Rising Linebackers: Breaking Down LA City Section LB Watchlist

The LA City Section has long produced tough, physical, and productive linebackers who make their mark at the next level. This year's watchlist is stacked with high-motor hitters, instinctive tacklers, and versatile defenders ready to anchor defenses.   From explosive edge rushers to downhill thumpers in the box, I break down the top 10 linebackers on the official LA City Section LB Watchlist. Using game film and Hudl highlights, here's a detailed scouting look at each prospect    What he does well:   Staples is a long, explosive, high-motor athlete who consistently shows up on tape as a difference-maker on both sides of the ball. As an edge rusher/OLB he has a sudden first step, natural bend, and violent hands that let him create instant pressure and finish with sacks (9 on the year). He plays with great length, disengages blockers cleanly, and shows sideline-to-sideline pursuit speed — he's rarely blocked for long and runs to the football from the backside. Tackling is fundamentally sound; he wraps, drives through contact, and creates turnovers (3 forced fumbles, 1 pick-6). Versatility stands out — he drops into coverage, plays DE, and even lines up in the secondary at times. On offense he's a mismatch nightmare at receiver/TE: elite ball skills, strong hands, body control in traffic, and the ability to win 50/50 balls and create YAC (1,137 receiving yards, 25 TDs). The tape screams “playmaker” — he impacts the game every snap whether he's rushing the passer or hauling in touchdowns.   What would take him to the next level:   At 205 pounds he is still lean for a college edge/LB and will need to add functional strength and bulk to consistently set the edge and anchor against Power 5 offensive linemen and tight ends in the run game. Coverage technique is still developing — he can get a little grabby or stiff in transitions and needs cleaner hip fluidity plus better route recognition when asked to match up man-to-man versus backs and slot receivers. Run-fit discipline occasionally shows some over-pursuit or guessing, which is typical for a high-school athlete playing multiple positions. None of these are deal-breakers; they are all coachable “not yet” traits.   If / how you project to help a team win:   Staples projects as a versatile, three-down outside linebacker or hybrid edge defender who can immediately contribute in a multiple-front scheme. His combination of length, burst, pursuit, and playmaking ability gives him starter upside at the Power conference level and the tools to create negative plays (sacks, forced fumbles, TFLs) that swing field position and momentum. He brings special-teams value right away and gives a coordinator schematic flexibility — rush him, drop him, or even use him as a red-zone offensive weapon if needed. High-character kid with elite academics and multi-sport athleticism (basketball/volleyball background) who will develop quickly and be a culture-plus player for any program. With continued physical maturation and technique refinement, he has the ceiling to become a disruptive, difference-making defender who helps you win games by forcing turnovers and creating mismatches. High-upside prospect who checks every box for a modern college linebacker.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneCA/status/2044447280925978765?s=20 </div></figure>     What he does well:   Kirkpatrick is a physically imposing, long-armed linebacker who plays with natural instincts and athleticism. He attacks downhill aggressively, fills gaps with good timing, and is a reliable tackler in the box. His length helps him shed blocks, disrupt lanes, and make plays from sideline to sideline. Shows solid range in coverage, drops well into zones, and has the versatility to contribute as a tight end on the offensive side with reliable hands. High-motor player who is consistently around the football and makes his presence felt on every snap.   What would take him to the next level   He is still developing the functional strength needed to consistently anchor against college offensive linemen and tight ends in the run game. Coverage technique needs polishing — hip fluidity and transitions can be a bit stiff when mirroring quicker athletes in space. Eye discipline and run-fit recognition will need to improve against more sophisticated college schemes with heavy motion and RPOs.   If / how you project to help a team win:   Kirkpatrick has the profile of a modern, versatile inside linebacker who can be a three-down contributor. He projects to help control the middle of the defense, be a stout run defender, and provide reliable coverage on underneath routes. His size, athleticism, and instincts give him starter potential and the ability to make plays that disrupt opposing offenses and create short fields for your offense. With added strength and technical refinement, he can develop into a productive, physical linebacker who helps your team win by stopping the run, creating negative plays, and giving your defensive coordinator flexibility in personnel groupings.