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2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers

2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers
Scott Burgess
Scott Burgess August 9, 2025 @ 09:00 AM
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In this article:

Hayes Potter
Hayes Potter 5'11" | 235 lbs | LB | 2027
IL
Marcus Leitzen
Marcus Leitzen 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB | 2027
IL
Dawson Deatherage
Dawson Deatherage 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB/RB | 2027
IL
Sitaleki Militoni
Sitaleki Militoni 5'11" | 205 lbs | LB/ATH | 2027
IL
Drake May
Drake May 5'11" | 165 lbs | LB | 2027
IL
James Bryant
James Bryant 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB | 2027
IL
Phillip White
Phillip White 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB | 2027
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our focus now is on the class of 2027!  We are breaking down tons of film on rising junior prospects ahead of their upcoming seasons.  Each position group will get a breakdown leading up to the release of our massive 2027 rankings update in August.  Here is <strong>2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["498273"],"_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-68955b7fe51d9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">White is an impact linebacker at 6'1" 200 pounds.  He is instinctual and consistently makes game changing plays.  Gets interceptions and big hits.  Speed to the ball and hits with force. Diagnoses and pursues in the run game.  Flies to the ball. Has some potential as an edge rusher with nice bend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1131012"],"_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-68955b7fe522f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bryant is a middle linebacker at 6'0" 200 pounds that transferred over from Missouri.  He is a physical thumper up the middle that purses with speed.  He is an absolute tackling machine especially in the run game while having upside vs the pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1334149"],"_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-68955b7fe527c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">May goes 5'11" 165 pounds.  This linebacker from Macomb racked up an insane 153 tackles, 4 sacks, and 8 TFL as a sophomore on varsity last season.  He is constantly moving pre snap making it difficult for opponents to know where he is coming from.  Good feel for where to slice through the offensive line to make plays in the backfield where he has a permanent residence. Nose for the ball and runs really well.  Stuffs up the middle.  Will need to add some strength, but has time.  Super productive!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1525074"],"_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-68955b7fe52c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Militoni is a 5'11" 195 pound outside linebacker that impacts both as a run stopper and in the pass game. Thick bodied backer that stuffs the run up the middle and wraps up well.  Tackles in space.  Solid in coverage that can run with tight end or slots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1791961' first='Dawson' last='Deatherage']","_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":"6'0u0022","_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":"Triad","_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-68955b7fe5371"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This Triad linebacker goes 6'0" 195 pounds.  He has a thick frame and is a thumper in the middle of the defense. Wraps up down low very well.  Technically sound player that is also above average in coverage making interceptions and plays overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1792036' first='Marcus' last='Leitzen']","_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":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"205","_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":"Johnson City","_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-68955b7fe5409"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leitzen has good size and strength at 6'0" 205 pounds.  Does a nice job setting the edge as an OLB.  Hits very hard and pursues well. Can cover out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1792060' first='Hayes' last='Potter']","_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":"205","_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":"Civic Memorial","_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-68955b7fe549e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Civic Memorial 5'11" 235 pound strong bodied outside linebacker.  He is a physical tackler that runs well and makes tackles in the open field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Our focus now is on the class of 2027!  We are breaking down tons of film on rising junior prospects ahead of their upcoming seasons.  Each position group will get a breakdown leading up to the release of our massive 2027 rankings update in August.  Here is 2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers!

Phillip White

Phillip White

IL
LB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 200
POS LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Phillip
White LB
Class
2027
Height
6'1"
Weight
200
HS
East St. Louis
|
IL
2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers
White is an impact linebacker at 6’1″ 200 pounds.  He is instinctual and consistently makes game changing plays. ...
Written by Scott Burgess
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Phillip White

State: Illinois
School: East St. Louis
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

James Bryant

James Bryant

IL
LB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 200
POS LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
James
Bryant LB
Class
2027
Height
6'0"
Weight
200
HS
East St. Louis
|
IL
2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers
Bryant is a middle linebacker at 6’0″ 200 pounds that transferred over from Missouri.  He is a physical...
Written by Scott Burgess
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

James Bryant

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: East St. Louis
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Drake May

Drake May

IL
LB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 165
POS LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Drake
May LB
Class
2027
Height
5'11"
Weight
165
HS
Macomb
|
IL
2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers
May goes 5’11” 165 pounds.  This linebacker from Macomb racked up an insane 153 tackles, 4 sacks, and...
Written by Scott Burgess
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Drake May

State: Illinois
School: Macomb
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Sitaleki Militoni

Sitaleki Militoni

IL
LB/ATH
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 205
POS LB/ATH
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Sitaleki
Militoni LB/ATH
Class
2027
Height
5'11"
Weight
205
HS
Mt. Carmel
|
IL
2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers
Militoni is a 5’11” 195 pound outside linebacker that impacts both as a run stopper and in the...
Written by Scott Burgess
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Sitaleki Militoni

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Mt. Carmel
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers</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%)">
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                    <span class="first-name">2027</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers</span>
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Dawson Deatherage Dawson Deatherage Dawson Deatherage 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB/RB Triad | 2027 State IL

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 195
POS LB
CLASS 2027

Dawson Deatherage Dawson Deatherage Dawson Deatherage 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB/RB Triad | 2027 State IL

School: Triad
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers</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/2025/08/2027-film-room-southern-and-central-illinois-linebackers/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/Phillip-White-crop-400x263-1754618800.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">2027</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers</span>
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                                            </span>
                                    </span>
                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

                    </span>
    </span>

Marcus Leitzen Marcus Leitzen 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Johnston City | 2027 State IL

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 205
POS LB
CLASS 2027

Marcus Leitzen Marcus Leitzen 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Johnston City | 2027 State IL

School: Johnson City
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers</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/2025/08/2027-film-room-southern-and-central-illinois-linebackers/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/Phillip-White-crop-400x263-1754618800.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="2027 Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">2027</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Film Room: Southern and Central Illinois Linebackers</span>
                    <span class="measurables">
                                            </span>
                                    </span>
                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

                    </span>
    </span>

Hayes Potter Hayes Potter Hayes Potter 5'11" | 235 lbs | LB Civic Memorial | 2027 State IL

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 205
POS LB
CLASS 2027

Hayes Potter Hayes Potter Hayes Potter 5'11" | 235 lbs | LB Civic Memorial | 2027 State IL

School: Civic Memorial
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