3A 2027 Linebackers Ready to Flip the Script 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.   [player_tooltip player_id='1895261' first='Jonas' last='Walters'] – MLB, Merritt Island High Height/Weight: 6'1”, 200 lbs Season Stats: 89 tackles, 7.4 t/g, 21 solo, 68 ast, 4.0 TFL, 1.0 sacks (12 GP); 3.88 GPA   Scouting Report: Walters is a physically imposing middle linebacker with good instincts and sideline-to-sideline range. He reads plays quickly, fills gaps decisively, and consistently wraps up ball carriers with proper technique.   Analysis: Walters projects as a reliable run-stopper with the versatility to make plays against both the run and short passes. Refining his pass-rush moves and coverage skills could further elevate his impact, but his combination of size, instincts, and production already makes him a standout.   Courtlyn Mack – OLB/ATH, Dunnellon High Height/Weight: 6'3”, 200 lbs Season Stats: 72 tackles, 5.5 t/g, 34 solo, 38 ast, 7.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks (13 GP)   Scouting Report: Mack is a long, athletic edge presence with a natural ability to get into the backfield. He attacks downhill, sheds blockers effectively, and shows a knack for making plays behind the line of scrimmage.   Analysis: Mack projects as a versatile outside linebacker who can pressure the passer and disrupt run schemes. Adding more consistency in coverage and adding strength will increase his all-around effectiveness.   JJ Etienne – MLB, Yulee High Height/Weight: 5'11”, 225 lbs Season Stats: 71 tackles, 7.1 t/g, 46 solo, 25 ast, 6.0 TFL, 1.0 sacks (10 GP)   Scouting Report: Etienne is a stout, physical linebacker who excels in run support. He shows good tackling technique, sheds blocks well, and displays excellent awareness in the middle of the field.   Analysis: Etienne projects as a traditional thumper-style middle linebacker who can anchor a defense against the run. Improving lateral agility and coverage on tight ends or backs will boost his versatility.   [player_tooltip player_id='2109948' first='Leonidas' last='Govedaris'] – MLB/TE, Bonita Springs High Height/Weight: 6'1”, 205 lbs Season Stats: 68 tackles, 6.8 t/g, 26 solo, 42 ast, 1.0 TFL, 0 sacks (10 GP); 4.75 40 yd dash; All-Area Honorable Mention   Scouting Report: Govedaris is a versatile athlete capable of contributing as both a linebacker and tight end. He possesses above-average speed for his size, reads plays quickly, and makes consistent tackles near the line of scrimmage.   Analysis: Govedaris projects as a multi-purpose linebacker who can cover sideline-to-sideline. Enhancing his pass-rushing technique and overall strength will improve his impact, but his athleticism and football IQ already stand out.   Brody Jeckovich – LB, Mount Dora High Height/Weight: 6'0”, 190 lbs Season Stats: 67 tackles, 7.4 t/g, 34 solo, 33 ast, 5.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks (9 GP); 3.6 GPA   Scouting Report: Jeckovich is a smart, disciplined linebacker with strong pursuit angles and play recognition. He consistently fills gaps and makes solid, fundamental tackles against both the run and short passes.   Analysis: Jeckovich projects as a reliable, high-IQ linebacker who can anchor the middle or contribute on the edge. Adding more explosiveness and finishing ability at the point of attack will elevate his overall presence.   Gavin Whitehead – MLB, Dunnellon High Height/Weight: 6'0”, 203 lbs Season Stats: 67 tackles, 5.2 t/g, 44 solo, 23 ast, 16.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks (13 GP); Team Defensive MVP   Scouting Report: Whitehead is a dynamic linebacker with excellent anticipation and the ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He demonstrates speed, power, and consistent effort on every snap.   Analysis: Whitehead projects as a disruptive middle linebacker who excels against the run. Continued development in coverage and refining his pursuit angles will make him a complete defensive weapon.   Rayshon St. Hilaire – MLB, Wakulla High Height/Weight: 6'0”, 190 lbs Season Stats: 66 tackles, 6.6 t/g, 22 solo, 44 ast, 2.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks (10 GP)   Scouting Report: St. Hilaire is a fundamentally sound linebacker with good awareness and tackling technique. He reads plays quickly and consistently positions himself to make stops near the line of scrimmage.   Analysis: St. Hilaire projects as a steady, reliable MLB who can support both the run and short-passing game. Improving strength and weight could elevate his playmaking ability.

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.