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Next Up: Waco’s Linebacker Pipeline Heating Up

Next Up: Waco’s Linebacker Pipeline Heating Up
Alin Edouard
Alin Edouard July 5, 2025 @ 10:00 AM
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In this article:

Laquan Hughes Jr
Laquan Hughes Jr 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB | 2027
TX
Gavin Owens
Gavin Owens 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB/RB | 2026
TX
Brady Pate
Brady Pate 6'3" | 195 lbs | LB/EDGE | 2028
TX
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The linebacker group in Waco sets the tone with physicality, range, and leadership. Whether playing downhill in the box or dropping into coverage, these backers bring a high motor and an aggressive mindset. They diagnose plays quickly, take great angles to the ball, and finish with authority. With a blend of sideline to sideline speed and toughness in the trenches, Waco's linebackers are the heartbeat of their defenses and they play with something to prove.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1701144,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Caden Roland","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"175","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Waco La Vega","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6863435f79bc2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caden is a throwback linebacker who plays with intensity, instincts, and a nonstop motor. He reads plays quickly and isn't afraid to shoot gaps or take on blockers in the trenches. What separates him is how fast he triggers downhill and how consistently he finishes tackles. He brings energy to the defense and plays with the type of toughness and edge that coaches love. Whether it's rallying to the ball or setting the tone in the run game, Caden makes his presence felt every snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19702396/678b01e2e2207b470cd6badb' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6863435f79bea"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1701287,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Tahj Rucker","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"194","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"5926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"A and M Consolidated","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686375cc24a6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tahj is a physical, downhill linebacker who thrives in chaos. He plays with a fearless edge, attacking the line of scrimmage with power and urgency. His ability to shed blocks and meet ball carriers in the hole stands out, and he rarely misses tackles in space. Tahj brings a toughness that sets the tone for his unit, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder every snap. He's the kind of linebacker you win with smart, aggressive, and always around the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18482760/67b2a987945d676bf5dedd0c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686375cc24c4e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1703194,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"LaQuan Hughes Jr","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"175","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Waco University ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9a056"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Laquan is a sideline to sideline linebacker with natural instincts and a nose for the football. He plays fast, reacts quickly, and rarely gets caught out of position. Whether he's filling run lanes or dropping into coverage, Laquan shows great awareness and control. He plays with discipline, but when it's time to strike, he brings real pop. He make him a valuable asset to any defense and his best football is still ahead of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20213763/6749688ca523797f61b963f3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9a3d5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["802138"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9a461"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brady is a high motor linebacker who plays with grit, toughness, and leadership. He's a sure tackler in space and isn't afraid to get physical at the point of attack. What stands out most is his relentless pursuit he's always around the ball and finds ways to make impact plays. Brady communicates well, sets the tone for his defense, and brings a level of intensity that raises the standard around him. He's dependable, coachable, and built for big moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23412869/673a7591c1359c05ad09cb01' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9a499"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1703239,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jacey Wiley ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"La Vega","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9a5b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jacey may not be the biggest linebacker on the field, but he plays like the heartbeat of the defense. He makes up for any size with sharp instincts, quick reactions, and consistent physicality. Jacey trusts what he sees, closes fast, and isn't afraid to step up and meet runners in the hole. He's also comfortable in space, able to drop into coverage and play sideline to sideline. Tough, smart, and relentless jacey is the kind of linebacker every coach wants in their locker room.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19909524/6784609b7b0f07999b9eadd7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9a5ea"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1703252,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Cole Flanagan","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"210","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"College Station HS ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9a6eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cole is a tough, disciplined linebacker who plays with great technique and a fearless mindset. He's quick to read and react, rarely out of position, and takes pride in doing the dirty work between the tackles. Cole brings a physical edge to the run game, sheds blocks with leverage, and finishes with authority. He's a dependable presence on the field smart, coachable, and always playing with maximum effort. Cole doesn't just fill gaps he makes plays.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17684799/67661071c605f426276d4077' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9a723"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1703257,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Cooper Howard","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"190","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Harker Heights","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9a81e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cooper is a fast, instinctive linebacker who flies around the field with purpose. He has a natural feel for the game quick to diagnose, quick to trigger, and quick to arrive with force. Whether it's stuffing the run or disrupting passing lanes, Cooper makes his presence known. He plays with energy, confidence, and a relentless motor that never shuts off. With his ability to cover ground and make clean tackles, Cooper is the type of linebacker who sets the tone from the first snap to the last.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18196696/674a21e235352caea58ae9b8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9a854"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1703260,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jaydon Crowson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"225","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Midway HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9a950"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jaydon is a versatile linebacker who brings physicality and intelligence to every snap. He's a natural leader on the field vocal, locked in, and always around the football. Jaydon reacts quickly to what he sees, takes smart angles, and delivers clean, aggressive tackles. Whether he's plugging gaps, blitzing off the edge, or dropping into coverage, he does it all with confidence and control. His all around skill set and relentless effort make him a key piece on any defense.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20817744/670316c38a66cd4affd2ce72' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9a986"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1703262,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Joaquin Martinez","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"195","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Waco University ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68670fca9aa82"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Joaquin is a well rounded linebacker with a strong build, sharp instincts, and a physical play style. He plays with great balance and control, able to take on blocks, slip through traffic, and finish tackles with authority. Joaquin diagnoses plays quickly and doesn't waste steps he's always in position to make something happen. Whether in the box or in space, he shows versatility and toughness. With his steady presence and high motor, Joaquin is a dependable force in the heart of the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18432927/66eadf19f35939c4ed47bce0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68671c566442a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1703271,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ja'kiree Teal ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"240","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Ellison HS ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68671c56644cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ja'Keel is a physical, well built athlete who makes an impact on both sides of the ball. As a linebacker, he plays with urgency and toughness , quick to diagnose, fast to the ball, and always ready to deliver a hit. He shows great effort in pursuit and rarely misses a tackle. On offense, he brings that same physicality as a running back, running through contact and keeping his legs churning for extra yards. Ja'Keel's size, motor, and versatility make him a true tone setter, and he brings value every time he steps on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18204266/67a624e53b10862319ca7ebb' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68671c56644f2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1666003,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1587313' first='Gavin' last='Owens']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"215","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lake Belton HS ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686721e8e6854"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Gavin</strong> plays with a rare combination of grit and football intelligence. He's not just a physical presence he's a cerebral defender who studies opponents and adjusts on the fly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His instincts allow him to anticipate plays before they develop, putting him in prime position to disrupt offenses. Gavin excels at communicating and rallying his teammates, often acting as the defensive quarterback on the field. His balance of aggressiveness and poise makes him a versatile weapon, equally effective against the run or in coverage. Coaches value his leadership and his ability to elevate the entire defense's performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16879368/673d1bb1bf325d9867d52ab9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686721e8e6a1a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linebackers across Waco continue to prove they're built differently fast, physical, and fundamentally sound. Whether it's stopping the run, creating turnovers, or leading the defense vocally and emotionally, these backers play with grit and pride. As recruiting eyes turn toward Central Texas, expect more of these Waco linebackers to rise onto radars and earn the recognition they've worked for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

