2025 Queen City Senior Bowl Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Queen City Senior Bowl is a postseason All-Star Game for senior football players located in the Charlotte, NC Metro Area. The bowl game is in its 7th season and annually hosts 80 of the best players from the Charlotte area. The bowl game raises funds for the Metro School, a school in Charlotte that teaches and helps develop students with various types of disabilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently, the bowl game announced its selections for the 2025 edition of the bowl. We will take a look at the linebackers who were selected for the game. Stay tuned for more position analysis from the Queen City Senior Bowl selections!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1966613,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"center"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/QC-West-LBs-2025.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1966613" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1966614,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"center"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/QC-East-LBs-2025.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1966614" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1600436"],"_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-68f4204d88765"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Michael, or "Mikey" as he goes by, is one of my favorite linebackers to watch play high school football. He is physical at the point of attack, tackles well in space, and has the versatility to play both H/Move Back and Tight End on offense. But there's no doubt, his future at the next level is on defense, and his best football overall may be ahead of him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["904263"],"_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-68f4204d887c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chris has led the Storm to a strong bounce-back season with a winning record currently, and prospects for the State Playoffs look very good. Chris has been the linchpin of his team's defensive scheme, and he's produced double-digit tackles in nearly every game this season. He's deserving of this honor, and I'm excited to see how he leads his team the rest of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1321132"],"_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-68f4204d8880e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dru is a true three-down linebacker. On early downs, he can come downhill with bad intentions and plug holes in the running game well. On passing downs, Dru can drop and cover the middle of the field, along with showing the ability to blitz from depth when given the opportunity. He has some leadership skills also, and has been a big part of why Palisades has become one of the better programs in Charlotte. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1751625"],"_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-68f4204d88854"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Mustangs have a lot of talent on the defensive line and in the secondary, but Hank is the common thread that ties all of that talent together. He's a great communicator and leader for their defense, and he shows the ability to stop the interior running game on a consistent basis. He's a tough competitor, gritty, and a big reason for the Mustangs' success this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1600427"],"_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-68f4204d88895"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lathan is the leading tackler for the Mountaineers, and he's been a player I've liked for a long time. Lathan shows advanced speed and athleticism for his position, gets to the football well, and can play in both run and pass situations. College coaches have asked me about him several times at CFI Carolinas Showcases, and I think any college football program will be better with Lathan on their team once he graduates. </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":"Shaun Hartzog","_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":"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":"Olympic","_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-68f4204d8893c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shaun is probably the one linebacker out of all these guys I didn't have a great beat on coming into the season. That's primarily because Shaun has played a number of different positions so far in his career. As a matter of fact, when I interviewed him this preseason, he was listed as a defensive back. So, to my surprise, seeing him lead his team in tackles from the linebacker spot was super impressive. The main thing about Shaun is that he just excels in finding the football, whether it's in traffic or running away from him; he gets there, tackles well, and does it consistently throughout the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1909760"],"_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-68f4204d88986"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">James is a special athlete - he also plays Tight End for the Panthers, and shows some athletic ability to be a vertical prospect at that position as well. But, with his size and speed, I think linebacker projects better for him on the collegiate level. James is an excellent tackler in space. He hits with force, and ball carriers stop moving forward. I'm a little surprised he doesn't have more recruiting interest, but I think college coaches will like what they see in person with him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1149025"],"_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-68f4204d889c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caleb makes history as the first player in Ballantyne Ridge history to ever play in the Queen City Senior Bowl! I like Caleb because he really does have some nice speed and athleticism to his game. And he makes impact plays - when I saw him in person earlier this season, he had an interception that would have been a Pick 6 if not for a penalty, and a fumble recovery. Caleb has the ability to play some running back and receiver also, but I like him as a hybrid outside linebacker/strong safety-rover type of player on the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["403556"],"_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-68f4204d88a06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jacob is the third leading tackler on his team this year, but he has a special ability to make explosive, game-changing plays. Last season, he had 23 tackles for loss and 12 and a half sacks on the season. I think Jacob has a lot of potential as a 3-down linebacker who can play inside on the next level - his team needs him more outside and as a pass rusher this season, but with his size and athletic ability, a college football program will get a steal here. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1671933"],"_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-68f4204d88a44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brenan has been a strong part of the Warriors' defense this season, playing alongside some big-name players and Power 4 commits. Weddington always has some excellent players who fit around their more well-known players, but don't get it twisted. Brenan is an excellent linebacker who is tough in the middle, can cover in space, and is a very good tackler. Brenan should turn some heads during Bowl Week in practice. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["892289"],"_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-68f4204d88a81"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Playing for his father as a defensive coach, Deuce has had some pressure to perform in his career, and I have to say he has grown a lot as a player within the Mavericks' defense. I am impressed with the ferocity Deuce gets to the football, and he brings some pop in his pads when he tackles. He has very good speed and acceleration on the snap, and he is one of the defensive leaders for this ball club. I'm excited to see him in this setting soon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->