’s elite defense should explode this year. Like his teammate, Martin was all over the opposing offense last season with 10 TFL. He tallied 59 tackles, and three sacks as a junior in 2018. Homestead will be strong on the second and third level, and Martin could be in store for an even bigger season.
#4: Keshaun Fields- Wayne
You may recall Fields on our Top 5 Running Backs list where he was ranked #1. He also makes the cut on this list at #4. Because the body frame of running backs and linebackers is so similar, he shouldn’t have any problems being among the best on both sides of the ball. His impact on defense was limited last year, but in his senior season, expect Fields to be effective on defense as well as offense. Keshaun is the teams second-leading returning tackler with 31 last year.
#5: Nick Pezley- Snider
Pezley will be apart of a strong front 7 for the Panthers in the upcoming season. His 3 TFL and 1 sack are numbers that should improve in 2019. He’s Snider’s leading returner in tackles with 62.
Honorable Mentions:
Preston McElroy- North Side
North Side is a team that will have a few sneaky good players all over the field. With that being said, watch for Preston McElroy to make some plays at linebacker this season.
Cole Etchison- Homestead
Etchison is another Homestead linebacker to look out for, as he comes of a season in which he had 51 tackles and 2 forced fumbles and recoveries.
Manny Knight- South Side
It will be tough for South Side to be competitive in most games in 2019, but players like Manny Knight could be the difference between winning and losing this season for the Archers. Look for his hard work to pay off in his senior season.
Kameron Trotter- Snider
Look for Trotter to break out this year as another one of the best players on Snider’s defense.
Nick Birkmeier- Bishop Luers
Luers will need impact players this year after losing so many from last year. Birkmeier is one of them, coming off having 82 total tackles, and his experience should help the Knights to stay afloat on defense.
Cameron Webb- Wayne
Webb’s 42 total tackles last year with 6.5 TFL is a sign that he will be even more effective this season.
Devon Tippmann- Bishop Dwenger
Another RB/LB, Tippmann will be a fun player to watch on Friday nights and should get a good amount of time on the defensive side of the ball.