The linebacker group in Waco sets the tone with physicality, range, and leadership. Whether playing downhill in the box or dropping into coverage, these backers bring a high motor and an aggressive mindset. They diagnose plays quickly, take great angles to the ball, and finish with authority. With a blend of sideline to sideline speed and toughness in the trenches, Waco's linebackers are the heartbeat of their defenses and they play with something to prove.

Caden Roland

Caden Roland

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 175
POS LB
CLASS 2027

Caden Roland

School: Waco La Vega
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Tahj Rucker

Tahj Rucker

HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 194
POS EDGE
CLASS 2027

Tahj Rucker

School: A and M Consolidated
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LaQuan Hughes Jr

LaQuan Hughes Jr

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 175
POS LB
CLASS 2027

LaQuan Hughes Jr

School: Waco University
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Brady Pate

Brady Pate

TX
LB/EDGE
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 195
POS LB/EDGE
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Brady
Pate LB/EDGE
Class
2028
Height
6'3"
Weight
195
HS
Midway
|
TX
Next Up: Waco’s Linebacker Pipeline Heating Up
Brady is a high motor linebacker who plays with grit, toughness, and leadership. He’s a sure tackler in...
Written by Alin Edouard
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Brady Pate

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State: Texas
School: Midway
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Highlights

Jacey Wiley

Jacey Wiley

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 180
POS LB
CLASS 2027

Jacey Wiley

School: La Vega
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Cole Flanagan

Cole Flanagan

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 210
POS LB
CLASS 2026

Cole Flanagan

School: College Station HS
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Cooper Howard

Cooper Howard

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 190
POS LB
CLASS 2026

Cooper Howard

School: Harker Heights
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Jaydon Crowson

Jaydon Crowson

HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 225
POS LB
CLASS 2026

Jaydon Crowson

School: Midway HS
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Joaquin Martinez

Joaquin Martinez

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 195
POS LB
CLASS 2026

Joaquin Martinez

School: Waco University
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Ja'kiree Teal

Ja'kiree Teal

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 240
POS LB
CLASS 2026

Ja'kiree Teal

School: Ellison HS
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<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Next Up: Waco’s Linebacker Pipeline Heating Up</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(193,25,32, 0.95) 0%,rgba(193,25,32, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/next-up-wacos-linebacker-pipeline-heating-up/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/JUCOO_copy_copy_copy_copy-7486626.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Next Up: Waco’s Linebacker Pipeline Heating Up"></span>
                
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Gavin Owens Gavin Owens 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB/RB Lake Belton Highschool | 2026 TX

HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 215
POS LB
CLASS 2026

Gavin Owens Gavin Owens 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB/RB Lake Belton Highschool | 2026 TX

School: Lake Belton HS
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Rankings

456 Players Ranked

  • 1
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    Keisean Henderson

    Legacy School Of Sport Science

    Houston
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    Carthage

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    Duncanville

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