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Deandre_223/status/2033635932008755214?s=20 </div></figure>     Leomiti is a compact, physical, high-motor linebacker who flies around the field with excellent instincts and relentless pursuit. As a middle and outside ‘backer he consistently fills gaps aggressively, sheds blocks with strong hands, and delivers thumping tackles in the run game. He shows good lateral quickness and range, chasing plays from sideline to sideline and making stops in space. The tape shows him consistently around the football — he's a sure tackler who drives through contact and creates turnovers (INT + caused fumble). He flashes ability in zone coverage, dropping with good depth and reacting to the ball. High-effort player who plays with great pad level and finishes every snap; the junior-season reel is full of big hits, run stops, and hustle plays that show he's a tone-setter on defense.   What would take him to the next level:   At 225 pounds he is still building the functional mass and anchor strength needed to consistently stack and shed bigger college offensive linemen and tight ends in the A- and B-gaps. Coverage technique is developing — hip fluidity and transitions can tighten up when asked to match athletic backs or tight ends in man coverage. Eye discipline and run-fit recognition will need refinement against faster, more complex college schemes with heavy motion and RPOs. These are typical “not yet” areas for a rising 2027 inside linebacker who is still adding strength and experience.   If / how you project to help a team win:   Leomiti projects as a productive, physical inside linebacker who can be a three-down contributor in a 4-2-5 or 3-4 scheme. His combination of instincts, tackling reliability, pursuit, and playmaking ability gives him immediate special-teams value and the upside to start and impact games as a run-game defender and short-zone cover guy. He helps control the middle of the defense, creates negative plays that swing field position, and brings the kind of high-motor, team-first mentality that elevates the entire unit. With continued physical development and technical polishing, he has the ceiling to become a reliable, hard-nosed linebacker who helps your team win by stopping the run, forcing turnovers, and being the heart of your defense every Saturday. Solid high-floor prospect with starter potential at the Group of 5 level and the work ethic to push for more.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/prestonleomiti/status/1998997335523864901?s=20 </div></figure>     What he does well:   Leslie is a compact, explosive, and physical linebacker who plays with outstanding instincts and a relentless motor. He is a true thumper in the box — attacks gaps with aggression, sheds blockers effectively with violent hands, and delivers decisive, wrap-up tackles that stop runners cold. The tape shows him consistently filling run lanes, pursuing sideline-to-sideline, and finishing with authority (94 tackles, 8.5 per game, 3.5 sacks, 2 INTs as a junior). His background as a wide receiver (All-City honors) gives him natural ball skills, body control, and athleticism that translate cleanly into zone coverage drops, route recognition, and the ability to make plays on the ball in space. High-effort, high-motor player who is around the football every snap and brings the kind of physical, tone-setting mentality defenses love.   What would take him to the next level:   At 5-11 he lacks ideal length and frame for some traditional edge or outside linebacker spots and will need to add more functional strength and bulk to consistently stack and shed Power 5 offensive linemen and tight ends in the run game. Coverage technique is still developing — hip fluidity and transitions can tighten up when mirroring quicker slot receivers or backs in man coverage. Run-fit recognition and eye discipline will continue to improve with reps against faster, more complex college schemes that feature heavy motion and RPOs.   If / how you project to help a team win:   Leslie projects as a tough, productive inside linebacker who can be a three-down contributor in 4-2-5 or 3-4 fronts. His combination of physicality, instincts, tackling reliability, and playmaking ability gives him immediate value as a run-game defender who can create negative plays, force turnovers, and shorten the field for your offense. He brings special-teams impact right away and the high-character, team-first mentality that elevates an entire unit. With continued physical maturation and technical polishing, he has the makeup of a reliable starter or key rotational piece who helps your team win through stout defense in the box, physical run support, and overall toughness. High-floor prospect with the work ethic to develop into a dependable, hard-nosed linebacker at the Group of 5 or Power conference level.