PRZ Next Midwest Showcase: Linebacker Preview
Prep Redzone Next is holding the second, of three, one-day showcases this upcoming Sunday, April 24th, at Commisioners Park in Naperville, Illinois. The camp is designed for middle school athletes to compete in combine testing, individual position work and competitive one on work. Over 100 athletes are slated to come and compete.
Here’s a preview of some of the Defensive Linemen who have registered.
I think it’s clear the Big Dawg of this group should be Marcello Vitti Marcello Vitti 6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH Divine Child | 2026 State MI out of Michigan. Physically, he’s just on another level than many other 2026 prospects right now. He’s absolutely shredded and has next to no body fat at all. At 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds, he can run like a Running Back and lay the wood line a Linebacker. I think he will turn a lot of heads when he takes the field.
Illinois’ Cayden Brown is another Linebacker that certainly looks the part on film. He’s on the smaller side at 5-foot-6 and 130 pounds, however, he he’s quick and reacts suddenly. HIs speed is certainly one of his top traits, as he also runs track and plays Wide Receiver on the offensive side of the ball.
Illinois is also home to Daniel Owens, who I’m excited to see live. He’s a big, powerful Linebacker at 6-foot and 190 pounds. There’s no doubt he arrives with bad intentions, but I’m very interested to see how he moves in the combine testing drills. The Washington Junior High student-athlete has unquestioned strength, but where will he test out in the 40 yard dash? We’ll find out.