2028 Prospect Rankings: Linebackers Film Breakdown (6-10)

Sione checks into our rankings as a top 6 linebacker in his class, and is coming off a stellar first season for one of the top teams in California. He mostly operates from the edge/OLB position and is an elite pass rusher with a high motor, quick hands, bend and good sudden movements when collapsing the pocket. He is very strong at the POA, wins with leverage and a strong first punch while showing a relentless motor when chasing backside and has an elite first step get off and variety of moves at his disposal. Sione already passes the eye test as only a Freshman and is well on his way to being one of the top pass rushers in all of Southern California.     Reis is one of the top players in his class across the state, and is coming off a stellar state championship winning first season for Palos Verdes. He is a true plug in the middle of the defense that plays violent inside, can fill gaps quickly and has a knack for getting into the backfield. He shows a quick trigger against the run, can take on blocks and bend around bigger blockers while exploding through contact at the POA and has elite closing speed, tackling abilities and power on contact. He reads flow well when pursuing backside, and can perform well timed pressures when applying pressure both from the middle or out on the edge and offers good position versatility at either inside or outside linebacker. A 100+ tackle kid already, he should start seeing offers roll in sooner rather than later.     Blalock checks into our rankings as the number 8 linebacker, and just inside the top 50 overall within the state. He is very athletic, fluid in space and shows cover abilities downfield and in the flats. He also shows he can set the edge, plays with violent hands and quickly sniffs out plays before triggering, with a natural feel for always being around the ball. Out in space, he is a sure tackler that can take the proper angles to shiftier ball carriers while breaking down and exploding through contact. Overall, he is a very balanced player that should have a huge three seasons for the Monarchs.     Redding is one of the top 2028 prospects across the central valley, and is coming off a section title winning season and Norcal Bowl game appearance for Coalinga. He has great open field speed/range, change of direction and cover abilities downfield, while a very efficient tackler and closes on ball carriers quickly out in space. Redding shows great pre-snap anticipation to make plays behind the LOS, and is an effective pass rusher off the edge with backside pursuit and a relentless motor. He is a no brainer FBS caliber prospect that should find a home at the next level by the time his prep career comes to a close.     Castillo has some varsity playing experience entering into his second season for Los Altos, and is a true plug and play linebacker at the second level of the defense. He shows he can fill gaps quickly, get off blocks without giving up ground and can play both inside or outside with cover abilities into the flats and is fluid in space when making tackles outside the box. As he continues to grow and develop, he should continue packing on weight to his frame and filling out and projects as an inside guy at the next level and through his prep career.