2026 Class: Linebacker Superlatives

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BEST AT AVOIDING BLOCKERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["279299"],"_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-67bcc4822b6be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='279299' first='Timothy' last='Hogan'] earns the superlative for best at avoiding blockers, and it's easy to see why. His instincts and agility make him a nightmare for opposing linemen trying to engage him. At 5'11”, 160 pounds, he plays with excellent leverage, using his hands to create separation and keep himself free to make plays. His vision stands out—he quickly diagnoses whether it's run or pass and positions himself accordingly. Bergen Catholic had one of the best run defenses in the state last season, and Hogan's ability to evade blocks and finish tackles was a huge reason. Expect him to be a difference-maker once again in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17907923/674f88cbbd1ec69a7a8bfc0b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bcc4822baaa"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MOST PHYSICALLY GIFTED</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212395"],"_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-67bcc4822bb5c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='212395' first='Matt' last='Occhipinti'] earns the superlative for Most Physically Gifted, and it's easy to see why. At 6'3”, 210 pounds, he has the ideal frame for a modern linebacker, combining size, athleticism, and versatility. He thrives as a disruptor, whether blitzing, dropping into coverage, or making plays in run defense. His ability to create chaos in multiple ways was on full display during the Non-Public A Championship, where he also impacted special teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Occhipinti has been a recruiting darling since stepping onto the varsity stage, and his stock continues to rise. He's recently picked up offers from West Virginia, North Carolina, and Louisville, proving just how coveted his skill set is. His physical tools set him apart, making him one of the most intriguing linebackers in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17949212/6753432752579d514737d038' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bcc4822bb8e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Read-and-React Skills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212386"],"_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-67bcc4822bc47"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='212386' first='Donovan' last='Linthicum'] earns the superlative for Best Read-and-React Skills, and his film makes it clear why. At 5'11”, 215 pounds, he has a knack for diagnosing plays and triggering downhill precisely. His instincts consistently put him in the right place, often beating offensive linemen to the point of attack. He's also a disciplined tackler in space, staying low and wrapping up effectively—an essential trait for any linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ranked as the second-best linebacker in New Jersey's 2026 class, Linthicum has the tools to push for the top spot. His ability to process plays and react quickly makes him a force in run defense. If he continues to develop in coverage, he could solidify himself as the most complete linebacker in his class. His skill set will become more valuable as the game trends toward physical, run-first football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19566831/650bc8cd5eec54092052d989' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bcc4822bc99"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SMOOTHEST ATHLETE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1031712"],"_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-67bcc4822bd3b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1031712' first='Michael' last='Sclafani'] earns the superlative for Smoothest Athlete, and his film backs it up. At 6'1”, 190 pounds, he moves quickly, effortlessly covering ground in both coverage and run defense. Whether tracking a ball carrier from the backside or dropping into space, his fluidity allows him to make plays all over the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sclafani's versatility is a significant asset for Delbarton. He consistently impacts the game in multiple ways, yet he remains one of the more underrated defensive players in New Jersey's 2026 class. This season could be his breakout moment as he looks to establish himself as one of the top linebackers in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18165644/674225166500a4d2609bc601' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bcc4822bd6a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MOST LIKELY TO BREAKOUT </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1002386"],"_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-67bcc4822bdcc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1002386' first='Andrew' last='Avent'] earns the superlative for Most Likely to Break Out, and his skill set makes that an easy choice. At 6'2”, 210 pounds, he's a true tweener linebacker—capable of playing both on and off the ball while creating chaos at either spot. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways, whether tipping passes as an on-ball linebacker or reading and reacting in space, sets him apart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Avent's size gives him an edge in the run game, allowing him to fight through blocks and be a force in the trenches. He picked up his first offer from Maine in January, but that should only be the beginning. As he gains more exposure and makes more visits, expect his recruiting stock to rise quickly. Avent is well on his way to becoming a household name among defensive players in New Jersey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/24724509/6731ad46b32319cc18ecd2d3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bcc4822be40"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->