Michael Lazarus is a consensus three-star linebacker, per the 247Sports composite rankings from Berkeley (Calif.) High School. He has drawn the attention to some of the bigger programs in the state and has scholarship offers from the likes of Cal, Fresno State, Washington, Washington State, Wisconsin and San Jose State.
Michael Lazarus scouting report: Talented linebacker recruit
Student Sports
There is some disagreement among the major recruiting services about where to play the 6’2, 205-pound Lazarus at the college level. Scout projects him to play inside linebacker and ranks him No. 18 at his position; both 247Sports and Rivals concur, ranking him 11th and 17 at ILB, respectively. ESPN, on the other hand, projects him at outside linebacker, ranking him 138th at that position. Scout, Rivals and ESPN all regard him as a three-star recruit, though 247Sports has given him four stars.
You can follow Lazarus on Twitter right here.
Derrell Warren, West Coast Recruiting Analyst (@yssd): Lazarus is a linebacker recruit with a nice frame and really good athleticism. He’s not necessarily the most refined prospect, but he carries a healthy amount of upside.
Lazarus blends a nice mix of athleticism and physicality. He’s physical at the point of attack and explosive on contact. However, I would like to see sharper instincts and reactive quickness prior to him attacking downhill. At times he seems to spend a tick longer to read the play than he probably should.
He shows really good range tracking down runs from the play-side and might be even better in backside pursuit. He directs well in space and projects to be the type of player excels running down ball carriers on perimeter runs. He’s also a strong wrap-tackler who plays with excellent leverage and surrenders minimal yards after contact.
He’s a player who doesn’t shy away from or run around blockers. He needs to do a better job at actually slipping blocks however, as he will get into one on one battles with blockers and lose ground in pursuit. When he better uses his length to keep his frame clean, and takes more efficient angles, that will unlock his potential even further. His short area burst and explosion would translate even more effectively.
