Five-Star DL Lebbeus Overton Re-Classifies to 2022 Class, Lists Oklahoma in Top 5
Early Thursday Morning, five-star defensive lineman Lebbeus Overton announced that he plans to reclassify from the 2023 class to 2022.
The Alpharetta, Georgia native is currently listed as the No. 3 player in the 2023 class and the top defensive line recruit in the country. His reclassification will shake up the top of the rankings in the 2022 class as well;
“We talked about it and that decision is being made based on him staying healthy, already completing his academics, and going to the next level,” his mother Eunice Thomas told 247Sports. “It was best for him academically and athletically.”
Though Overton is just a junior, he already has four years of experience at the varsity level of football because he played up as an eighth-grader. He feels that jumping to the next level now will only help his game going forward.
“I feel like going to college earlier will help me develop as a person and a player,” Overton said.
Now that he is a member of the 2022 class, a decision is to be made fairly quickly, but Overton already has his list trimmed down to five candidates: Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Texas A&M.
Right now, the Aggies of Texas A&M are the favorites to land the 6-4 265 pound talent, but the race isn’t over just yet. It is expected that each of his five finalists will get a visit and one more crack at it.
As far as his game goes, 247Sports National Analyst Gabe Brooks sees similarities to San Francisco 49er’s Solomon Thomas.
“Adequate height with great length (around plus-6) that translates to varying roles in multiple fronts. Ample snaps as an end and a tackle in a four-man front. Also has gotten reps at in-line tight end and plays basketball as well. Functional athleticism is obvious on tape and supported by encouraging testing in Summer 2020 and Spring 2021. Pursuit speed and effort stand out. Active vs. the run with stack-and-shed ability. Showed expanded pass-rush nuance as a sophomore with a dangerous spin move off the edge. Also displayed strong rip that worked inside and from the edge. Good lateral range. Combination of physical tools and athleticism make for difficult blocking assignment. Play strength is not in question. Massive production as a sophomore (21.5 sacks, six FF) and freshman (19 sacks). Pass-rush ceiling will continue to rise as dip-and-bend ability improves. Ultimate positional home depends on physical development and scheme, but looks like one of the nation’s top prospects regardless of position in the 2023 class.”
That is high praise for a junior in high school, but it’s hard to argue when you see him play.
This will certainly be a race to keep up with in the coming weeks.
