New York State 2026 Underrated Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The gridiron players in the middle of the field that love to shoot gaps and make plays on the ball carriers. These LBs will be headed into their final year at their respected high schools and will be looking to make that final impact from the second level of the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Linebackers:</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1569516"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1634501,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-67c3941e40ecd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Athletic OLB who uses his lateral movement ability to his advantage when chasing ball carriers behind the LOS. Certainly, the coverage ability was a major benefactor that was shown on tape. The ability to drop and use his fluid hips to match up on TEs and WRs showed at a good rate. Made incredible INTs on tape. Further, Marshall was physical coming off the LOS with speed to blitz coming off the edge. Read and reacts with patience and aggressiveness if it needs to be present.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17754294/6741ce03230aa01fb3ab374f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c3c0f2b900c"} /--> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back Squat 405 x2 <a href="https://t.co/IrsjN0PE07">pic.twitter.com/IrsjN0PE07</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1569516' first='Kobi' last='Marshall'] (@KobiMarshall22) <a href="https://twitter.com/KobiMarshall22/status/1887859445750784059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1260108"],"_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-67c38bb533072"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tough OLB that is physical in the run game with 46 tackles and 5 TFLs. Marisi will fight through gaps and blocks to make a play on the ball carrier. Plenty of his snaps came from the strong side linebacker role. At times, Marisi would have to control the edge and maintain his angles to keep the ball carrier from going a certain direction. Additionally, Marisi can also make an impact on special teams, where he blocked a punt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16877315/6740ad5ef6497cbd05015c02' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c38bb533230"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624534"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1634563,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-67c3c0f2ba560"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Big-time junior season with 80 total tackles and 30 TFLs for Roosevelt High School. The ability to shoot through gaps and make secure tackles was a major point of emphasis. Norman loves to fire right through the A and B gaps with his quickness to make back-breaking TFLs. Henceforth, Norman can line up on the edge with a quick get-off to cause disruption off the edge. Will display range firing off the edge, chasing down RBs with a high amount of pursuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20311894/67396eb26b211801ac73b33e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c3c0f2ba5c5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806236"],"_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-67c3c0f2ba62c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Talented ability at getting into the backfield in having 8 sacks and added 60 tackles. Nonetheless, his ability to contain the QB in the pocket and attack when the opportunity presented itself was a standout. Gambardella leans heavily on his speed and quickness at the POA. As a result, this is an LB that is smart in diagnosing plays that develop in front of him. Can block shed with a lot of quickness and fast hands.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Truly an honor to be selected as a 2024 NYC Media First Team All City <a href="https://t.co/GCC1tnOxWN">pic.twitter.com/GCC1tnOxWN</a></p>&mdash; Anthony John Gambardella (@AJgambo) <a href="https://twitter.com/AJgambo/status/1887931187215335458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624560"],"_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-67c3c0f2ba676"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At the MLB position, Peralta was able to use his physical ability at a high level to shed off blocks with strength to then make tackles on ball carriers. Forthwith, he did a good job at blitzing down at the centers in the A-gap to make plays behind the LOS. Conversely, Peralta was able to sniff out screens at a good rate. This is a smart LB that can change directions quickly with nimble foot quickness at the POA. Furthermore, he can make big-time hits with power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19686618/672bd8f3ba25f3744ee7bd8e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c3c0f2ba698"} /--> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">grateful to be selected as an All-Region player by <a href="https://twitter.com/LIHSFBJournal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LIHSFBJournal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AGTG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AGTG</a><a href="https://twitter.com/LIBLITZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LIBLITZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y2tdD9jHvn">pic.twitter.com/Y2tdD9jHvn</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1624560' first='Cristopher' last='Peralta'] (@cristperalta1) <a href="https://twitter.com/cristperalta1/status/1885460299404149131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624573"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1633882,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-67c3d8a6e84d7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Old-fashioned type of LB that hits ball carriers with pure force of 211 pounds. At the same time, Blahowicz loves to attack the run game coming downhill. The ability to read the run as play develops and attack the LOS with pure strength was one of his elite traits. Further, Blahowicz can make arm tackles on the ball carriers in the second level of the defense at an excessive rate because of his ability to stay balanced and short area quickness in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17791549/66fd8da8de337b60b152b45a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c3d8a6e8673"} /--> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">TD vs. Victor <a href="https://t.co/KRVgibttQo">pic.twitter.com/KRVgibttQo</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1624573' first='David' last='Blahowicz'] (@blahzy11) <a href="https://twitter.com/blahzy11/status/1861087119294226650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1272112"],"_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-67c3d8a6e86c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Will line up over the OG and C to blitz at a high rate to make aggressive tackles on RBs. As can be seen, Chilungu has a huge amount of athleticism to grant him with a large amount of closing quickness. Chilungu is a forceful tackler who will be aggressive throughout his tape. Covering sideline to sideline was an evident point in his playing ability at the LB role in both the pass and run game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18386696/65a04548b01930094c50696a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c3d8a6e86eb"} /--> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great experience at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HBCUmegacamp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HBCUmegacamp</a> in Atlanta‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/KW_Football_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KW_Football_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSweetBaby?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSweetBaby</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/domcooksr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@domcooksr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WNYAthletics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WNYAthletics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Section6_NY?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Section6_NY</a> <a href="https://t.co/rXHY60lM36">pic.twitter.com/rXHY60lM36</a></p>&mdash; ISAAC CHILUNGU🇰🇪✝️ (@maine_donstaa22) <a href="https://twitter.com/maine_donstaa22/status/1677692175700709376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624606"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1622436,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-67c3d8a6e8731"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Big hitter that fires at the ball carriers with an extreme amount of power. Smart inside backer who knows how to pursue with excellent play strength. Henceforth, Jones has a physically imposing presence on film and knows how to use leverage to his advantage at the POA. Jones was able to make many goal line tackles on RBs at the LOS to stop them from scoring. Additionally, the communication factor with his teammate's pre-snap was an evident point that allowed Jones' defense to make huge plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18675660/673f2a930c03e47095dac031' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c3d8a6e8753"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1549050"],"_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-67c62b055a7e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pass-rushing OLB who was a versatile piece for McKinley High School. The ability to come off the edge and read out screen passes was shown at a high level. Given that, Hill was able to use his hands with quickness and physicality on OTs. Certainly, has the athleticism to chase down RBs behind the LOS to make TFLs. Despite being an OLB, Hill can be a DE with his hand in the dirt, playing some reps in the 3 technique.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22990194/67310a9b302466cfb54afdf0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c62b055a954"} /--> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">11 tkls <br>2 sacks <br>7 tkls for loss <br>1 pass deficit <a href="https://t.co/2yjJiWhLAg">pic.twitter.com/2yjJiWhLAg</a></p>&mdash; Jamere hill6 (@Jamerehil) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jamerehil/status/1853967192745812303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Socials:</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/KobiMarshall22">[player_tooltip player_id='1569516' first='Kobi' last='Marshall'] (@KobiMarshall22) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/blahzy11">[player_tooltip player_id='1624573' first='David' last='Blahowicz'] (@blahzy11) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/LucianoNorman2">[player_tooltip player_id='1624534' first='Luciano' last='Norman'] (@LucianoNorman2) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/Jamerehil">Jamere hill6 (@Jamerehil) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/RonJones118">Ronaldinho jones (@RonJones118) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/maine_donstaa22">ISAAC CHILUNGU🇰🇪✝️ (@maine_donstaa22) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/AJgambo">Anthony John Gambardella (@AJgambo) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->