Here are 10 WNC linebackers to watch down the stretch of the 2023 high school football season
The linebacker position is typically referred to as the leader of the defense. Western North Carolina's core group of linebackers is full of strong defenders and tacklers.
As the state playoffs approach, here are 10 linebackers who could have a big impact on their team's postseason hopes, listed alphabetically by school. Statistics provided by MaxPreps.
Asher Hartzog, Avery County: Hartzog already has more solo tackles and tackles for loss than he did all of last season, with 37 and 8.5, respectively, through five games. He has 61 total tackles in 2023.
Coleman Smith, Brevard: The junior linebacker has 71 tackles, averaging just over 10 tackles per game. He registered a season-high 16 tackles in a win over Erwin on Sept. 1.
Luke Climbingbear, Cherokee: Climbingbear's 65 tackles pace the Smoky Mountain Conference, and he's added four sacks.
Cayden Jones, Christ School: The Alabama commit has recorded 54 tackles, including seven tackles for loss and two sacks.
Taylor McClure, Hayesville: McClure has 11.5 tackles for loss, nearly one-third of his 38 total tackles. He also has two sacks, a fumble recovery and two blocked field goals.
Max Shelton, Madison: The sophomore is among the leaders in the Western Highlands Conference with 13 tackles for loss and has recorded 53 total tackles.
Rylan Cooper, Mitchell: Cooper is sixth in Class 1A with 83 tackles, including nine tackles for loss and two sacks.
WEEK 9 TOP 10: WNC high school football power rankings Week 9 with a shakeup after three top 10 showdowns
Antonio Simpson, Polk County: Simpson has 24 tackles for loss, nearly half of his 56 total tackles. Both numbers are easily career bests for the senior.
Cohen Bohanon, Roberson: Bohanon has 88 tackle, the second-best number in Class 4A. The junior is averaging nearly 13 tackles per game and has recorded four tackles for loss.
Walker Bolden, Tuscola: Bolden leads the Mountain 7 with 56 tackles and has eight quarterback hurries and two sacks.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: WNC high school football: 10 linebackers to watch down the stretch
