PRZ Steel City Collision 7v7: Top Performing 15U Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back again to highlight the top-performing linebackers who stood out at the PRZ Steel City Collision in Pittsburgh. This group features two standout prospects who made an impact on both sides of the ball—[player_tooltip player_id='445959' first='Jackson' last='Mickens'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1590991' first='Josh' last='Nengite']. Both players caught touchdowns, recorded pass breakups, and snagged interceptions while helping lead their respective teams to the 15U championship. Other linebackers who caught my eye included Jayvion Maldon, [player_tooltip player_id='1611488' first='Jayden' last='Conrad'], James Turner, [player_tooltip player_id='1181790' first='Davaughn' last='Jones'], and Brandon Sherman. Each of these prospects showcased their competitive edge throughout the weekend. The Steel City Collision was loaded with talent at every level, from 10U to 18U, making for an action-packed event in Pittsburgh.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["445959"],"_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":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c909422c0a2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='445959' first='Jackson' last='Mickens'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1590991' first='Josh' last='Nengite'] were two players who made it clear they deserved recognition on both sides of the ball. Mickens is not only athletic with fluid hips, but he's also explosive and highly competitive. In fact, he was arguably the most competitive player at the 15U level during the Steel City Collision event. From a technical standpoint, Mickens drops into coverage smoothly, keeping his eyes on the quarterback while flipping his hips effortlessly to react to reads. He was a true ballhawk in the intermediate passing game, making it difficult for opponents to complete routes like digs, hooks, slants, and sticks. As mentioned before, Mickens played a key role in leading his team to a championship victory over AITFam East. He currently holds one FBS offer from Akron, but if he continues to perform at this level, more are sure to follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1590991"],"_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":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c909422c10d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1590991' first='Josh' last='Nengite'] is another prospect who deserves recognition on both offense and defense based on his standout performances. At 6'3 and 215 lbs, he already possesses the physical traits of an FBS-caliber athlete, and he certainly lived up to expectations at the PRZ Steel City Collision event. Nengite's athleticism was on full display, whether he was rerouting receivers in space or showing fluid hip movement while dropping into coverage. His wide wingspan and sturdy frame make him a difficult player to avoid, no matter where he lines up. Like [player_tooltip player_id='445959' first='Jackson' last='Mickens'], Nengite recently received his first FBS offer from Akron, and with his size, skill set, and competitive edge, more offers are likely on the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1405199"],"_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":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c909422c18d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maldon was another standout at the linebacker position, showing the potential to add size while maintaining his athleticism. One of the things that stood out most about him was his relentless competitiveness—there was no doubt he left everything on the field in Pittsburgh. He has a strong understanding of spacing in coverage, making throws over the middle difficult for opposing quarterbacks. A silent leader for DMV Attack's 15U defense, Maldon consistently put himself in the right positions to make plays. At 6'1 and 185 lbs, he already has a solid frame, and with his natural build, adding 10-20 more pounds before finishing high school seems like a realistic and exciting possibility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1611488"],"_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":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c909422c1d5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conrad was a key contributor for his PA Elite 15U team, proving to be both physical and agile. At 5'11 and 210 lbs, he has a stocky build but moves well in space. His instincts and understanding of zone depths make him a highly effective linebacker in coverage. Jayden showcased his football intelligence and ball skills with an impressive interception against DMV Attack, reading the play and positioning himself perfectly. He embraced every challenge throughout the weekend, stepping up when the competition intensified. Beyond his ability to drop into coverage, Conrad displayed strong route recognition and held his own when tasked with man-to-man assignments against running backs. There's no doubt that Shaler High School is fortunate to have a tough, fundamentally sound linebacker like Jayden anchoring its defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1181790"],"_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":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c909422c213"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones stood out to me for several reasons, starting with his impressive 6'2, 180-pound frame that gives him plenty of room to add mass while maintaining his agility. He moves well in space, dropping fluidly into coverage—something that has been a common trait among the standout linebackers at this event. Athletically, he covers ground laterally with ease, utilizing his long wingspan to disrupt passing lanes. His closing speed allows him to make plays on the ball, whether breaking up passes or shutting down routes. From what I've seen, DaVaughn is a fierce competitor who plays with a high motor. With continued development, he'll likely be a key piece for Head Coach Brian Tarrant next season, stepping up his production when his team needs him most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brandon Sherman ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"175","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Cicero-North Syracuse High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Syracuse Elite","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c909422c313"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brandon Sherman was another Syracuse Elite player who stood out to me. He was active throughout the event, consistently making it difficult for quarterbacks to complete passes over the middle. His instincts and movement in coverage allowed him to react quickly and disrupt passing lanes. One of his most impressive plays was a well-timed pass breakup, where he showcased his ability to break on the ball and contest throws effectively. Although Syracuse Elite didn't make the championship, Brandon and his squad had a strong showing. With his athletic build and natural playmaking ability, I wouldn't be surprised if he's just as dangerous on offense as he is on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"James Turner","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Steubenville High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Ohio Heat","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c909422c3cf"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Turner suited up for the Ohio Heat at the Steel City Collision and made an impact on both sides of the ball. As a wide receiver, he was his team's go-to target, securing tough, contested catches in key moments. On defense, he showcased his versatility by playing both linebacker and defensive back, consistently putting himself in position to make plays. Turner moves fluidly and has the ball skills and athleticism to disrupt passes in the middle hook zone. If he brings the same intensity to his physical play as he does to the rest of his game, there's no doubt he'll develop into a college prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->