’26 Rankings Update: The Linebacker Film Room, Part I

Film is one of the best tools to self-scout, evaluate, and improve. As is the case with any rankings update, we want to celebrate and highlight select prospects who had some really nice film and talk about their game. That said kill the lights, close the blinds, and turn the projector on and join me, as we prepare to enter the film room to discuss what I saw on film.   Additionally, <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/1492/register/combine-series-new-yorknew-jersey">Prep Redzone New Jersey's High School Combine</a> is returning to Jackson, NJ on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 9am to 12pm. Take this opportunity to <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/1492/colleges">perform live in front of college coaches</a> and be evaluated by our Prep Redzone scouts. Use the following promo code to receive a discount at checkout: MankariousCombine25   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    Ramapo is turning into a football factory for quality prospects who play the game the right way. [player_tooltip player_id='1562025' first='Carter' last='Cooney']'s name is added to that list. A fundamentalist, Cooney gets to his spots quickly due to his exceptional ability to read his keys. In line with fundamentals, he comes to balance nicely when squaring up for a tackle. Something else I caught was his tendency to play down hill - which is likely emboldened by having mastered his keys. Although has not shown much hand usage when shedding blocks, his reads allow him to avoid getting blocked.      Mainland has had a ton of success in recent years, and the way prospects like [player_tooltip player_id='1097478' first='Chase' last='Hoag'] play clearly underscore why Mainland has been on a tear. When closing on the quarterback, Hoag does a great job attacking the ball and make a havoc play. Out of every film watched for this update, Hoag might be the epitome of hustle to the nth degree. An example of this was when he was sent on a blitz on the boundary side of the field, and the ball thrown to the field side on a quick pass. Hoag proceeded to pursue the ball and saved a touchdown at about the 5 yard line across the field. That said I think it is hustle, but it might just be Hoag's outstanding open field speed. Furthermore, Hoag is a good tackler that attacks the thigh boards and hit/wrap/drives like it is taught in the text book. Whatever you think of him, this much is clear: Hoag wants to win and wants to make every play when doing so.      The first thing that caught my attention about [player_tooltip player_id='1544678' first='Cornell' last='Davis'] was how he has a very good down hill burst. At this best, Davis is moving forward on the snap of the ball and manages to find creases to get through. Speed is a part of his game too, managing to beat running backs to the sideline. Davis is a good wrapper when tackling and has sufficient pad level. For whatever reason, Davis seemed like a high-upside prospect worth a deep look by some colleges.      There might be a direct correlation with solid programs and solid prospects. Rumson-Fair Haven is a top program and [player_tooltip player_id='1561998' first='Dylan' last='Plesser'] might be one of their top prospects. I would categorize Plesser's leverage tackling as very good. Plesser is a prospect who is equally apt at getting to his drop in pass coverage and also setting an edge. With similar quickness, this outside linebacker evades blockers with sudden moves. Lastly, he reads his responsibility and goes through and progresses through them in order to be in position to make plays.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2026 Rankings Update Coverage</h2>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/26-rankings-update-film-evals-for-new-additions-part-i"></a><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/26-rankings-update-film-evals-for-new-additions-part-i"></a><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/26-rankings-update-film-evals-for-new-additions-part-i">Ranking Evaluation Scouting Notes, Part I</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/26-rankings-update-the-linebacker-film-room-part-i">Linebacker Film Room, Part I</a>

Film is one of the best tools to self-scout, evaluate, and improve. As is the case with any rankings update, we want to celebrate and highlight select prospects who had some really nice film and talk about their game. That said kill the lights, close the blinds, and turn the projector on and join me, as we prepare to enter the film room to discuss what I saw on film.