5A 2027 Linebackers Ready to Make Noise This Season

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 over, 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.   Mason McCants – MLB, Chiles High Height/Weight: 5'10”, 190 lbs Season Stats: 133 total tackles, 37 solo, 96 assists, 6.0 TFL, 1.0 sack (11 GP)   Scouting Report: McCants is a high-motor, downhill middle linebacker who consistently finds the football. He keys quickly, takes efficient angles, and shows strong instincts between the tackles. His tackling volume reflects both durability and reliability, and he rarely misses when he gets square.   Analysis: McCants projects as a true box linebacker who thrives on volume and physicality. Continued development in coverage awareness will raise his ceiling, but his instincts, toughness, and consistency already make him a dependable defensive centerpiece.   Randon Manausa – MLB, Leon High Height/Weight: 5'11”, 205 lbs Season Stats: 121 total tackles, 73 solo, 48 assists, 11.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks (10 GP)   Scouting Report: Manausa is a physical, aggressive linebacker with strong run fits and pop on contact. He plays with good pad level and shows the ability to defeat blocks in the box. His solo tackle numbers highlight his ability to finish plays.   Analysis: Manausa projects as a downhill enforcer who can anchor the middle of a defense. Improving lateral range and coverage fluidity will expand his role, but his physical presence and backfield production stand out.   [player_tooltip player_id='1655304' first='Caleb' last='Beck'] – MLB, Lake Gibson High Height/Weight: 6'0”, 200 lbs Season Stats: 104 total tackles, 42 solo, 62 assists, 1.0 TFL (11 GP) Academic: 4.4 GPA   Scouting Report: Beck is a disciplined, assignment-sound linebacker with strong football IQ. He plays under control, stays in his gaps, and consistently arrives around the ball. His high assist numbers reflect excellent pursuit and awareness.   Analysis: Beck projects as a reliable, scheme-fit linebacker who does the dirty work. Adding more explosiveness and backfield disruption will elevate his impact, but his intelligence, consistency, and leadership traits provide a strong foundation.   Miguel Clarke Jr – Rover/OLB, Riverdale High Height/Weight: 6'0”, 190 lbs Season Stats: 98 total tackles, 57 solo, 41 assists, 22.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks (13 GP)   Scouting Report: Clarke is an explosive hybrid defender with excellent closing speed. He triggers quickly downhill and shows a natural feel for timing blitzes and shooting gaps. His versatility allows him to impact both the run and pass rush.   Analysis: Clarke projects as a modern hybrid linebacker who can be moved around to create mismatches. Continued refinement in coverage technique will increase his value, but his disruption and playmaking ability already separate him.   Wyatt Parks – LB/TE, Martin County High Height/Weight: 6'1”, 205 lbs Season Stats: 72 total tackles, 49 solo, 23 assists, 13.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks (10 GP)   Scouting Report: Parks is a physical, versatile athlete who brings toughness and effort on every snap. Defensively, he attacks downhill with authority and shows good strength at the point of attack. His two-way background is evident in his competitiveness.   Analysis: Parks projects as a rugged linebacker with positional flexibility. Improving lateral agility and coverage depth will help define his long-term role, but his physical tools and versatility are clear assets.   Mason Peevy – MLB, Middleburg High Height/Weight: 5'10”, 180 lbs Season Stats: 71 total tackles, 37 solo, 34 assists, 5.0 TFL, 0.5 sacks (9 GP)   Scouting Report: Peevy is a quick-reacting linebacker with good instincts and consistent tackling form. He plays with urgency and shows a strong understanding of run fits. Despite missing time, he remained productive and reliable.   Analysis: Peevy projects as a steady interior linebacker who can handle high-rep workloads. Adding strength/Weight and pass-rush impact will boost his upside, but his instincts and effort level already stand out.   Jared Peavy – DE/LB, Westwood High Height/Weight: 6'1”, 205 lbs Season Stats: 70 total tackles, 27 solo, 43 assists, 7.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks (11 GP)   Scouting Report: Peavy is a versatile front-seven defender who can play on the edge or stack inside. He shows good hand usage and effort when rushing the passer and is effective chasing plays from the backside.   Analysis: Peavy projects as a flexible defensive piece who can fill multiple roles. Refining his pass-rush moves and first-step explosiveness will raise his ceiling, but his versatility and motor are valuable traits.   Shawn Holmes – LB, Mainland High Height/Weight: 6'1”, 210 lbs Season Stats: 69 total tackles, 38 solo, 31 assists, 6.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks (12 GP)   Scouting Report: Holmes is a strong, physical linebacker who plays with controlled aggression. He takes on blocks willingly and maintains good positioning in the run game. His frame allows him to absorb contact and finish plays.   Analysis: Holmes projects as a sturdy box linebacker with run-stopping upside. Continued development in coverage range will enhance his versatility, but his physicality and consistency already translate well.   Zechariah Taylor – LB, Sebring High Height/Weight: 5'10”, 200 lbs Season Stats: 66 total tackles, 46 solo, 20 assists, 4.5 TFL (11 GP)   Scouting Report: Taylor is an instinctive linebacker with strong tackling fundamentals. He reads plays quickly and does a good job staying square in the hole. His solo tackle numbers reflect confidence and decisiveness.   Analysis: Taylor projects as a reliable run-first linebacker who thrives on fundamentals and effort. Expanding his impact in passing situations will elevate his profile, but his instincts and consistency provide a solid base.

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 over, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.