Alan Iverson’s rant about “practice” will never NOT be funny–nor will it get old. Of course, practice is pretty essential in this sport, and you knida-sorta have to practice at being one of the best linebackers around–as a sophomore. So in the immortal words–paraphrased of course–man, we’re talking ’bout production–you want production? Here’s your production.

Jesuit’s Braden Gilby (6-2/217) has already set a standard for himself at the linebacker position that would make other sophomores cringe when it comes to the numbers and to the impact he’s had for the Tigers this past season. Gilby was a member of the JV team his freshman season–a team that went undefeated at 7-0–then made his away up to the varsity only to become the leading tackler and team’s Defensive MVP in his first season–a season that saw the Tigers go 13-1 and undefeated in the regular season.

Gilby’s pretty much why you’re looking for when it comes to watching him play the middle linebacker position for his squad just two years into his high school career and the numbers are simply staggering. Gilby finished the season with 128 tackles–67 solo and 14 t/l’s–while accumulating eight sacks and four hurries as well. He was credited with two interceptions, four passes defensed, two caused fumbles and two recoveries.

That was good enough to earn him the previously mentioned Defensive MVP for his team plus 1st-team defense for both the Times and the Tribune as well as 3rd-team All-BCP honors. All of that plus he’s been invited to Xecutives by way of his performance at Ignite.