2025 Rankings: Linebacker Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have broken down over 600+ prospect tapes from their junior seasons over the last several months.&nbsp; With that a new Prep Redzone Illinois Rankings has been released!&nbsp; Here is a look at a few of the prospects that made significant moves up the rankings in <strong>2025 Rankings: Linebacker Stock Risers</strong>!<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292062' first='Micah' last='McNair'] (Joliet West – 6'2” 200)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: NR<br>Current Ranking: #49</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a show McNair put on as a junior where he had 90 tackles, a pair of TDs on interceptions, 6 sacks, and 6 more tackles for loss.&nbsp; His tape opens up with multiple pick 6 takes to the house where he was in coverage over the middle of the field and quickly reacted.&nbsp; Excellent in pass coverage.&nbsp; good length and can really run.&nbsp; Cat quick and uses his explosive speed and major juice getting after backs, QBs, and tackling in space downfield.&nbsp; Overall he just makes impactful plays.&nbsp; Has some edge rushing potential as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292104' first='Cooper' last='Zimmer'] (Belleville Althoff – 6'3” 230)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: NR<br>Current Ranking: #99</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Good size and length. Very good in pass coverage dropping and staying with slot guys or TE.&nbsp; Can get up field and after the QB on the edge as well.&nbsp; Great closing speed when tackling in open field and pursuing the ball carrier.&nbsp; Diagnoses plays and can shed blocks in the box.&nbsp; Brings versatility too being an effective H-Back on the offensive side of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1251964' first='Jalil' last='Brown'] (Bloom - 5'10” 189)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: NR<br>Current Ranking: #154</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big junior season for Brown as the Bloom defender had 80 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks.&nbsp; Brown hits really hard laying the thunder in the run game. Explosive outside linebacker that makes plays up field.&nbsp; Great burst and acceleration to the ball.&nbsp; He is a force in the run game.&nbsp; Can also really get after the passer as an edge guy.&nbsp; Plus athleticism and major juice were shown on tape for this slightly undersized outside linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='205629' first='Weston' last='Waughop'] (Downers Grove North – 6'1” 190)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: WL<br>Current Ranking: #156</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Really liked the tape of this DGN linebacker.&nbsp; Outside linebacker that is excellent as an edge rusher getting up field and to the QB.&nbsp; Can run sideline to sideline and accelerates to the ball.&nbsp; Works through blocks and traffic down the line of scrimmage in the run game.&nbsp; Also is solid in pass coverage. Contributes on kick coverage unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331478' first='Joe' last='Edwards'] (Downers Grove North – 6'3” 200)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Ranking: WL<br>Current Ranking: #202</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edwards is a 6'3" 200 pound linebacker that plays with a ton of physicality.&nbsp; High motor backer that stuffs in the run game being able to get down the line of scrimmage and fill holes on the interior.&nbsp; Hits with power when tackling. Bends the edge getting after QB when rushing. Best in run game. Can also play some TE where he is a solid blocker and pass catcher, but is best at LB for the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->