Lincoln College Prep senior linebacker Jayden McGee is undersized for the position and he knows it.
Still, McGee is a sure tackler and a ballhawking defender. He has a knack for finding the football. He routinely tees off on ball carriers, using his wiry frame and high football IQ to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
Mind you, McGee, a three-year varsity player for the Blue Tigers, is the size of a safety playing linebacker. He is fearless at the point of attack and packs a wallop upon contact.
McGee works on drills designed for DBs. The improved footwork is paying major dividends.
In the Blue Tigers' 56-0 Week 8 win over Southeast, McGee scored two defensive touchdowns and recovered two fumbles. He had a pick-6 interception return against the Knight and fell on a loose ball in the end zone for a score.
"The first few years I was just focused on learning how to tackle," McGee said. "I'm more like a DB at linebacker. I've been working on DB drills with my coaches trying to get at the ball more."
Led by McGee and an opportunistic defense, Lincoln Prep will travel to Sumner Academy, 4-3, for the regular season finale for both teams.
The contest at Schlagle is the DiPasquale Moore/PrepsKC Metro Game of the Week.
On the field, the Blue Tigers haven't lost in almost two months, riding an unofficial 7-game winning streak. Officially, Lincoln Prep is 1-7. The Blue Tigers were stripped of five wins for using an ineligible player.
Lincoln Prep is primed for a playoff run. Sumner, a young, resilient bunch, won't play possum. After a winless start to the season, the Sabres have won four straight games.
Head coach Andrew Wright's team has grown after each loss. Sumner plays a tough, physical style of football that should match up well against Lincoln Prep.
The Blue Tigers better be ready.
