Scout’s Notebook: Linebackers from PRZ NXT MS Combine, Part 3

<!-- 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>Starting off today was [player_tooltip player_id='1642744' first='Shane' last='Marshall'], a linebacker who graduates in 2029. Despite being 5'10", Marshall was a bit on the lighter side with a registered weight of 145lbs. In hindsight, this might be the reason Marshall was able to quickly, efficiently, and fluidly get to his pass set drops without any trouble what so ever... Where Marshall was a bit on the lighter side, [player_tooltip player_id='1597970' first='Nicholas' last='Leone'] was a bit on the heavier side, weighing in at 180lbs. Leone sure looks like he could profile as a gap-plugging middle linebacker; however, the next time I see him I hopefully that he plays and understands his leverage better - knowing exactly where his help is and attacking the near hip with his near leg.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If there was a linebacking prospect who left me wanting to see more of what they could potentially do it was [player_tooltip player_id='1544708' first='Derek' last='Altman']. Altman moved with a great deal of fluidity and also showcased solid hip rotation, allowing him to change direction with ease. When coming in and out of his break, Altman came to balance very well and tracked from there. The thing I was left to wonder about Altman was just exactly how fast he can run. I, unfortunately, did not get a chance to see him fully open up and boogie. Maybe next time... If there were five words I could scream at [player_tooltip player_id='1529260' first='Xavier' last='Weems'] until he repeated it in his sleep it would be this: the ball is the program! In cat &amp; mouse drills, Weems tried to create space and totally neglected ball security in the process. The ball was constantly held far away from his body, held by its point and rarely even cradled in his forearm. I cannot totally blast Weems for this, however, as he is likely a product of the toxic side of 7on7 culture - a hobby that is far from REAL football - which is degrading our game; and is the sort of thing any self-respecting coach who has an ounce of honor and perseveration of sanctity for the game cannot stand. Once Weems enters high school, he will be quick to realize that is not how it is done. I cannot wait to see this bad habit corrected. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although he registered as a linebacker, I suspect that [player_tooltip player_id='1273850' first='Schuyler' last='Travis'] might end up being an edge player. He has outstanding size (202lbs at 6'2") for an 8th grader, but I though his hips were not there <em>just yet</em> in order to get to drops and redirect in space as a linebacker. He did, however, showcase that he can suffocate running backs by taking the air and room out of any cutbacks, while also squeezing them with tight angles of pursuit. With his size and angles, I think he might make an immediate impact playing off the edge, using his hands, bending back side, and squeezing front side.</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-defensive-backs-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-2">Defensive Back Notes, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-d-backs-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-1">Defensive Line Notes, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-defensive-line-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-2">Defensive Line Notes, Part 2</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-linebackers-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-2">Linebacker Notes, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-linebackers-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-3">Linebacker Notes, Part 3</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-offensive-line-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-2">Offensive Line Notes, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-quarterbacks-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-1">Quarterback Notes, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-quarterbacks-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-2">Quarterback Notes, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-running-backs-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-1">Running Back Notes, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-running-backs-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-2">Running Back Notes, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-tight-ends-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine">Tight End Notes</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/04/scouts-notebook-wide-receivers-from-prz-nxt-ms-combine-part-1">Wide Receiver Notes, Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->