As we continue to feature the defensive side of the ball for the 2024 Arizona high school football season, it's time to rate the second layer. The linebackers. There are plenty of game-changers at that position in this state. Coaches provided input for these rankings.
The Arizona Republic's Top 10 linebackers
1. Hudson Dunn, Peoria Liberty, 6-1, 215, Jr.
He already has nine major college football offers since his sophomore season, a breakout year in which he had 52 tackles and 15 sacks for the Open state champions. Liberty could have the best defense in the state, and it starts with Dunn.
2. Carlos Montoya Jr., Sahuarita Walden Grove, 5-9, 215, Sr.
Quick, tough, flies to the ball. He's a tremendous athlete who plays both sides of the ball. He had 125 tackles, 26.5 for losses, during the 2023 season. He also had 4.5 sacks, three interceptions, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. Relentless in the weight room and on the field.
3. Jameson Wade, Mesa Red Mountain, 6-1, 225, Jr.
He made first-team all-region last year when he had 85 tackles and eight sacks for the 6A runner-up Lions. Expect him to have an even better junior season. Offenses have to plan around him.
4. Beckham Barney, Mesa Mountain View, 6-3, 205, Sr.
He has committed to California. He'll continue to fill in and will only get stronger once he gets to college. He's a gamechanger now in high school with his toughness and ability to move sideline to sideline. He had 145 tackles, 13 for losses, in '23.
5. Dinos Drossos, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, 6-4, 210, Sr.
He's got everything you want in a linebacker: speed, agility, instincts, length, and he's a punishing hitter. He has a Nebraska offer.
6. Cody Wells, Scottsdale Notre Dame, 6-3, 210, Sr.
This Nevada commit will be in his fourth year starting on varsity. A natural leader who has made big gains every year. He had 81 tackles, 7.5 for losses, last year.
7. Bastian Vanden Bosch, Phoenix Brophy Prep, 6-1, 190, Jr.
A talented athlete, he lives in the weight room. Explosive and fast, he'll break out big his junior season. His father Kyle played defensive end in the NFL and is an assistant coach at Brophy Prep.
8. Jaylyn Colter, Phoenix Mountain Pointe, 6-2, 195, Jr.
He keeps moving up the ranks as an athletic, hard-hitting linebacker, who can play inside and outside. He had 68 tackles and four sacks as a sophomore, despite missing the first half of the season due to the transfer rules.
9. Beau Jandreau, Chandler Hamilton, 6-1, 190, Jr.
His twin brother Niko is a standout safety. Beau is a hybrid who can also play strong safety. He'll be all over the place on defense, making plays for the Huskies. Tough, hard-nosed, athletic, possesses great ball skills.
10. Aidan Browder, Chandler, 6-1, 210, Sr.
Athletic, he runs 40 yards in 4.5 seconds. He committed in June to Northern Arizona. He had a major impact on defense as a junior with 68 tackles and two fumble recoveries. His hard work in the weight room will make him a force his senior year.
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona high school football 2024 preview: The Republic's Top 10 linebackers
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