Under-the-Radar Linebackers (2028)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 class continues to show strength in the front seven, and while the top names get early attention, there's a strong group of linebackers quietly building momentum across the state. These are the types of players that develop quickly, produce on Friday nights, and start to climb once their bodies catch up with their play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are several 2028 linebackers worth knowing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150293' first='Cooper' last='Beaty'] – Plano (6'1”, 195)</strong><br>Beaty has a frame that should continue to fill out and the movement skills to play sideline-to-sideline. He fits the mold of a modern linebacker who can run and track the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140235' first='Omari' last='Hogan'] – East St. Louis (6'0”, 160)</strong><br>Hogan is still developing physically, but the speed stands out. Coming from East St. Louis, he's in a program that consistently produces, and he has the traits to take a jump with added size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2114903' first='Ryker' last='Czubak'] – Joliet Catholic (6'2”, 215)</strong><br>Czubak already looks the part physically. He brings size and a downhill presence that projects well to the inside linebacker position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='287360' first='Graham' last='Burt'] – Geneva (6'0”, 205)</strong><br>Burt has a strong, compact build and plays with physicality. He's the type of linebacker that can anchor a defense and consistently make plays in the box.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140317' first='Carson' last='Fox'] – Olney (6'2”, 190)</strong><br>Fox has good length and a frame that suggests more growth is coming. As he continues to develop physically, his ceiling will rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1146387' first='Landen' last='Goebel'] – Naperville Central (6'0”, 200)</strong><br>Goebel brings a balanced profile with size and movement ability. He's a steady presence that can impact the game in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140320' first='Tyler' last='Bonelli-Schultz'] – Lake Zurich (6'0”, 205)</strong><br>Built to play downhill, Bonelli-Schultz has the size and strength to be effective inside. Physical style shows up on tape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='971608' first='Mason' last='Andrews'] – Mt. Carmel (5'11”, 205)</strong><br>Coming from a strong program, Andrews plays with toughness and instincts. He's the type of linebacker that consistently finds the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140421' first='Jack' last='Schapendonk'] – St. Rita (6'2”, 200)</strong><br>Schapendonk has a long frame with room to grow. As he adds strength, he has the tools to develop into a high-level linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1892419' first='Evan' last='Rediehs'] – Lemont (6'2”, 190)</strong><br>Another long, developmental prospect. Rediehs has the frame and length that college staffs look for and could see his stock rise with physical growth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2084252' first='Hunter' last='Valentine'] – Pinckneyville (6'0”, 200)</strong><br>Valentine fits the profile of a dependable, productive linebacker. Solid size and a build that translates well to the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970336' first='Vito' last='Pickard Jr.'] – Homewood-Flossmoor (6'0”, 180)</strong><br>Pickard brings athleticism and versatility. As he continues to develop physically, his ability to play in space will stand out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2137695' first='Mason' last='Walker'] – Hoffman Estates (5'10”, 205)</strong><br>Walker is built for contact and plays with a physical edge. Projects as a tough, inside presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140428' first='Alex' last='Harper'] – Lincoln-Way Central (5'11”, 190)</strong><br>Harper has a balanced frame and the type of profile that can develop into a consistent contributor on the defensive side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->