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KristianL00/status/1990139339628843306?s=20 </div></figure>     What he does well:   Loop is a compact, physical, downhill linebacker who plays with a high motor and natural instincts in the box. He attacks run fits aggressively, fills gaps quickly, and sheds blockers with strong hands and good pad level to deliver thumping, wrap-up tackles. The reel shows him consistently around the football — 69 total tackles (57 solo) as a junior, averaging 6.9 per game — and making plays sideline-to-sideline with solid pursuit speed for his size. He flashes pass-rush ability with 7 QB hurries and disruptive pressure off the edge or up the middle. The tape highlights his physicality as a run stopper, finishing with authority and creating negative plays (including a fumble recovery). High-effort player who brings energy and toughness on every snap, especially evident in the South Gate game clips.   What would take him to the next level:   At 5-11 he lacks ideal length and frame for some traditional outside linebacker roles and will need to continue adding functional strength and mass to consistently stack and shed bigger Power 5 offensive linemen and tight ends in the run game. Coverage technique is still developing — hip fluidity and transitions can tighten up when asked to drop into space or match athletic backs/tight ends in man coverage. Eye discipline and run-fit recognition will improve with more reps against faster, more complex college schemes featuring heavy motion and RPOs.   If / how you project to help a team win:   Loop projects as a tough, productive inside linebacker who can be a three-down contributor in 4-2-5 or 3-4 fronts. His combination of physicality, tackling reliability, instincts, and run-game disruption gives him immediate value as a box defender who can stop the run, create negative plays, and force turnovers that shorten the field for your offense. He brings special-teams impact right away and the high-motor, team-first mentality that elevates the entire defense. With continued physical maturation and technical polishing, he has the makeup of a reliable starter or key rotational piece who helps your team win through stout run support, physicality in the trenches, and overall toughness. High-floor prospect with the work ethic to develop into a dependable, hard-nosed linebacker   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CAPrepVarsity/status/2042263029367066787?s=20 </div></figure>     What he does well:   Jones is a physically advanced young linebacker who already shows the size, length, and physicality you like to see at the high school level. On freshman tape he attacks downhill, fills gaps with good instincts, and shows the ability to shed blockers and make tackles in the box. He has solid pursuit range for a young player and flashes the motor and toughness to finish plays. Also sees reps at tight end, showing reliable hands and the frame to develop into a two-way contributor. The tape shows a kid who is ahead of his peers athletically and physically for his class — natural power, good pad level, and the kind of “want-to” that stands out immediately.   What would take him to the next level:   As freshman film, Jones is still very raw. He needs significant development in technique — hand usage, proper run fits, and consistent eye discipline will improve with coaching and reps. Coverage skills are basic at this stage and will need refinement in drops, transitions, and matching routes. He will also benefit greatly from adding functional strength and continuing to grow into his frame as he matures physically. Over-pursuit and occasional missed tackles are common at this age and stage of development.   If / how you project to help a team win:   Jones has the prototypical size and early physical traits to develop into a very good inside linebacker. He projects as a long-term, high-upside three-down linebacker who can anchor the middle of a defense. With three more years of high school development, strength training, and coaching, he has the tools to become a productive starter at the collegiate level. His combination of length, physicality, and two-way ability (MLB/TE) gives defensive coordinators flexibility and special teams value immediately upon arrival. High-ceiling prospect with the frame and athletic foundation to grow into a difference-maker who helps your team win by controlling the box, creating negative plays, and being a reliable, physical presence every snap.