‘The Prototype’: Baylor Commitment Profile on LB Christian Brathwaite
CYPRESS, Texas – One of the primary building blocks of the Baylor Bears’ 2023 recruiting class comes from the linebacker position, as he makes plays from sideline to sideline, and being a physical presence across the gridiron. Here is a breakdown of his game and what he brings when he steps on the field.
Christian Brathwaite
Size: 6-3, 225 pounds
Position: Linebacker
School: Cypress (Texas) Cypress Ranch
Class: 2023
Recruitment
A Baylor commitment, Brathwaite also has offers from California, Colorado, Tennessee, Prairie View A&M, Texas Tech and Kansas. Brathwaite’s rankings speak volumes, as his Rivals ratings have him listed at the No. 56-ranked player in Texas and ranked as the No. 12 nationally rated linebacker. Brathwaite’s rating is similar for 247Sports, as he’s the No. 24 linebacker nationally and comes in at No. 50 overall in Texas in the class of 2023.
First Impression
Brathwaite has broad shoulders, long and lengthy arms and a thick trunk with a powerful lower half which allows him to deliver a powerful punch when he engages offensive lineman at the point of attack. At 6-3, 225, Brathwaite has a frame that is tailor-made for the next level. He will be able to handle the physical pounding between the tackles, while also possessing the athleticism to play in space within the passing game.
Film Breakdown
Brathwaite is a disruptive force in the Cypress Ranch 3-4 defensive scheme. He is active, plays with smart aggression, and stays under control. His excellent vision allows him to read and diagnose plays quickly. Brathwaite is decisive and intentional when he blitzes and has great anticipation, which makes him a key contributor to the Cypress Ranch blitz package.
Brathwaite has been virtually unstoppable the past three seasons on the Cypress Ranch defense. During his 2020 season, he showed versatility by lining up as a standup outside linebacker. Using his length and stout build, Brathwaite set the edge well, didn’t allow lineman to get into his chest by using proper leverage. Brathwaite also shows an explosive burst off the edge, which not only led to sacks and turnovers, but also meant he contributed on special teams by blocking kicks and punts.
Brathwaite is the prototypical linebacker in today’s game because he has the athletic ability to hit an offense from any angle, has the foot speed to cover running backs and can shift over to cover players lined up in the slot. Brathwaite takes proper pursuit angles and his closing speed allows him to make plays in space. Brathwaite has a nonstop motor and plays until the whistle is blown.
Future Projection
This is a young man that can help the Baylor program during the early stages of his career. Brathwaite is a cerebral player who has exceptional athleticism to line up at multiple linebacker positions. In the pass-happy Big XII you have to have linebackers that tackle well in the open field with ability to cover spread offenses that have speedy wideouts as well as running backs.
Additionally, linebackers in the Big XII have to be stout against the run and Brathwaite has proven that he possesses the physical makeup to shut down a rushing attack. Overall, this is a player that can be a three-down linebacker at the college level, making Brathwaite a great pickup for Baylor.