2025 Watch List Rankings: Emerging Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>As we near the start of Summer and end of the Spring evaluation period, there are several ranked players on our Watch List that are going to move into our overall state rankings. Who are some of the top emerging WL linebackers that could crack into our rankings in the next update? Find out below! </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Want 30% off of your subscription? Use promo code&nbsp;<strong>PaulG30&nbsp;</strong>at checkout!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2025","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2496","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663abebf5937d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1136062"],"_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":"Telleria is a no-brainer next level prospect that will enter into our rankings in our next update and offers tremendous position versatility from his outside linebacker and safety position, both of which he could play at the next level. He's very active coming off the edge and does a nice job at getting off the ball quickly and working vertical down the line when making plays backside, while also showing he is a natural pass rusher off the edge with a quick use of hands and relentless pursuit. He is not afraid to come up and set the edge against bigger blockers in space and his explosive near the line of scrimmage with a very good overall speed and power at the POA. He is a no brainer next level kid at the D3+ level and should find a home by this time next year and be one of the states best on defense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663abebf5b6a7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1089997"],"_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":"Merrill plays mostly outside linebacker and does a tremendous job pass rushing and playing out in space as well. He is very explosive off the ball and shows natural bend around the edge with closing speed and is a high motor kid that can track down ball carriers backside with ease. He shows heavy hands when striking and can quickly get off blocks and set the edge out in space. He is a sure tackler that takes good angles in the open field and can redirect in tight windows towards the ball. He offers plus position versatility at the college level and can play both inside and outside linebacker. Look for the rising senior to make it into our linebacker rankings in the next update.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663abebf5b5d4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1089998"],"_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":"Neff is a true plug in the middle of the CDL defense, and is coming off a big time Junior season for one of the top programs in the state. He is a downhill banger that is a physical tackler inside the box it is not afraid to take on guards coming to the second level and running through hat. He plays with good leverage in a strong shock while able to quickly get off blocks and flow to the ball. He is a very good athlete and has a frame to be able to pack on more weight throughout his college career. Look for Neff to have another good season for the Vikings, and be a definite candidate to enter into our linebacker rankings.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663abebf5b63e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1089993"],"_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":"Hood is a downhill thumper that excels tackle to tackle, and is a strong tackler in the box that plays with a low hat and flows well to the ball over the top. He shows the ability to quickly diagnose plays and triggers without taking false steps while able to take down bigger ball carriers and does a nice job at weaving around traffic when filling gaps. He has had a tremendous three year career so far and will be one of the top tacklers in the state as we had into the 2024 season. Although a bit undersized he plays with good physicality and wins with leverage, IQ and quickly diagnosing plays.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663abebf5b557"} /--> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"></h1> <!-- /wp:heading -->