2025 NY Rankings: Linebackers

A strong group of linebackers which features a ton of different player body types and skillsets. For every true MIKE LB on this list there is a Hybrid SAF/LB which some defenses call a STAR or ROVER or just Big Safety. Some skillsets are best suited for an OLB/EDGE rusher role. Regardless the overall consensus about these LB prospects is they are probably not big enough to play defensive line and they probably are not defensive backs due to athleticism, speed, or just simply their play style.   Check out the updated 2025 Rankings <a href="https://prepredzone.com/new-york/rankings/2025-rankings/">Here</a>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Overall</h1>    Vanterpool has been a long time contributor for Moore Catholic at this point and is the type of hybrid SS/LB that is involved in a lot of the defensive stops and successes that Moore Catholic has.   Vanterpool can rush the passer off the edge or as a blitzer but also shows the ability to drop in coverage, read the quarterback, and close on the ball in both the run game and in coverage.   Vanterpool fills the box score consistently but the tape shows a player who has a great play speed which comes from his instincts and ability to read, react, and execute.    <h1 class="wp-block-heading">The Next 9</h1>   [player_tooltip player_id='1213076' first='Evan' last='Tarozzi'] - Tarozzi is a bigger back at 6'3 215 and best suited for a WILL role where he can really impact the game as a blitzer. Tarozzi contains the QB well and shows really good burst, closing speed, and finish on the QB. Tarozzi   [player_tooltip player_id='648867' first='Lorenzo' last='Riddick'] - Riddick is probably the closest thing to a true OLB/EDGE on this list. Riddick is really long at 6'4 and coming of the edge he is an explosive athlete with good bend as a pass rusher. He showcases solid ability to move in space but will likely play far bigger at the next level than the 215 he currently is.   [player_tooltip player_id='406847' first='Jeremiah' last='Tucker'] - Tucker has some more positional versatility than most, he could end up as an outside or inside LB at the next level but he is an explosive athlete. He has some impressive twitch to his play for a player who plays at 215. A multi-sport athlete who also plays Lacrosse he also has a great motor which runs all game long making a full four quarter impact on the game.   [player_tooltip player_id='528336' first='Jake' last='Marra'] - Marra may be a little undersized but there is not a linebacker that quite plays with the juice Marra brings to the field for CBA-Albany. Marra flys to the ball and he is one of the most violent finishers in the state. Physical at the point of attack getting off blocks and finishing plays with consistency standout on Marra's tape.   [player_tooltip player_id='648866' first='Ayden' last='Smartt'] - Smartt was a tackling machine for the CHSFL state champions Cardinal Hayes and at 6'1 215lbs he has the ideal size for the next level. With the ability to play inside or outside on the LOS Smartt is physical run defender who closes on the ball quickly. A solid zone coverage LB his closing speed is evident throughout his entire game.   [player_tooltip player_id='806227' first='Jesse' last='McCalip'] - McCalip is another prospect who is a little smaller but he is very talented at evading blocks and finishing plays around the LOS. McCalip has really good instincts and a quick trigger downhill and is a very consistent tackler.   [player_tooltip player_id='1283579' first='Garrett' last='Gillooley'] - Gillooley is a super long OLB prospect with a 6'7 wingspan and he utilizes his length so well both as a pass rusher and against the run. For a player of his length and overall size Gillooley has good twitch and change of direction in his movements. He does have a body that could grow into a DE but his movement skills project him more as a 3-4 OLB with pass rush upside.   [player_tooltip player_id='648840' first='James' last='Rice'] - Rice is one of the bigger LB prospects on this list and already has college measurables. Rice can eat leads blocks and shows the hands to shed and get hands on the ball carrier around the LOS. He is physical at the point of attack and his size and play style are what you look for in a MIKE LB.   [player_tooltip player_id='806354' first='Trey'von' last='Holland'] - Holland not only has been super effective for Bellport but his film and skillset really translate to the next level. Holland is physical on initial contact and sees the field well. He has a very quick trigger downhill and is a consistent tackler. Holland was a top performer in the recent Rising Stars bowl and that performance confirmed the skillset on tape that makes him one of NY's top LBs.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Four Players To Watch This Upcoming Season</h1>    Skoda is a really physical tackler and is consistent in his ability to finish plays with violence. Skoda shows good closing speed in space and has the ability to finish plays 1v1 in the open field.   Skoda is more of an OLB on tape and at the next level and his hand usage at the point of attack make him tough to control off the LOS.       Ramos is next in line at Stepinac to be the leader of the LB group after two previous seasons saw Krivinskas and Palumbo both finish off very successful careers. Ramos was actually really productive this season and the physical downhill backer will be key to Stepinac's success after losing multiple D1 prospects to graduation.       Reed who will also play QB for Cicero-North Syracuse this season is a really athletic prospect at 6'1 185lbs and has the body frame to easily get to 210+ in college weight room. Reed moves well in space and has really good length to disrupt the catch point in coverage.       Robinson who is also a really impressive Lacrosse athlete standouts out as one of the more intriguing do-it-all athletes in the state. Robinson showcases good instincts on field and in the open field showcases quality change of direction and burst.   While he is a better athlete than most of the players he faces, he shows some skills like good hand use and consistent tackling technique that stand out.

A strong group of linebackers which features a ton of different player body types and skillsets. For every true MIKE LB on this list there is a Hybrid SAF/LB which some defenses call a STAR or ROVER or just Big Safety. Some skillsets are best suited for an OLB/EDGE rusher role. Regardless the overall consensus about these LB prospects is they are probably not big enough to play defensive line and they probably are not defensive backs due to athleticism, speed, or just simply their play style.