Central Coast Section Tackle Leaders

Photo: Shay O’Kelly Hudl

Paul Gregorian November 2, 2022 @ 01:06 PM

LB [player_tooltip player_id='263505' first='Shay' last='O'Kelly'], Sacred Heart Prep   O'Kelly is one of the top linebackers across Northern California and should have a shot to play FCS ball as we get closer to NSD and recruiting boards start moving daily. He has tallied 113 tackles, 15 for loss, 2 sacks and averages 12.6 tackles per game and is a very high IQ kid that could find himself in the Ivy leagues. He has been one of the regions top defenders for the last couple years and leads one of the best defenses in the CCS.   LB Matthew Kennedy, Kings Academy HS   The Junior is one of the better '24 defenders across the Bay Area and should have a huge off-season. He currently has 111 tackles, 9 for loss and averages 12 tackles per game. He is a very high motor kid that runs through contact and brings a nice thump at the POA. In the run game, he can violently get off blocks and shoots gaps quickly with closing speed and a sure tackler in the open field.     LB [player_tooltip player_id='216087' first='Cort' last='Halsey'], Menlo School   Halsey is currently committed to North Carolina and is one of the best two-way players across the Bay Area. He can play multiple spots on defense from defensive end to inside/outside linebacker. He shows he has a natural feel for the game, instincts and quick play recognition while showing closing speed/range and can take good angles/tackle in space. Very physical at the POA and a high motor kid, he is at 96 total tackles and 2 TFL's this season for one of the best small school teams in Norcal.   LB [player_tooltip player_id='384948' first='Frank' last='Ward'], Terra Nova HS   Ward is a big thumper in the middle of Terra Novas defense and could find himself playing defensive end at the next level as well due to his size/movement near the LOS. His frame will allow him to pack on more weight and put his hand in the dirt at the college level. He has tallied 93 tackles, 4 for loss and is averaging over 10 tackles per game.   LB Roman Nicoletta, Leigh HS   The 2023 athlete has 94 total tackles and 1 sack and averages 11.8 tackles per game from his inside linebacker position. Although a bit undersized, he plays with a high motor, can tackle in space and shows closing speed/range outside the tackles.   LB Nethaniel Hernandez, St. Francis HS   Hernandez is the leading tackler across the entire CCS and has 118 total tackles, 18 coming for loss and 2.5 sacks. He averages 14.8 tackles per game.

LB Shay O’Kelly Shay O’Kelly 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Sacred Heart Prep | 2023 State CA , Sacred Heart Prep