​Eagles to return experienced linebacker group in 2024

by Michael Smith


The Grain Valley defense has been a big part of the success in recent years for the football team.
The Eagles have won four consecutive district championships and have advanced to the Class 5 state quarterfinals each of those seasons as well. In 2023, the Eagles defense was solid, allowing 20.5 points per game.

The linebacker group was a big part of that as players had to step up in the absence of then-senior Brody Baker, a middle linebacker who missed the entire season due to a torn ACL, MCL, and a partially torn PCL and meniscus.

Two of those guys were seniors Toby Inman and Aiden Woodrome, who split time at middle linebacker last year and will return to the 2024 squad that features and experienced linebacker corps.

Junior Brett Boyle will likely see time at linebacker this coming fall, as well, as he got some varsity playing time in 2023. Lucas Jurgensmeyer, a junior, likely would have received playing time last season if not for a knee injury that kept him out. Junior Cayden King is also someone who could see playing time at the position, too.

The group will be led by Woodrome and Inman. Inman has emerged as one of the leaders of the team and the defense, head coach David Allie said. He had a strong 2023 campaign as he had 35 tackles, seven of which were for a loss. He was also tied with three teammates for the team lead in sacks with three.

Inman noted his biggest strength is coming off the edge and getting sacks, which is one of his favorite things to do. For 2024, he has set some high goals for himself.

“I am trying to get all-state this year for sure,” said Inman, who missed four games in 2023 due to a bruised femur. “That’s been my goal since sophomore year. I want to get 100 tackles.”

In the offseason, Inman said he has been working on getting stronger so he can put bigger hits on opposing ball carriers.

Woodrome, on the other hand, is working on getting out of his stance faster and developing his tackling form. Allie said the senior has a high football IQ and has a strong understanding of defensive coordinator Matt Curts’ defensive schemes. That is part of the reason he is set to be a middle linebacker in 2024, while Inman will play on the outside.

“I am pretty good at getting the defense set and getting downhill and reading my keys and making plays,” said Woodrome, who has a goal of getting 85 tackles and getting first-team honors in the Suburban White Conference.

Added Allie: “He is working hard to improve to put hit on opposing ball carriers. He has had room to grow since last year and has been growing all summer for us.”

Boyle will also be playing on the outside along with Inman. He had nine tackles, one for a loss and a half sack in 2023.

“(Boyle) is a strong kid,” Allie said. “He’s got great courage. He’s not afraid. He’ll keep that outside arm free like he’s supposed to and come up on a block and go through it. He’s not as long as some outside linebackers that you may see. He makes up for it with his technique and intelligence. He’s a smart kid who knows where the ball is going to be.”

As a group, Allie said the linebackers have a strong understanding of the schemes and collectively have a high football IQ, but of course there are areas in which they can improve, he said.

“We are still working on stopping the run,” Allie said. “They will also have to work on stopping teams like Platte County by dropping into pass coverage and getting pressure on the quarterback in the backfield. They can handle the schematics thanks to the playing time they had last year.”

Because of experience the Eagles are bringing back at linebacker, this could be another year the defense has a strong overall performance as it has in recent years.

“We always bring it,” Inman said. “Our opponents don’t like playing our defense because of how our intensity is on the field and how we hit.

​I think we are going to do just as good or better than last year.”

Seniors Toby Inman, left, and Aiden Woodrome will lead an experienced linebacker group for the Grain Valley football team. Photo credit: Michael Smith