NEWCOMERS: 2025 Linebackers Added To Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which 2035 linebackers on the rise were added to the latest Prep Redzone Rankings?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've got all the details below...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1195852' first='Luke' last='Metz']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/luke-metz/"></a>&nbsp;– LB – Mill Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the hottest linebackers in Georgia right now, adding this Mill Creek defender to the latest update was an easy decision. A tackling machine with really good size and physicality at 6-foot-3 220-pounds, Metz's recruitment has exploded over the last two months, and he even added a new offer from the Alabama Crimson Tide this week. Now, this 7A Gwinnett County defender is ranked as the No. 6 linebacker in Georgia and the No. 63 prospect overall. His new massive boost was well-deserved after an active junior season. He was surrounded by talent with him on the Mill Creek defense, but Metz was still able to make 51 tackles, five TFLs, five sacks, and 14 more QB hurries while intercepting one pass and forcing one fumble. He plays hard, has a high football IQ, and is one of the top returning defenders in a very talented region. He's a difference-maker, and he's starting to add some major offers. Look for Metx to lead another stout Mill Creek defense as a senior in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bailey “Siete” Benson – LB – Eastside</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An Atlanta-area linebacker to know from Covington, Benson is a big-effort defender with a nose for the football. A strong, sound tackler, Benson runs well and brings above-average size right now at 6-foot-1 205-pounds. He can sneak out the run and do it from multiple positions due to his versatility and ability to play both inside or outside linebacker, depending on the current situation. His recruitment has recently started to pick up, and after a strong junior season, adding Benson to the latest rankings was a no-brainer. Now, the Eastside linebacker is ranked as the No. 32 linebacker and the No. 196 overall prospect in the state. In 2023, playing next to one of the top linebackers in Georgia, Benson made a big impact with his 66 tackles, four TFLs and two sacks. He's one of the top linebackers in the area, and now he's within the top 200 prospects in the state. He currently holds offers from Kansas, Georgia Southern, Western Kentucky, Western Michigan, among others. Look for the offers to keep rolling in and expect him to have another big season in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1186933' first='Brant' last='Freeman']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/brant-freeman/"></a>&nbsp;– LB – Creekview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A productive Cherokee County linebacker who was added to the latest rankings update, Freeman is a lengthy 6-foot-2 defender with a natural feel for the position. He's a smart defender who showed last year that he's fundamentally sound when wrapping up the ball-carrier. After a big junior season where he made 83 tackles, six TFLs, two sacks, one forced fumble, and another fumble recovery, Freeman is now ranked as the No. 31 linebacker and the No. 191 overall prospect in the state. Freeman shows D1 potential due to his above-average size and speed, along with his instincts and ability to both chase down the ball carrier and rush the quarterback. He's reliable in the run with his physical style of play, allowing him to get downhill and take on blocks between the tackles. He plays hard and plays every play like the game depends on it. His play will likely increase in 2024, and his ranking could do the same down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->