2025 Film Room: Chicago Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our tape evaluations from the class of 2025 continue as we break down the linebackers in the state of Illinois.&nbsp; Here we dive into <strong>2025 Film Room: Chicago Linebackers</strong>!<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='299634' first='Christian' last='Pierce'] (Brother Rice – 6'0” 215)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pierce is one of the top linebackers in the class.&nbsp; He has good size and excellent speed to the ball.&nbsp; Takes good angles and blows up running plays in the box.&nbsp; Also can chase sideline to sideline including when the QB is scrambling. Good at getting through traffic.&nbsp; Makes big plays in the backfield and always wraps up.&nbsp; Tips passes and had a few deflections against the pass.&nbsp; Has all the tools you look for in a power 4 linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1291996' first='Jack' last='Paris'] (Fenwick – 6'3” 210)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid can absolutely fly!&nbsp; He is a vicious hitter that flies around and makes plays all over the field covering a ton of ground. Wraps up, great angles, and has length which helps in hin a variety of ways. Can bend the edge getting pressure on QB on the edge and even play some saftey when asked. Contributes on special teams blocking punts and in kick coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='830849' first='James' last='Kingsbury'] (St. Rita – 6'1” 225)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Really fun tape to watch from this St. Rita linebacker.&nbsp; As a junior Kingsbury had 92 tackles, 2 interceptions, along with 3.5 sacks on the season.&nbsp; Big and strong frame and has mean intentions when attacking his opponent laying down the hammer.&nbsp; Pursues the ball well, stuffs the hole in the box, takes on blocks while making the tackle and has relentless pursuit.&nbsp; Runs very well for a player of his size.&nbsp; Flashed in pass game with acouple picks and blowing up a screen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331467' first='Emmett' last='Callahan'] (St. Ignatius – 6'1” 210)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Callahan is a technically sound linebacker that takes good angles.&nbsp; Stuffs in the run game and wraps up well.&nbsp; Makes impactful plays forcing fumbles and recording interceptions dropping into coverage.&nbsp; Brings physicality to the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='299576' first='Ja'Sean' last='Mays'] (St. Laurence – 6'0” 210)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mays is an athletic linebacker with good length. Tackles well in space and runs very well. The outside linebacker also has some pass rush potential.&nbsp; Fluid athlete that has projectability to the next level. Tackles in space. Runs well. Outside linebacker. Has some pass rush potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292232' first='Niko' last='Griggs'] (Chicago Christian – 6'3” 220)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a junior Griggs had 56 tackles, 11 TFL, 3 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 4 pass break ups.&nbsp; Griggs has relentless pursuit.&nbsp; Good size and length at the middle linebacker spot. Takes quality angles. Kid has some juice to his game and can also get after the quarterback when put on the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292234' first='Matt' last='Mucha'] (Mt. Carmel – 5'11” 205)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Strong and stocky middle linebacker that is stout against the run. Accellerates to ball, runs well, and fills the hole in the box.&nbsp; Has some juice to his overall game and is quick off the snap getting up field. Plays with physicality and is technically sound. Physical tackler and has good closing speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='299571' first='Tristan' last='Pusateri'] (Mt. Carmel – 5'11” 200)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like the versatility out of this outside linebacker. Little small, but has good strength.&nbsp; Like how he can cover along with be effective in the run game.&nbsp; Wraps up low, runs well in space, gets off blocks with his hands, and tackles in the open field.&nbsp; Also contributes on special teams on coverage units.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='524846' first='Anthony' last='Spivey'] (Michelle Clark – 5'10” 220)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Small and stocky linebacker that is thick.&nbsp; He is a very physical tackler at the middle linebacker spot. Thumper in the run game can accelerate toward ball carrier.&nbsp; Also plays some running back as a power back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292177' first='Charles' last='Smith'] (Simeon – 6'2” 195)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Good frame that he can add more strength on at 6'2". Plays well against run and can really run. Solid tackler.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->