Linebacker Nation: Top Five Kansas LBs In 2025 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With today's 2025 rankings update it feels like a good time to begin following through with a new scouting plan and break out a new graphic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As explained in an early report the Prep Redzone Kansas scouts are going to break up part of our scouting duties this season by position. I will be keying in on linebackers, defensive linemen, and offensive linemen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So here is my debut “Linebacker Nation” report and it starts with the top five ranked linebackers in the Kansas Class of 2025. Each has already announced their verbal commitments to college programs and hoping for successful and healthy senior seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned to Prep Redzone for positional reports from athletes on the offensive and defensive lines this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115477' first='Dawson' last='Merritt']</strong>, LB, 6'3”, 205, Blue Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blue Valley prospect is ranked No. 6 overall and is the top-ranked linebacker in the Kansas Class of 2025. He has verbally committed to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He finished with 83 total tackles in 12 games as a junior. His speed wreaks havoc as he collected 17 tackles for lost yardage. He gets his head to the correct side when tackling and wraps up ball carriers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570190' first='Maguire' last='Richman'],</strong> LB, 6'2”, 200, Blue Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Richman is ranked No. 9 overall and has verbally committed to play for Kansas University after high school. Merritt's teammate finished with 132 total tackles in 12 games as a junior. He has back-to-back seasons of 100-plus tackles as he collected 127 tackles as a sophomore. He plays solid coverage in the passing game finishing an interception and seven pass breakups last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570192' first='Ashton' last='Moore'],</strong> LB, 6'0”, 185, Louisburg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore is currently ranked No. 16 overall and has verbally committed to Kansas State University. He plays both ways for Louisburg. He racked up 107 total tackles with three TFLs and one quarterback sack as a junior. His speed plays on offense as well, as he rushed for 947 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He has reliable hands catching 24 balls for 285 yards and the three touchdowns out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115479' first='Parker' last='Moore']</strong>, LB, 6'2”, 210, Free State</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore is ranked No. 19 overall in the class of 2025 and has verbally committed to Wyoming. Moore finished with 67 total tackles and relies on his speed as an outside linebacker. Seven of his tackles as a junior resulted in lost yardage. He has quick feet, fights off blockers well, and can chase guys down from sideline to sideline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159895' first='James' last='MacKinney'],</strong> LB, 6'4”, 230, Salina Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MacKinney is currently ranked No. 37 overall and has verbally committed to Sioux Falls. MacKinney does his best work on the edge and as a pass rusher. He can play on the end or back off and cover. The Mustang prospect finished with 45 tackles and two quarterback sacks. I plan on getting a front-row look at MacKinney and the Mustangs in their season opener against Salina South.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->