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Evaluating Future Defensive Linemen and Linebackers

Evaluating Future Defensive Linemen and Linebackers
Photo: Sofia Jordan
Colton Edwards
Colton Edwards November 30, 2025 @ 02:09 PM
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In this article:

Tyson Thacker
Tyson Thacker 5'11" | 207 lbs | DL/RB | 2028
AR
Daniel Mccary
Daniel Mccary 5'9" | 180 lbs | EDGE/LB | 2029
AR
Gabriel Turner
Gabriel Turner 5'10" | 180 lbs | LB/EDGE | 2029
AR
Jacob Comer
Jacob Comer 5'8" | 185 lbs | LB | 2029
AR
LaMarcus Gaston
LaMarcus Gaston 5'10" | 265 lbs | DL | 2029
AR
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the playoffs are winding down, I wanted to highlight some standout young defensive linemen and linebacker prospects from the classes of 2028-2030. Here are five prospects to watch in these emerging classes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1654091"],"_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-692b9b49df203"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1654091' first='LaMarcus' last='Gaston'] is a stout defensive tackle who's effective at the 0-3 tech. Gaston will be a force against the running game. He has solid hand placement and pad level to stack and shed blockers at the POA. His power alone allows him to generate pressure on the pocket and quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 405 Squat</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Lamarcusgaston/status/1968005593010245738?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Lamarcusgaston/status/1968005593010245738?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1855774"],"_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-692b9b49df257"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1855774' first='Daniel' last='Mccary'] is already showing relentlessness off the snap. He plays with a high motor to stretch the pocket and pressure the quarterback or chase down ball carriers down the line. Mccary is someone to keep an eye on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note - 3.8 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/danielmccary19/status/1986298387424334299?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/danielmccary19/status/1986298387424334299?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1869440"],"_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-692b9b49df29b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1869440' first='Tyson' last='Thacker'] has experience at running back, but was dominant off the defensive line this season. He can play anywhere from the 3-7 tech with his quickness off the snap. Thacker displays solid hand usage to engage and shed to make plays in the backfield. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - Multi-Position Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TTrain_15/status/1990757834720735458?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TTrain_15/status/1990757834720735458?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1682876"],"_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-692b9b49df2db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1682876' first='Jacob' last='Comer'] is a communicative pre-snap linebacker, showcasing his leadership ability. Comer is physical at the point of attack and can tackle in space. He's someone to watch as he continues his rise and development. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - Multi-Sport Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/78JacobMC/status/1973191711817187578?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/78JacobMC/status/1973191711817187578?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1718849"],"_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-692b9b49df31b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1718849' first='Gabriel' last='Turner'] had a solid season this year, continuing his development. He can play both off-ball and off the edge with his quickness. He displays the motor to chase down ball carriers sideline to sideline. Keep an eye on him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.9 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Gabe_turner28/status/1989463759841382691?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Gabe_turner28/status/1989463759841382691?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

As the playoffs are winding down, I wanted to highlight some standout young defensive linemen and linebacker prospects from the classes of 2028-2030. Here are five prospects to watch in these emerging classes.

LaMarcus Gaston

LaMarcus Gaston

AR
DL
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 265
POS DL
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
LaMarcus
Gaston DL
Class
2029
Height
5'10"
Weight
265
HS
Fort Smith Northside
|
AR
Evaluating Future Defensive Linemen and Linebackers
LaMarcus Gaston is a stout defensive tackle who’s effective at the 0-3 tech. Gaston will be a force...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

LaMarcus Gaston

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Fort Smith Northside
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Daniel Mccary

Daniel Mccary

AR
EDGE/LB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 180
POS EDGE/LB
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Daniel
Mccary EDGE/LB
Class
2029
Height
5'9"
Weight
180
HS
Nettleton
|
AR
Evaluating Future Defensive Linemen and Linebackers
Daniel Mccary is already showing relentlessness off the snap. He plays with a high motor to stretch the...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Daniel Mccary

Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Nettleton
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Tyson Thacker

Tyson Thacker

AR
DL/RB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 207
POS DL/RB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Tyson
Thacker DL/RB
Class
2028
Height
5'11"
Weight
207
HS
Pottsville
|
AR
Evaluating Future Defensive Linemen and Linebackers
Tyson Thacker has experience at running back, but was dominant off the defensive line this season. He can...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Tyson Thacker

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Pottsville
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jacob Comer

Jacob Comer

AR
LB
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 185
POS LB
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Jacob
Comer LB
Class
2029
Height
5'8"
Weight
185
HS
Rogers
|
AR
Evaluating Future Defensive Linemen and Linebackers
Jacob Comer is a communicative pre-snap linebacker, showcasing his leadership ability. Comer is physical at the point of...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jacob Comer

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Rogers
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Gabriel Turner

Gabriel Turner

AR
LB/EDGE
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 180
POS LB/EDGE
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Gabriel
Turner LB/EDGE
Class
2029
Height
5'10"
Weight
180
HS
Valley View
|
AR
Evaluating Future Defensive Linemen and Linebackers
Gabriel Turner had a solid season this year, continuing his development. He can play both off-ball and off...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Gabriel Turner

Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Valley View
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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