Linebacker Spotlight: Tampa Bay Through Week 7

Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season getting closer, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.   These players are all talented and have college-level abilities. Some of these players have a few offers, but all of them have the ability to play college football at some level.   There are some big-time, highly rated prospects and several sleeper prospects who should all be getting looks for the next level. This list is full of stud prospects.   Prep Redzone Florida will always support every player on their journey to playing college football.   Khyrii Everett (c/o 2026) Position: Outside Linebacker / Strong Safety School: Zephyrhills High Height/Weight: 5'11”, 190 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 7): 65 tackles, 16 TFL, 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 blocked punt   Evaluation: Everett has been a game-wrecker for Zephyrhills' defense, consistently making plays behind the line of scrimmage. His 16 tackles for loss and 9 sacks through seven games show off his elite burst and closing speed off the edge. He plays with relentless effort and instincts, excelling both in run support and as a pass rusher. At 5'11”, 190 lbs, Everett's hybrid skill set allows him to thrive as a versatile linebacker-safety combo who impacts every phase of the game.   Dakota Mitchell (c/o 2027) Position: Inside Linebacker School: Nature Coast Tech Height/Weight: 6'0”, 200 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 7): 56 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries   Evaluation: Mitchell has developed into the centerpiece of Nature Coast's defensive unit, displaying the toughness and consistency coaches look for in a middle defender. He reads plays quickly and fills gaps with authority, showing strong physicality at the point of attack. His ability to track the ball and take smart pursuit angles makes him an all-around linebacker who can anchor a defense at all three levels.   [player_tooltip player_id='1064995' first='Caleb' last='Nordenbrook'] (c/o 2027) Position: Middle Linebacker / Athlete School: Keswick Christian High Height/Weight: 5'8”, 175 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 7): 76 tackles, 7 TFL, 3 sacks   Evaluation: Nordenbrook is a tackling machine who plays much bigger than his listed size. His 76 tackles through seven games highlight his instincts and high motor, while his 7 tackles for loss and 3 sacks show his ability to create disruption. He plays with controlled aggression, rarely out of position, and his leadership in the middle of the field sets the tone for Keswick Christian's defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1721117' first='Nykel' last='Young'] (c/o 2027) Position: Linebacker School: Bloomingdale High Height/Weight: 5'10”, 210 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 7): 59 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 1 fumble recovery, 1 blocked field goal   Evaluation: Young has proven to be one of the more disruptive defenders in Bloomingdale's front seven. His blend of strength and explosiveness allows him to shed blockers and consistently make plays in the backfield. With 13.5 tackles for loss, he's shown outstanding penetration ability and discipline in pursuit. Young's physical style and ability to deliver impact plays make him a rising linebacker prospect to watch.   Ian Leslie (c/o 2027) Position: Linebacker / Athlete School: Sunlake High Height/Weight: 5'9”, 165 lbs Current Season Stats (through Week 7): 59 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT   Evaluation: Leslie has been one of the most active defenders for Sunlake, showing excellent range and effort across the field. His ability to drop into coverage while remaining a reliable tackler gives him versatility as a hybrid linebacker-safety type. He plays with high energy and instincts, and his interception adds to his reputation as a smart, playmaking defender who's constantly around the football.

Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season getting closer, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.