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Sleeper Linebackers Entering their Senior Season

Sleeper Linebackers Entering their Senior Season
Photo: Prep Redzone
Eric Bergman
Eric Bergman July 25, 2024 @ 02:55 PM
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In this article:

Payton Roberson
Payton Roberson 5'11" | 220 lbs | LB | 2025
IL
Luke Nelson
Luke Nelson 6'1" | 210 lbs | DL/LB | 2025
IL
Michael Tongay
Michael Tongay 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB | 2025
IL
Kyle Richardson
Kyle Richardson 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB | 2025
IL
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[331479],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a2adcbd9f0a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1242230' first='Michael' last='Tongay'] made a significant impact on the Collinsville defense last season with numerous game-changing plays that showcased his skills and determination. He recorded over 100 tackles, 3 sacks, and forced 4 turnovers, proving to be a force on the field. Tongay has a talent for quickly diagnosing plays, allowing him to play at full speed and outmaneuver his opponents. As he enters this season, there's no doubt he will be an even more valuable contributor, building on his impressive performance from last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1292793"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a2adcbd9f67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1292793' first='Payton' last='Roberson'] is a physical linebacker out of Lockport High School who sets the tone for his entire defense with his aggressive style of play. He goes full speed and gives full effort as soon as he steps onto the field, showing his dedication and relentless drive. Last year, he proved to be one of the hardest-hitting linebackers in the state, consistently laying out ball carriers. Roberson recorded over 100 tackles last year and looks to build on that performance this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["330477"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a2adcbd9fae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='330477' first='Kyle' last='Richardson'] contributes on both sides of the ball for St. Laurence. On offense, he is a Swiss army knife, serving as an off-the-ball tight end and a physical blocker who can create opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, he excels as an off-the-ball linebacker, aggressively filling holes against the run and demonstrating a keen ability to read the play. Richardson's size also allows him to close passing windows in the secondary, making him a versatile and valuable player who can impact the game in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["730619"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a2adcbd9fee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='730619' first='Luke' last='Nelson'] plays the outside linebacker hybrid role within the defense for Stevenson High School. Playing on the edge allows Nelson to put consistent pressure on the quarterback in pass rush situations, often forcing hurried throws or sacks. His high motor and relentless drive result in numerous plays where his effort enables him to make impactful stops and disrupt the offense. Nelson's versatility also allows him to drop into coverage when needed, making him a crucial and adaptable component of the defense. As he continues to develop, his presence will be vital to Stevenson's defensive success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
Michael Tongay

Michael Tongay

IL
LB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 190
POS LB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Michael
Tongay LB
Class
2025
Height
6'0"
Weight
190
HS
Collinsville
|
IL
Sleeper Linebackers Entering their Senior Season
Michael Tongay made a significant impact on the Collinsville defense last season with numerous game-changing plays that showcased...
Written by Eric Bergman
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Michael Tongay

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Collinsville
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Payton Roberson

Payton Roberson

IL
LB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 220
POS LB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Payton
Roberson LB
Class
2025
Height
5'11"
Weight
220
HS
Lockport
|
IL
Sleeper Linebackers Entering their Senior Season
Payton Roberson is a physical linebacker out of Lockport High School who sets the tone for his entire...
Written by Eric Bergman
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Payton Roberson

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Lockport
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Kyle Richardson

Kyle Richardson

IL
LB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 210
POS LB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Kyle
Richardson LB
Class
2025
Height
6'1"
Weight
210
HS
St. Laurence
|
IL
Sleeper Linebackers Entering their Senior Season
Kyle Richardson contributes on both sides of the ball for St. Laurence. On offense, he is a Swiss...
Written by Eric Bergman
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Kyle Richardson

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: St. Laurence
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Chicago
Luke Nelson

Luke Nelson

IL
DL/LB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 210
POS DL/LB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Luke
Nelson DL/LB
Class
2025
Height
6'1"
Weight
210
HS
Stevenson
|
IL
Sleeper Linebackers Entering their Senior Season
Luke Nelson plays the outside linebacker hybrid role within the defense for Stevenson High School. Playing on the...
Written by Eric Bergman
Chicago
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Luke Nelson

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Stevenson
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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