2025 Rankings: New Additions LB/DB

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you have not seen the 2025 rankings update, check it out <a href="https://prepredzone.com/new-york/rankings/2025-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. The LB class is deep and filled with DIII prospects, while the DB class has a bunch of room for guys to build and rise up the rankings. Some of these guys have a ton of varsity experience with proven production, and a few really shined in limited roles. Take a look at a very versatile group of LB/DBs who debut in our 2025 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["528336"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='528336' first='Jake' last='Marra'] is a quick instinctive linebacker that excels in space using his closing speed and open field tackling to make plays. Marra is one of the best linebacker in the state when it comes to keeping eyes on the quarterback in coverage and limiting there ability to get past the LOS and run. Marra also plays bigger than he is, solid at shedding blocks Marra is a really well rounded player who can impact the game against the run or the pass.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["648866"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Cardinal Hayes class of 2025 is a theme amongst our new additions and biggest riser and for the LB/DB group [player_tooltip player_id='648866' first='Ayden' last='Smartt'] is the name to know. Smartt is a smooth fluid athlete that does a good job both against the run and pass. Against the run, Smartt is quick enough to beat blockers using that quickness and get his hands on ball carriers around the LOS. In coverage, Smartt is athletic enough to align and cover from the slot or move inside and cover a TE/RB. Versatility is a big part of Smartt's game and that comes from being one of the better athletes at this position in the class.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["806440"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The first DB on this list [player_tooltip player_id='806440' first='Jaden' last='Medrano'] is a safety prospect that sees the game extremely well. Medrano is quick to close on the catch point and has some of the best ball skills in this class. Medrano is a solid athlete but he often wins on with his instincts and his eyes. Medrano is also a solid tackler and can bring down guys who are bigger without shying away from contact. A safety with solid range, good ball skills, and physicality as a tackler are three of the most important traits for a safety and Medrano does them all well.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["726199"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='726199' first='Joshua' last='Ernst'] already has good measurables for the position and the tape shows some really solid promise. Ernst has the tools where he can close and make plays on the ball, stay sticky mirroring his man in coverage, and making plays against the run. Where Ernst can take that next step is both in his consistency and finishing plays on the ball. Ernst knows how to perform in man coverage but turning good positioning and PDs into more turnovers is a key trait for CBs. Ernst has a well rounded game but there is a untapped potential there to keep an eye out for.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["806227"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='806227' first='Jesse' last='McCalip'] is one of the most underrated players, not just linebackers in the PSAL. McCalip is a very physical player at 220lbs and does a really good job of using his strength and power to get off blocks. McCalip is also a really solid tackler and finishes guys to the ground strong limiting their ability to push for extra yards. McCalip does a good job of reading and diagnosing running plays but could add some aggressiveness to get into the backfield to his game. McCalip is a budding prospect in this class who has a really high ceiling as a linebacker.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["648872"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='648872' first='Sean' last='Rooney'] out of Fordham Prep is explosive and always making plays in the backfield. Rooney does a good job of using some really solid upfield burst to get past the LOS and does a good job of finishing plays. In coverage Rooney is solid and finishes receivers right after the catch limiting their ability to extend plays. Rooney is already a good run defender but continuing to add more agility and quickness to his game would turn him into a more well rounded prospect.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["586423"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='586423' first='Donald' last='Ayodele'] has really good length at corner and is one of the better prospects in this class with pure coverage skills. Ayodele has good mirroring in man coverage and has the athleticism to stay sticky with wide receivers. Outside of coverage Ayodele is a solid tackler and willing to come up to the LOS and make plays. However, his best traits lie in coverage where Ayodele is tough to beat.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["450922"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='450922' first='Lucas' last='Shannon'] is really athletic and there could be a transition to safety or slot corner at the next level or even on offense where he plays tight end. Shannon is a good football player and the position he plays are just minor specifics. Shannon has good athleticism and good instincts in finding the ball. Shannon does a good job of fighting through blocks and he has a good motor fighting through traffic to find the ball. A really well-rounded linebacker who can build off a strong sophomore season.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["528281"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Jospeh Atkinson is a strong LB prospect out of Syracuse who has limited but very intriguing tape. Atkinson has good size as a sophomore at 6'1 205lbs with room to grow but on tape he seems like one of the best athletes on the field when he moves. A strong tackler, Atkinson is good in pursuit and takes really solid angles. Atkinson does a good job of fighting through traffic and getting into the backfield to make plays and disrupt runs. Overall, I need to see more tape and consistency but Atkinson kicked off his Varsity career very well.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["648977"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='648977' first='Joel' last='Ryan'] may just play in the PSAL B conference but he is absolutely a really solid position as a prospect for the next level. Ryan has a really good build and really solid instincts at the position. Ryan does a good job of getting downhill and making plays close to the LOS limiting gains. There is limited film in coverage but Ryan has solid athleticism and does a good job of diagnosing plays. Ryan is a really solid player who looks to build off a strong Sophomore season.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6456be2312eb7"} /-->