IN The PIT – 2009 Third Edition:
In the RED CORNER: Brandon Linder – OT – St. Thomas Aquinas H.S. (Florida)
vs.
IN THE BLUE CORNER: Josh Shirley – DE – Kaiser High School (California)
In our two previous IN the PIT segments we had a running back go up against a linebacker. Then we had a wide receiver take on a defensive back. It seems only fitting now that we let the big boys have some fun. Afterall, this is called “IN the PIT” which means you have to get some big boys in this thing.
This time we have some East Coast vs. West Coast action. St. Thomas Aquinas’ Brandon Linder is the anchor of the offense for the #1 team in the country, Ft. Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas. Linder swats defensive linemen like flies. Don’t believe me, check the eye in the sky. A big part of the success enjoyed by St. Thomas’ offense that seemed to put up 45 points every game was Linder opening holes for the backs and keeping the QB upright. Linder will be a 3 year starter this fall and is on his way to whatever school he wants come signing day. However, the question is, for 48 minutes on a hot Friday Night, can Linder keep the Beast Josh Shirley off of his quarterback? Can he stop him from penetrating in the backfield and smashing the running back?
Fontana’s Kaiser High School has a one man wrecking crew. If you are a thirty something, you remember Tecmo Bowl and all the curse words you used when Lawerence Taylor kept jumping on your QB’s back and ruining your plays. That’s Josh Shirley. Few, if any players at the defensive end position are as explosive as Shirley. He shoots off the line like water out of fireman’s hose and runs down quarterbacks like special presentations on the National Geographic channel. Shirley recorded 17 sacks in 2008 playing against some good California talent. Shirley has the speed to play linebacker but he would much rather terrorize the front line with his array of moves and skilled position speed.
So, the question is, if we put them IN the PIT, could Brandon Linder keep Josh Shirley off his quarterback? Would he dominate Shirley like he has so many other defensive linemen? Would Shirley’s quickness be a nightmare for Linder or would Shirley be neutralized by Linder strength and technique?
Watch Brandon Linder’s Video ……………… Watch Josh Shirley’s Video
Who would win this matchup? Brandon Linder or Josh Shirley. We want to know. Tell us here…..
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Trevor Barsamian would run both of these dudes over.
trevor barsmian??? aint he on snoop doggs pop warner team???
never heard of him but josh shirley would win that battle
Brandon Linder would pancake Josh Shirley easily once he gets a hand on him so in reality all he has is a prayer he can blow by Brandon but he is very mobile and no slouch so in the end Mr. Linder would give his QB enough time to pick apart a defense.
Patrone Wood would make both of these dudes cry for mommy.
Brandon Linder hands down. I’ve seen shirley play and i’ve seen him at camps in 1 on 1 drills he has trouble with bigger guys. Linder is too big too strong and too fast too athletic for shirley. Shirley is undisciplined and forgets his on job on the defense too often. Shirleys pass rush is fast but he creates holes trying to go around players leaving running lanes for an athletic qb or a running back on a draw play.