Linebackers from the region to keep an eye on in 2024

By Jordan Burton (for OzarksSportsZone.com)

There are many talented linebackers in our coverage area, which includes more than 60 teams. Below are some of the best linebackers to keep an eye on this season. This list is organized alphabetically.

NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on any of our SEVEN other soccer watchlists. In order to highlight as many players as possible, A PLAYER CAN ONLY APPEAR ON ONE LIST.

The football watch lists we publish include: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers/Tight Ends, Offensive Linemen, Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.

Brock Bruner, Fair Grove

This Fair Grove team is loaded with talent in the form of guys who could play at any level in Missouri, and Bruner fits that mold. He was an all-state player as a junior and finished his career with 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He committed to SEMO after receiving multiple offers during the winter and spring. Opponents can also expect him to have multiple touches on offense.

Parker Elliott, Ozark

Elliott is a true middle linebacker who had a fantastic junior season in which he totaled 136 tackles and forced three fumbles. In the COC, more and more teams have moved away from traditional spread offenses and are playing a physical brand of football, and Elliott is all about action, neck rolls and all. He was the MVP at the KC Varsity Combine and should have plenty of coaches following him this season.

Rolly Fisher, Forsyth

As a sophomore, he was the Mid-Lakes’ best defensive player. As a third-year sophomore, opposing offenses did everything they could to make sure he didn’t interfere with their efforts. He finished the season with 97 tackles, two forced and recovered fumbles and seven tackles for loss, while also rushing for 19 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards. He’s a two-way player, but with Forsyth healthy, Fisher should be able to put more energy into leading the defense in this historic season.

Noah Garrison, Sarcoxia

Garrison is unique in that he is a small school player with a transferable game and physique; if you swapped his jersey with that of any other player in the COC, you wouldn’t bat an eyelid. As a junior, he totaled 124 tackles and 13 tackles for loss and excelled as a downhill backer who loves to play at the line of scrimmage. Garrison also rushed for 1,248 yards and 16 touchdowns on just 138 carries. He is one of the most dynamic seniors in the area.

Trey Hardin, Neosho

He’s a little skinnier than some of the backers on this list, but that’s also the direction the game has evolved; coaches prefer linebackers with more athleticism and range. Hardin has both and, at 6’2″, has real top-end speed while also being able to cover in space. As a junior, he had 120 tackles and five tackles for a loss. He will once again be the emotional leader for Neosho.

Alex Judd, West Plains

Judd has led West Plains in tackles the past two seasons and was named All-Ozark Conference both years. As a junior, he finished the season with 115 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. His family regularly produces elite athletes and he is just the latest example. At 6’2″ and 220 pounds, he has transferable size and athleticism that keeps coaches coming to him on Fridays.

Mason McCurry, Bolivar

McCurry is back after an all-state season as a junior, and the things he does on defense are just special. Think of Luke Kuechly. He can attack the passer, stop the run, cover in the open area, and help make up for any mistakes that happen along the way with his top-end speed. He’ll see more play at the skill positions on offense this season.

Jacob Shinkarevich, Rogersville

As a sophomore, he had a team-high 123 tackles, but missed most of last year due to a torn ACL. He’s a high-IQ linebacker who is a sure tackler and can also cover backs and tight ends. He made a great impression at SBU camp, and Evangel has already extended an offer. Expect a great season from Shinkarevich.

Drake Murrell, Warsaw

It’s rare for players to be both a linebacker and a receiver at the high school level, but Murrell is one such athlete. He led Warsaw’s defense, which finished second in the district, with 100 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions. The all-state player can both stop the run and cover in space, making him a problem for opposing offenses.

Sterling Sederwall, Camdenton

His 125 tackles as a junior led Camdenton and earned him All-Ozark Conference honors. We won’t see as much from the Lakers now that the Ozark Conference is split, but Sederwall is one of the most productive linebackers returning to high school football this fall.

Nik Thieman, Lockwood

8-man football is a different game and Thieman is a different player. He covers a ton of ground, hits anything that moves and is as versatile as can be. He could have been on several different lists after finishing with 1,621 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns. Defensively, he added 96 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and six interceptions. Along with Logan Pittsenbarger and Owen Patterson, this could be a special Lockwood group.

Everett Campbell, Salem
Ammon Crockett, Ash Grove
Matt Cutbirth, Aurora
Maddox Feagin, McDonald County
Will Funderburk, Branson
Brayden Kent, Rogersville
Roman Miller, Seneca
Hunter Morse, Cassville
Carter Pruitt, Marshfield
Ryder Ross, Strafford
Avery Starnes, Lebanon