Scout’s Notes: Linebackers from the Northeast Middle School Camp

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Be sure to follow me on Twitter at</em> <a style="font-style: italic" href="https://x.com/BrendanScoutsNJ">@BrendanScoutsNJ</a>&nbsp;<em>for the latest prospect-specific coverage both during the season and off-season.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>For my complete, comprehensive coverage of this event, scroll down the bottom of this article to read more!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With much of the event's groundwork already laid, it is time to discuss who-I-saw-do-what while at the Northeast Middle School Camp. Below are personal scouting notes from the action I witnessed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Scout's Notes: Linebackers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1537328' first='John' last='DeFino'] was one of the first linebackers I spotted when I made my way over to their indy period. DeFino showcased really good lateral movement during that session. He could, however, improve his agility and ability to move backwards a bit. This will aid DeFino in his ability to get to his drops quicker and cover the ground he is responsible for.... Perhaps it comes with the name, but linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1589641' first='Jesse' last='James'] moved like the infamous outlaw that came before him. James was able to get to his spot and pursue ball carriers like a man on the run; however, it would be to James' benefit if he focused on breaking down and coming to balance. Like a desperado, he was a bit out of control with his body at moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If I was a gambling man I would bet that Nicholas Leone has been playing linebacker since he was like 6 years old. Leone was probably the best pure, natural linebacker in attendance. He made good breaks on the ball and did so very fluidly. During indy Leone dominated each rep. As the event transitioned to its competition phases, Leone did many things correctly. I though he shined the brightest when he tracked and keyed in on the ball carriers hip during cat &amp; mouse drills... [player_tooltip player_id='1399653' first='Shay' last='Brennan'] was one of the best all-around athletes on the afternoon. Speed, change of direction, twitchiness, and suddenness were all things that Brennan demonstrated. That said, as Brennan prepares to enter high school I want to see him become more efficient with his movements. I thought that he often took more steps than he needed to, particularly when changing direction. Athleticism plus efficiency will equal outstanding performances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Northeast Middle School Camp Event Coverage</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/reaction-to-the-northeast-middle-school-camp/">Event Reaction</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-eye-test-backfield-prospects-that-looked-ready-to-play-hs">The Eye Test: HS Ready-Bodies – Quarterbacks, Running Backs</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-eye-test-receiving-prospects-that-looked-ready-to-play-hs">The Eye Test: HS Ready-Bodies – Tight Ends, Wide Receivers</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-eye-test-line-def-prospects-that-looked-ready-to-play-hs/">The Eye Test: HS Ready-Bodies – All Linemen, Defensive Backs, Linebackers</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/northeast-middle-school-camp-standout-40s-and-broad-jumps/">Top Combine Performers: 40-yard Dash, Broad Jump</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/northeast-middle-school-camp-standout-pro-agility-l-drill-times/">Top Combine Performers: Pro Agility, L-Drill Times</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/scouts-notes-d-backs-from-the-northeast-middle-school-camp/">Scout's Notes: Defensive Backs</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/scouts-notes-d-line-from-the-northeast-middle-school-camp/">Scout's Notes: Defensive Line</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/scouts-notes-linebackers-from-the-northeast-middle-school-camp/">Scout's Notes: Linebackers, Part I</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/scouts-notes-quarterbacks-from-the-northeast-middle-school-camp/">Scout's Notes: Quarterbacks, Part I</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/scouts-notes-receivers-from-the-northeast-middle-school-camp/">Scout's Notes: Receivers, Part I</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/scouts-notes-receivers-from-the-northeast-middle-school-camp-2/">Scout's Notes: Receivers, Part II</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/scouts-notes-runningbacks-from-the-northeast-middle-school-camp/">Scout's Notes: Running Backs, Part I</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->