Name: Joel Metzger
Height: 6’1"
Weight: 226 lbs.
High school: Battle Creek (MI) Lakeview
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #54
Last year: I ranked Metzger #114 and said he would be a backup linebacker (LINK). He played in two games on special teams.
TTB Rating: N/A
Metzger redshirted in 2022 but had a pretty decent couple years for a redshirt freshman walk-on. Not only did he play in two games last year, but he was named Special Teams Scout Team Player of the Year in 2022. That seems to be a good upward trajectory for a young player, going from scout team player of the year to getting in two games. One would expect him to play even more in 2024. I still don't think he'll be a factor in the linebacker rotation, but he seems to be developing into a solid player. We'll see if new special teams coach J.B. Brown thinks of him in the same way as the departed Jay Harbaugh.
Prediction: Backup linebacker, special teamer
Metzger got himself a nice little NIL deal with a car dealership somewhere near Battle Creek. He should maybe go knock on Metzger's door, get himself some Rouladen and Spatzle. Bulk up a bit more.
ReplyDeleteUsually the guys getting accolades on the scout team end up seeing the field in some capacity. Sounds like we can expect to see him with a real role on special teams in 2024.
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