2023 Season Countdown: #96 Jason Hewlett

 

Jason Hewlett (image via Twitter)

Name: Jason Hewlett
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 215 lbs.
High school: Youngstown (OH) Chaney
Position: Linebacker
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Hewlett was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 59 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles on defense. He also recorded 14 catches for 317 yards and 3 touchdowns on offense, adding 2 defensive scores and 1 kickoff return touchdown.
TTB Rating: 81

Hewlett is a wild card from the 2023 class. As a 6'3", 215 lb. wide receiver, kick returner, linebacker, and edge rusher in high school, he could play a variety of roles in college. While offense is probably not in the cards, Jim Harbaugh could probably turn him into a pretty decent H-back. With that speed and a decent frame, he could be a tough cover for defenders, but he might struggle with the blocking aspect.

But I digress.

Hewlett is more of a defensive athlete who could be an inside linebacker, turn into an outside linebacker, or even eventually put his hand down to play defensive end. I think his best spot is outside linebacker where he could potentially be a more explosive Jaylen Harrell. He's not going to be that this season, though, and Harrell wasn't a contributor as a freshman, either. Hewlett needs a year of bodily development and probably needs to focus on one position for a bit. He might get some garbage time snaps in a few games this year, but I expect it to be four or fewer so he can redshirt this season.

Prediction: Redshirt