National Preps Showcase Position Breakdown: Linebackers

&nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="190338" first="Blake" last="Nichelson"], Manteca HS</strong></em> Nichelson is one of the top players in the entire Western Region and has showed out at every event he has attended. Able to play both ways, he projects as a inside linebacker in college and displayed his elite speed and movement abilities while showing that he continuing to pack on more weight leading into his Senior season. &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="145235" first="Jerry" last="Mixon"], Sacred Heart Cathedral HS</strong></em> Mixon was the top linebacker in attendance and had a very impressive showing while running well and showing impressive cover abilities in the one on one’s downfield while also taking some reps at running back. He has elite length and a long frame that can pack on more weight and he showed good short area explosion and fluid hips in space. Although a true thumper, he has very under-rated athleticism and is another one of the top two-way guys in the state. &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="282692" first="Jackson" last="Cahoon"], Saint Francis HS</strong></em> Cahoon is another young star that will emerge across the Bay Area this season while playing for one of the best teams in the state. Versatile and athletic with good ball skills and fluid in transition, he can play multiple positions and is not afraid to drop in the box and hit. Although flying under the radar right now, it won’t be long until schools start taking notice of the ’25 prospects abilities. &nbsp; <em><strong>Tyler Jacklich, Central Catholic</strong></em> Jacklich has a terrific day and picked up his first offer from Idaho the week after the event. He is an explosive player that good foot speed and extremely tough and physical at the POA. Playing all over the field, he should find his home at outside linebacker in college as he can cover in space and is s high IQ kid with a quick trigger on the outside. In the run game, he explodes through contact and takes good angles to ball carriers while showing strong closing speed. He will no doubt collect other FCS interest in the coming months and through his senior season. &nbsp; <em><strong>Frankie Tagoai, Wilcox HS</strong></em> Tagoai is a plug in the middle and one of the top defenders the CCS has to offer. Physical in the box, he weaves through traffic well while tracking ball carriers backside and closing fast. He plays with a good pad level in the box and can shock bigger blockers while athletic enough to rush the passer from multiple angles and plays with a very high motor. He is a true inside linebacker that can make an impact at the next level. &nbsp; <em><strong>Mario Savala, Central Catholic</strong></em> Savala worked out with both the linebackers and defensive line on the day and showed good power and length while having a nice frame that could turn to him having his hand in the dirt at the college level. Although raw at the position, he is strong at the POA and a smart edge player with a nice shock and the ability to quickly get off blocks. &nbsp; <em><strong>RL Miller, Sacred Heart Cathedral HS</strong></em> Miller is one of the most impressive lengthy athletes across the Bay Area and has very nice position versatility on both sides of the ball as he can make an impact on any of the back two levels. Over the weekend, he showed good long speed, natural ball skills and high point ability with the range to recover if beat with his length and PBU abilities. He is well coached and will only continue to grow and develop and has a FBS ceiling. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Other Top Linebackers...</strong></span> <em>Tiago Armstrong, Central Catholic</em> <em>Jake Hall, Oak Ridge HS</em> <em>[player_tooltip player_id="261794" first="Santino" last="Acevedo"], Cardinal Newman HS</em> <em>Henry Ellis, Petaluma HS</em> <em>Dylan Lee, East Union HS</em> <em>Milan Reilly, Pleasant Grove HS</em> <em>[player_tooltip player_id="190441" first="Nathan" last="Rooks"], St. Vincent de Paul HS</em> <em>[player_tooltip player_id="25405" first="Dubee" last="Lopa"], Grant HS</em>