Breakout Linebackers for the 24/25 Season!

Starting off this list is a dual position stud. Pereira knocked it out the park during his junior year. As a MLB, he accounted for 143 total tackles (86 solo, 57 assisted), 14 TFL, 11 sacks, and 8 QB hurries. As a RB, he carried the ball 96 times for 668 yards and 8 touchdowns. He had 3 100 + yard games. Good size at 6'2 205 pounds. Pereira has very good athletic ability due to elite acceleration, very good speed, change of direction, and good balance. He shows his good mental processing at both positions. He uses his knowledge of gaps to attack the correct hole, or rushing through leading for a TFL. Very physical at both positions. He will use his shoulder to truck over people, or use his very good strength to muscle down the ball carrier. As a running back, he uses his smooth cuts to juke out defenders. He's physical in the blocking game, whether in pass or going downfield. I believe he really shines as a middle linebacker. He is a very powerful tackler, and stops the defender in his tracks. In zone coverage, he'll watch the QB's eyes leading him to a tackle. With his very good athletic ability, he can stay in stride with faster tight ends and some receivers. Pereira was consistently all over the field, going from one end to the other to make the tackle. Phenomenal player who I believe will step it up another notch for his senior year.     Another member of the class of 2025, Hochhalter had an impressive junior season. The 5'11 180-pound middle linebacker / running back accounted for 323 yards and 1 touchdown don the ground on 81 carries. As a linebacker, he accounted for 129 total tackles (72 solo, 57 assisted), 5 TFL, and 2 FF. Hochhalter has very good athletic ability. He has very good speed, acceleration, balance, and good change of direction. His balance really stands out to me, because he keeps running while being knocked around. It takes multiple people to take him down as a RB. He has very strong legs to push the opponent backwards (offensive or defensive). As a RB, he is a downhill bruising back. It takes multiple defenders to take him down. He'll easily truck over players, and uses his very good stiff arm to knock defenders. He is a mauler. As a LB, he continues his great play. He is a hard hitter, laying the boom on unsuspecting ball carriers. He utilizes a low pad level to out leverage the OL, creating TFL or pressure in the backfield. One play, he shed a couple of blocks and then accelerated downfield to catch the RB. That is the type of player he is. He'll also punch the ball to create forced fumbles. Hochhalter is a prospect to watch out for next season. I think he'll break out more as a running back, and continuing to dominate as a linebacker.     A fellow member of the class of 2025, Aguirre stood out this past season with his play as a linebacker. Throughout the season the 5'8 176-pound linebacker had 120 total tackles (53 solo, 67 assisted), 9 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 INT, 2 PD. Aguirre has good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, good speed, and change of direction. His competitive toughness really stood out to me. He has a high motor and was consistently helping his teammates finish tackles. He has a head of steam, and the ball carrier needs to watch out. He's good in zone coverage, being patient and watching the QB's eyes leading him to a tackle. Aguirre was consistently putting himself in position to make a play on the ball. Whether it be getting a pass deflection, an interception, or just stopping the ball carrier. Aguirre was all over the field. Good block shedder as well. He demonstrates a low pad level to get underneath the OL. He'll use his knowledge of gaps to ID which one to rush leading for a TFL. I believe he will continue to build upon his stellar junior season, and dominate during his senior year.     Rounding off this list is [player_tooltip player_id='1313354' first='Xavier' last='Viarrial']. The junior measures in at 6'1 200 pounds, and had an impressive sophomore season. Throughout the past season, he accounted for 103 total tackles (69 solo, 34 assisted), 16 TFL, 1 sack, 6 QB hurries, and 1 pass deflection. Viarrial has very good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, good speed, change of direction, and footwork. Viarrial showcases his good mental processing throughout his play. He will watch and follow the QB's eyes, leading him to make a play on the ball. He's patient when selecting where to go, not getting overzealous. He uses his knowledge of gaps to identify and rush the correct one. He has a high motor and is consistently helping teammates finish tackles. His mixture of strength and speed really stands out to me. He is very good as a blitzer. He bulldozes through the OL, using a low pad level and strong legs to come out victorious. He has a good bull rush and runs through anchors. Viarrial will stop defenders in their tracks like an immovable wall. He's a good run stopper, and sheds blocks to create a TFL.