Scout’s Notebook: Linebackers from PRZ NXT MS Combine, Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My event coverage from April 5ths Prep Redzone Next Middle School Combine in Jackson, New Jersey continues with a position-by-position breakdown of each prospect that I was able to record notes on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For continued coverage and updates, be sure to follow me on <a href="https://x.com/BrendanScoutsNJ">X/Twitter.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1645265' first='Joseph' last='Casario'] was one of the first linebackers I got a look-see at when indys broke. Casario is a good enough athlete that must learn to use his eyes a bit better. When moving backwards, he seemed to be looking downward and kept his eyes buzzing around. Trust your athleticism, young man. You will get to your spots and learn to use your peripheral vision/head on a swivel as you move - you will make more plays on the ball this way... [player_tooltip player_id='1516099' first='Xander' last='Pelzer'] was the linebacking MVP from Saturday's event - and it was clear from the moment I first noticed him. To the naked eye, Pelzer was probably one of the most athletically advanced prospects in attendance. He had an outstanding vertical leap that allowed him to high point the ball with his hands at its apex. Further, he got in and out of his breaks second-to-none. When the event shifted toward competition, Pelzer was aggressive in suffocating the running back, taking away any air or outlet they had to make a move.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1399653' first='Shay' last='Brennan'] moved extremely well, too. In fact, I thought Brennan moved just about as well as Pelzer did, however, Brennan made a few less plays on the ball from what I saw. Moreover, Brennan was equally as aggressive and quick when closing in on ball carriers... [player_tooltip player_id='1014509' first='Dante' last='Koc'] might have been one of the most physically imposing <em>overall </em>prospects - not just linebacking prospects - in attendance. To me, Koc profiles as the type of run-stuffing middle linebacker that is a B-gap-to-B-gap plugger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Event Coverage: Prep Redzone Next Combine Series – New Jersey</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/prz-next-combine-series-5-offensive-lineman-im-excited-to-see">Event Preview: Offensive Linemen</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/prz-next-combine-series-5-defenders-im-excited-to-see">Event Preview: Defenders, Part I</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/prz-next-combine-series-5-more-defenders-im-excited-to-see">Event Preview: Defenders, Part II</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/prz-next-combine-series-5-quarterbacks-im-excited-to-see">Event Preview: Quarterbacks</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/prz-next-combine-series-5-offensive-skills-im-excited-to-see">Event Preview: Offensive Skills</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/instant-reaction-prep-redzone-next-combine-series-new-jersey">Post-Event Instant Reaction</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/the-offensive-eye-test-prospects-physically-ready-to-compete-now">Offensive Eye Test</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/the-defensive-eye-test-prospects-physically-ready-to-compete-now">Defensive Eye Test</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/workout-warriors-defensive-players-top-combine-scores">Top Combine Scores, Defense</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/workout-warriors-offensive-players-top-combine-scores">Top Combine Scores, Offense</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-d-backs-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-1">Defensive Back Notes, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-d-line-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-1">Defensive Line Notes, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-linebackers-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-1">Linebacker Notes, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-o-line-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-1">Offensive Line Notes, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-quarterbacks-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-1">Quarterback Notes, Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->