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26 Linebackers Who Bring Physicality and Speed to the Field

26 Linebackers Who Bring Physicality and Speed to the Field
Eric Bergman
Eric Bergman July 27, 2025 @ 08:03 PM
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In this article:

Will Gray
Will Gray 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB/EDGE | 2026
IL
Aiden Wild
Aiden Wild 6'2" | 205 lbs | ATH | 2026
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670138' first='Will' last='Gray'] – West Aurora – 6'2, 210</strong><br>Gray is a long, athletic linebacker with excellent movement skills. He reads plays quickly and closes with purpose. At 6'2, he has the frame that college programs covet, and he's just scratching the surface of what he can become. Expect him to take on a bigger leadership role this fall as he anchors the West Aurora defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riley Royer – Mascoutah – 6'0, 220</strong><br>Royer brings a tough, physical presence to the middle of the field. He's stout against the run and plays with excellent leverage and strength. At 220 pounds, he sheds blocks well and finishes tackles with authority. Royer fits the mold of an inside linebacker who can thrive in a downhill scheme and be the heart of a defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585199' first='Aiden' last='Wild'] – Lena-Winslow – 6'3, 220</strong><br>Wild is a force in Lena-Winslow's aggressive defensive system. He's long, physical, and plays fast. His length allows him to extend and disengage from blockers, and he delivers big hits when he arrives at the ball. Already on the radar with an offer from Upper Iowa, Wild's upside and production make him a name to follow in northern Illinois.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sean Kelly – Saint Patrick – 6'2, 215</strong><br>Kelly stands out with his speed and burst at the linebacker spot. He flies to the football and makes plays all over the field. At 6'2, 215, he has the size and range to be effective in multiple defensive schemes. His quickness and ability to close space set him apart, and he's a playmaker in pursuit who doesn't stay blocked for long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Will Gray Will Gray Will Gray 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB/EDGE West Aurora | 2026 State IL – West Aurora – 6'2, 210
Gray is a long, athletic linebacker with excellent movement skills. He reads plays quickly and closes with purpose. At 6'2, he has the frame that college programs covet, and he's just scratching the surface of what he can become. Expect him to take on a bigger leadership role this fall as he anchors the West Aurora defense.

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