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Setting the Tone: Linebackers Who Lead with Pads

Setting the Tone: Linebackers Who Lead with Pads
CJ Marable
CJ Marable January 15, 2026 @ 08:57 AM
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In this article:

Jonathan Roberto
Jonathan Roberto 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB | 2027
AL
Grayson Stephenson
Grayson Stephenson LB/DB | 2027
AL
Harrison Malone
Harrison Malone 5'9" | 175 lbs | LB/DB | 2027
AL
Jiyez Fleming
Jiyez Fleming 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB | 2027
AL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linebacker play still defines the identity of a defense, and the prospects below bring a blend of physicality, instincts, and competitive edge that consistently shows up on film. Each of these athletes impacts the game in different ways — whether it's filling gaps downhill, running sideline to sideline, or acting as the quarterback of the defense. What they all share is a willingness to do the dirty work and an understanding of leverage, angles, and pursuit. As the game continues to evolve, linebackers who can diagnose quickly and finish violently remain invaluable at the next level. These five defenders have tools that translate beyond Friday nights and project well in college systems.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1234251"],"_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-6969004b33f46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Malone plays with a downhill mindset and is at his best attacking the line of scrimmage with urgency. He shows solid key-and-diagnose ability, allowing him to fill gaps quickly and limit yards after contact. His tackling is consistent, using proper pad level and leverage to finish ball carriers. Malone displays good physical toughness taking on blocks and maintaining his run fit responsibility. While not overly flashy, he plays disciplined football and is rarely out of position. His steady presence and reliability make him a dependable second-level defender with college potential.</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":"Jayden Reasor","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"205","_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":"McIntosh High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6969004b34026"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reasor brings a strong combination of athleticism and range to the linebacker position. He moves well laterally and shows the ability to chase plays down from the backside. His instincts stand out, particularly when reading run concepts and reacting decisively. Reasor flashes pop on contact and doesn't shy away from physical situations. In coverage, he shows promise dropping into zones and keeping eyes on the quarterback. With continued strength development, he projects as a versatile linebacker who can stay on the field in multiple packages.</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":"Jeremy Banks","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"165","_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":"Northridge High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6969004b340bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Banks is a physical, tone-setting linebacker who thrives playing between the tackles. He shows aggressive downhill trigger and consistently meets ball carriers with force. His ability to shed blocks and create congestion at the point of attack stands out on film. Banks plays with a high motor and brings energy that lifts the entire defense. He's at his best when allowed to play fast and attack rather than read and react. His physical style and presence project well in a defense that values toughness and run dominance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["452226"],"_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-6969004b3410b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fleming displays excellent pursuit speed and natural instincts at the linebacker position. He diagnoses plays quickly and shows a knack for being around the football. His lateral quickness allows him to scrape over the top and close space efficiently. Fleming is a reliable tackler in space and shows control when breaking down in the open field. He also flashes potential as a coverage linebacker, showing comfort in zone drops. His athletic profile gives him upside as a modern linebacker at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1896585"],"_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-6969004b34151"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stephenson plays with high football IQ and a clear understanding of defensive structure. He stays disciplined in his fits and rarely overcommits, forcing ball carriers back inside. His tackling technique is sound, using balance and leverage to finish consistently. Stephenson communicates well pre-snap and shows leadership qualities within the defense. While not the fastest linebacker on the field, he compensates with anticipation and positioning. His mental approach and reliability make him a coach's-trust linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1953842"],"_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-6969004b34197"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Roberto is an active, high-effort linebacker who plays with nonstop motor. He shows good burst when triggering downhill and closes quickly on ball carriers. His physicality stands out, particularly when fitting up inside and delivering contact. Roberto works well through traffic and doesn't hesitate to take on blockers. He shows flashes of playmaking ability when blitzing and attacking gaps. With continued refinement in coverage responsibilities, he projects as a productive and impactful defensive piece.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Linebacker play still defines the identity of a defense, and the prospects below bring a blend of physicality, instincts, and competitive edge that consistently shows up on film. Each of these athletes impacts the game in different ways — whether it's filling gaps downhill, running sideline to sideline, or acting as the quarterback of the defense. What they all share is a willingness to do the dirty work and an understanding of leverage, angles, and pursuit. As the game continues to evolve, linebackers who can diagnose quickly and finish violently remain invaluable at the next level. These five defenders have tools that translate beyond Friday nights and project well in college systems.

Harrison Malone

Harrison Malone

AL
LB/DB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 175
POS LB/DB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Harrison
Malone LB/DB
Class
2027
Height
5'9"
Weight
175
HS
Hewitt-Trussville
|
AL
Setting the Tone: Linebackers Who Lead with Pads
Malone plays with a downhill mindset and is at his best attacking the line of scrimmage with urgency....
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Harrison Malone

State: Alabama
School: Hewitt-Trussville
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jayden Reasor

Jayden Reasor

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 205
POS LB
CLASS 2027

Jayden Reasor

School: McIntosh High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Jeremy Banks

Jeremy Banks

HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 165
POS LB
CLASS 2027

Jeremy Banks

School: Northridge High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Jiyez Fleming

Jiyez Fleming

AL
LB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 195
POS LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Jiyez
Fleming LB
Class
2027
Height
6'0"
Weight
195
HS
Oxford
|
AL
Setting the Tone: Linebackers Who Lead with Pads
Fleming displays excellent pursuit speed and natural instincts at the linebacker position. He diagnoses plays quickly and shows...
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jiyez Fleming

State: Alabama
School: Oxford
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Grayson Stephenson

Grayson Stephenson

AL
LB/DB
POS LB/DB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Grayson
Stephenson LB/DB
Class
2027
HS
Dora
|
AL
Setting the Tone: Linebackers Who Lead with Pads
Stephenson plays with high football IQ and a clear understanding of defensive structure. He stays disciplined in his...
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Grayson Stephenson

State: Alabama
School: Dora
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jonathan Roberto

Jonathan Roberto

AL
LB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 205
POS LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Jonathan
Roberto LB
Class
2027
Height
6'1"
Weight
205
HS
Helena
|
AL
Setting the Tone: Linebackers Who Lead with Pads
Roberto is an active, high-effort linebacker who plays with nonstop motor. He shows good burst when triggering downhill...
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jonathan Roberto

State: Alabama
School: Helena
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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