Top Class of 2028 Region 5 Linebackers This Season

Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season getting closer, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.   These players are all talented and have college-level abilities. Some of these players have a few offers, but all of them have the ability to play college football at some level.   There are some big-time, highly rated prospects and several sleeper prospects who should all be getting looks for the next level. This list is full of stud prospects.   Prep Redzone Florida will always support every player on their journey to playing college football.   Linebacker Evaluations   1. James Hicks, Inside Linebacker – Springstead High   Height/Weight: 5'11", 210 lbs   Stats Summary: 41 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 passes defensed   Evaluation: Hicks is a disciplined inside linebacker with a strong presence in the middle of the defense. His 41 tackles highlight his ability to diagnose plays and take smart pursuit angles to the ball. Hicks is also effective in coverage, as shown by his two passes defensed, making him a well-rounded defender. His ability to play downhill and control the second level makes him a key piece in a physical defense.   2. Jordan Olds, Linebacker – Sebring High   Height/Weight: 6'0", 200 lbs   Stats Summary: 35 tackles, 11 TFL, 5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble, 12 QB hurries   Evaluation: Olds is an explosive linebacker who thrives in attacking the backfield. His 11 tackles for loss and 5 sacks show his ability to disrupt plays before they develop, and his 12 QB hurries make him a constant threat as a pass rusher. Olds also has a knack for forcing turnovers, adding a forced fumble and a fumble recovery to his stat sheet. His relentless motor and aggressive style make him a difference-maker at the linebacker position.   3. Michael Caetano, Inside Linebacker – Gulf Coast High   Height/Weight: 5'9", 200 lbs   Stats Summary: 34 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 fumble recovery   Evaluation: Caetano is a strong, physical linebacker who plays with great effort. His 34 tackles showcase his ability to read plays and make quick stops in the run game. His fumble recovery highlights his awareness on the field, always being in the right place at the right time. Caetano's ability to stay disciplined and play his role makes him a key contributor in the middle of the defense.   4. Jaylen Lowman, Linebacker/Strong Safety – Winter Springs High   Height/Weight: 6'1", 160 lbs   Stats Summary: 29 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 interception, 4 passes defensed   Evaluation: Lowman is a versatile defender who excels in both coverage and run support. His ability to drop into coverage and make plays on the ball is evident with his 4 passes defensed and 1 interception. Lowman also shows physicality when playing in the box, recording 2 tackles for loss. His range and ability to play multiple roles in the defense make him a valuable hybrid player.   5. Dejon Smith, Outside Linebacker/Strong Safety – Atlantic High   Height/Weight: 5'9", 170 lbs   Stats Summary: 24 tackles, 3 TFL   Evaluation: Smith is an athletic defender who plays with great speed and closing ability. His 3 tackles for loss showcase his ability to shoot gaps and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Smith's versatility allows him to be effective both in space and near the line of scrimmage, making him a valuable piece in any defensive scheme.   6. Tyrone Robinson, Inside Linebacker – Martin County   Height/Weight: N/A   Stats Summary: 23 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defensed, 1 fumble recovery   Evaluation: Robinson is a smart and instinctive linebacker who always finds his way to the football. His ability to get into the backfield is highlighted by his sack and tackle for loss, while his pass defensed shows his awareness in coverage. Robinson also has a nose for turnovers, as seen with his fumble recovery. His all-around skill set makes him a dependable playmaker at the linebacker position.     Overall Overview:   This linebacker group features a strong mix of pass-rushing threats, coverage defenders, and physical tacklers. Jordan Olds stands out as a disruptive force with his ability to create pressure and force mistakes, while James Hicks and Michael Caetano provide stability in the middle with their sound tackling and disciplined play. Jaylen Lowman and Dejon Smith bring hybrid skill sets, excelling in both coverage and run support, while Tyrone Robinson showcases his ability to make plays in multiple areas. This group is filled with instinctive, high-motor defenders who can make an impact in a variety of roles.

Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season getting closer, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.