Next-Level Talent: 7A Under-the-Radar Linebackers

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.   Chase Gilbert – LB, St. Cloud Height/Weight: 6'0”, 200 lbs Season Stats: 68 total tackles, 8.5 Tck/G, 24 solo, 44 assists, 5.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks (8 GP)   Scouting Report: Gilbert is a fundamentally sound linebacker with strong instincts for the ball. He diagnoses plays quickly and attacks gaps with controlled aggression. Shows solid tackling technique and can contribute both against the run and in short-zone coverage.   Analysis: Gilbert projects as a reliable, high-effort linebacker who can handle multiple responsibilities. Increasing his range and speed in pursuit will enhance his upside, but his awareness, physicality, and production already mark him as a cornerstone at the position.   Maximus Lennon – OLB, Winter Park High Height/Weight: 6'0”, 210 lbs Season Stats: 67 total tackles, 6.7 Tck/G, 27 solo, 40 assists, 10.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks (10 GP)   Scouting Report: Lennon is a disciplined edge player with a knack for creating negative plays. He maintains gap integrity while showing the athleticism to chase down ball carriers. His tackling is clean, and he can drop into coverage when needed.   Analysis: Lennon projects as a versatile outside linebacker capable of impacting both the run and pass. Refining pass-rush technique and burst off the line will increase his sack totals, but his balance of size, speed, and instincts already gives him a strong all-around profile.   Vance Brandes – LB, Centennial High Height/Weight: 6'2”, 190 lbs Season Stats: 65 total tackles, 8.1 Tck/G, 12 solo, 53 assists, 3.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks (8 GP)   Scouting Report: Brandes is a rangy, high-IQ linebacker with excellent lateral movement and vision. He reads blocks well and excels in pursuit, often finishing plays with pure hustle. Shows reliable tackling in open space.   Analysis: Brandes projects as a versatile linebacker with coverage and pursuit strengths. Adding bulk and improving shed power could elevate his play against bigger backs, but his range, instincts, and production already make him a key contributor.   Colton Sklarek – OLB, St. Cloud High Height/Weight: 6'0”, 215 lbs Season Stats: 64 total tackles, 6.4 Tck/G, 24 solo, 40 assists, 14.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks (10 GP)   Scouting Report: Sklarek is a physical edge defender with a strong pass-rush skill set. He consistently pressures the quarterback and demonstrates toughness against the run. Quick off the ball with natural instincts in attacking the backfield.   Analysis: Sklarek projects as a disruptive linebacker capable of altering plays in the backfield. Continued refinement of coverage skills will improve versatility, but his production and ability to create negative plays already set him apart at the OLB position.   Nicholas Battaglia – MLB, Park Vista High Height/Weight: 6'1”, 215 lbs Season Stats: 63 total tackles, 7.9 Tck/G, 63 solo, 0 assists, 9.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks (8 GP)   Scouting Report: Battaglia is a downhill, instinctive middle linebacker who reads plays quickly and fills gaps with authority. He consistently wraps up and finishes, showing strength in both run support and blitzing scenarios.   Analysis: Battaglia projects as a central figure in any defense, controlling the middle and anchoring linebacking units. Developing lateral agility and coverage range will expand his ceiling, but his tackling prowess and production already make him a top MLB prospect.   Emir Brinson – OLB, Lake Brantley High Height/Weight: 5'11”, 190 lbs Season Stats: 63 total tackles, 6.3 Tck/G, 13 solo, 0 assists, 10.0 TFL, 0.5 sacks (10 GP)   Scouting Report: Brinson is a playmaker with excellent anticipation and the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. He reads blocks well and strikes decisively at the point of attack. Shows good lateral movement and awareness in coverage.   Analysis: Brinson projects as a high-impact outside linebacker with a knack for creating negative plays. Increasing tackling consistency and pass-rush technique will further his impact, but his instincts, production, and ability to read plays make him a strong OLB prospect.

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.