Reviewing the Top 10 New Addition Linebackers

This is an incredibly deep linebacker class. 60+ players is a ton for any position group, and this linebacker group is truly special. This article headlines our 10 New Addition Linebackers in the 2025 Rankings.    Kyce is a prototypical EDGE rusher whose recruitment is very unique thus far. He has a few D1 offers, but hasn't taken off like you'd expect from an EDGE rusher. First off, his size may be an issue. A lot of schools are looking for someone who's 6'4"+ with a certain arm length attached to that. When Kyce lines up on-ball, he's quick, explosive, and has a good arsenal of block shed moves. Once he's in the backfield, Kyce has a wide tackle radius and generally has all the instincts needed to be a Division 1 EDGE rusher. That said, there are times where Kyce can almost go too fast and make his rush move too early. Like I said, his size may be an issue for some teams as well. Despite some flaws, I still view Kyce as a top-100 player in this class!     After being unranked, Connor finds himself ranked at #148, and arguably the best linebacker in West Michigan. It's a bit difficult to stand out as a linebacker, though Connor stands out with his effort and versatility. Connor primarily lines up on-ball in a 2-pt. There, he can pass rush, be an edge setter, or go to the opposite sideline to make a play. Like I said, the effort is awesome. There's plenty of plays where the ball goes to the opposite side of the field, but Connor oftentimes sheds a poor block, and sprints to the ballcarrier. At other times, Connor loses his initial block shed but still keeps himself stable before shedding and making a tackle. He's ranked alongside a lot of GLIAC prospects, and I expect him to earn more GLIAC offers in the coming months.     Connor is one of the best off-ball linebackers in the state. Although he isn't utilized in the most versatile way, he plays his role exceptionally well. Against the inside run, Connor does a good job of reading the play and attacking the ball carrier quickly. Now, I think his game could be improved with better IQ/anticipation, but these aspects are still well above average. He could also have a little better play speed, but that can also be developed in college. Moving forward, Connor rarely makes big mistakes that bring him out of the play. He almost never over-pursues, and rarely gets blocked for more than a second or two. If a lineman tries to block Connor at the second level, he does a great job of staying square, keeping his eyes in the backfield, and attacking the RB when the time is right. I really like his tape, and I'd love a little more play speed and sideline-to-sideplays moving forward.     Luke is a classic off-ball middle linebacker. He places in the top half of the rankings and could further raise his stock if he cleans up a few things. First off, he's a great between the tackles run stopper. He can read, react, and attack like any linebacker should. Though, Luke can be a bit slow with the process. Although he doesn't over-pursuit or miss many tackles, his play speed and reactivity can be significantly improved. His upside comes from his good testing numbers plus a scholarship offer from Davenport. I really hope I can see Luke's athleticism shine through a bit more next season. If he can do that, he'll earn more offers.     I love Mahdi's effort and play speed as an off-ball linebacker. He's not the biggest or fastest player, but Mahdi has phenomenal play speed. It may take a moment for him to diagnose the play, but once he does, he explodes toward the ball carrier to the best of his ability. I also like the highlight variety, as there are plenty of highlights outside of the basic inside run stop. Mahdi oftentimes diagnoses an outside run, and does his best to work through potential blockers to meet the ballcarrier. His ceiling isn't the highest because of his athleticism and frame, but I think Mahdi could still be a phenomenal D3 football player.     I first discovered Julian during my <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/04/hudl-discoveries-17-detroit-public-pt-1/">Hudl Discoveries</a> series. The Detroit Public School league took a while to comb through, but I'm glad I did it because I found athletes like Julian. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16525934/656d205df55f8b0d2cf6d3d3">His film</a> shows a very reactive and aggressive linebacker. Julian also has everything you'd like to see from an off-ball LB highlight tape. Sideline to sideline, blitz, inside run stopping, and more. It's extremely apparent that Julian plays with immense effort and energy. The things holding him back the most are his size and fundamentals. Regarding fundamentals, Julian doesn't line up in a correct stance, and he doesn't seem to have a process in which he reads a backfield. He reacts, makes plays, and it works for him on this level. Julian can be a college linebacker- he'll just need some time to develop at the next level.     Kaden is a physical hybrid linebacker who I expect to improve this coming season. In Tyler Graham's <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/06/2024-team-preview-1-milford/">Milford Team Preview</a>, Kaden is mentioned as being on a mission to become one of the state's elite linebackers. Looking at his current highlight tape, it's not too out of the picture. When he lines up off-ball, Kaden has a great getoff and explodes toward the ballcarrier. I honestly don't see the "plethora" of pass rush moves mentioned in the preview, but I'll trust that Kaden has been working hard in that area. Off-ball, Kaden is a great blitzing backer. Milford is known for tough, physical play, and Kaden embodies much of that style. I'd love to see improvement with off-ball anticipation, pass rush, and it wouldn't hurt to put on more muscle. Regardless, Kaden has earned a ranking and could have a great 2024 season.     I'm curious as to why Ray-Mond isn't receiving more attention. Sure, he's a 5'11" linebacker. However, he has a great build and has produced at a high level on the most talented roster in Michigan. During the State Championship, Ray-Mond totaled 11 tackles with 1 sack. Regarding his tape, Ray-Mond is a reactive and hard-hitting off-ball linebacker. At his best, Ray-Mond is able to anticipate and attack like and elite linebacker. At his worst, he loses discipline and takes plays off. For any D3 program- Ray-Mond is worth a very close look.     Tovar could be a major sleeper in this class. My only exposure to Daniel is from the Saginaw Valley Prospect Camp and his highlight tape. At SVSU, I was highly impressed with Daniel. During drills, he was moving extremely well and took coaching effectively. I love a guy who can correct his mistakes, play with confidence, and show improvement across a short period of time. That said, I don't like his tape as much as his in-person performance. Last season, he seemed to be a good off-ball outside linebacker who lacked amazing play speed. There were several occasions where I thought a little more physicality and effort would go a long way. I know there's a great linebacker here, Daniel just has to go out and prove it this season.     I've written about Sedar a few times already, and he ends up as my #26 ranked linebacker with the potential to move up a LOT more. The keywood with Seder is potential. His height at 6'4" makes for a very high ceiling as an on-ball linebacker. Last season, Seder did his best to be a great EDGE player for FHC. Though his film showed a lack of power and aggression that is needed to be a college prospect at that position. He has solid instincts, but needs to find that second gear on defense. I will say that he showed a ton of improvement toward the end of the season, and especially in the postseason. Sedar also plays some offense as a receiver. Again considering his height, I love the potential. Currently, he's a good possession target. In order for him to improve at receiver, he needs to become a better route runner and he needs to learn how to use his athleticism on offense.

This is an incredibly deep linebacker class. 60+ players is a ton for any position group, and this linebacker group is truly special. This article headlines our 10 New Addition Linebackers in the 2025 Rankings.