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Dee2playah_/status/2016698441116897390?s=20 </div></figure>     What he does well:   Contreras is a compact, physical, downhill linebacker who plays with a high motor and natural box instincts. He attacks run fits aggressively, fills gaps quickly, and uses strong hands and good pad level to shed blockers and deliver thumping, wrap-up tackles. The reel shows consistent production around the football — 51 total tackles (31 solo) as a junior, averaging 5.7 per game — plus 2.0 sacks and disruptive pressure up the middle or off the edge. He flashes sideline-to-sideline pursuit and finishes plays with authority, creating negative yardage and forcing turnovers. Also sees reps at fullback, showing the toughness and physicality to contribute in short-yardage and goal-line situations. High-effort, team-first player who brings energy and physicality on every snap.   What would take him to the next level:   At 5-10 he lacks ideal length and frame for some traditional outside linebacker roles and will need to continue adding functional strength and mass to consistently stack and shed bigger Power 5 offensive linemen and tight ends in the run game. Coverage technique is still developing — hip fluidity and transitions can tighten up when asked to drop into space or match athletic backs/tight ends in man coverage. Eye discipline and run-fit recognition will improve with more reps against faster, more complex college schemes featuring heavy motion and RPOs.   If / how you project to help a team win:   Contreras projects as a tough, productive inside linebacker who can be a three-down contributor in 4-2-5 or 3-4 fronts. His combination of physicality, tackling reliability, instincts, and run-game disruption gives him immediate value as a box defender who can stop the run, create negative plays, and force turnovers that shorten the field for your offense. He brings special-teams impact right away and the high-motor, team-first mentality that elevates the entire defense. With continued physical maturation and technical polishing, he has the makeup of a reliable starter or key rotational piece who helps your team win through stout run support, physicality in the trenches, and overall toughness. High-floor prospect with the work ethic to develop into a dependable, hard-nosed linebacker   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Tycontrerass/status/2044157079825592628?s=20 </div></figure>     What he does well:   Garcia is a high-motor, high-production inside linebacker who flies around the field with outstanding instincts and relentless pursuit. He is an absolute tackle machine — 152 total tackles (68 solo) as a junior, averaging 13.8 per game — and consistently fills gaps aggressively, sheds blocks with violent hands, and delivers thumping, wrap-up stops in the run game. The tape shows him making plays from sideline to sideline, diagnosing plays quickly, and finishing with authority. He flashes disruptive pass-rush ability (2 sacks) and creates turnovers (2 forced fumbles). Garcia plays with excellent pad level and toughness, bringing energy and physicality on every snap as a true tone-setter in the middle of the defense.   What would take him to the next level:   At 5-9 he lacks ideal length and frame for some traditional outside or edge roles and will need to continue adding functional strength and mass to consistently stack and shed bigger Power 5 offensive linemen and tight ends in the run game. Coverage technique is still developing — hip fluidity and transitions can tighten up when asked to drop into space or match athletic backs/tight ends in man coverage. Eye discipline and run-fit recognition will improve with more reps against faster, more complex college schemes featuring heavy motion and RPOs.   If / how you project to help a team win:   Garcia projects as a tough, productive inside linebacker who can be a three-down contributor in 4-2-5 or 3-4 fronts. His elite tackle production, instincts, pursuit, and run-game disruption give him immediate value as a box defender who can stop the run cold, create negative plays, and force turnovers that swing field position and shorten the field for your offense. He brings special-teams impact right away and the high-motor, team-first mentality that elevates the entire unit. With continued physical maturation and technical polishing, he has the makeup of a reliable starter or key rotational piece who helps your team win through stout run support, physicality in the trenches, and overall toughness. High-floor prospect with the work ethic to develop into a dependable, hard-nosed linebacker.     What he does well:   Farias is a high-motor, high-production inside linebacker who plays with outstanding instincts, relentless pursuit, and physicality in the box. He is a certified tackle machine — 121 total tackles as a junior (11.0 per game) — and consistently fills run gaps aggressively, sheds blockers with strong hands and good pad level, and delivers thumping, wrap-up stops. The tape shows him flowing sideline-to-sideline, diagnosing plays quickly, and finishing with authority while creating negative yardage. He flashes disruptive pass-rush ability and brings toughness on both sides of the ball, also contributing at fullback in short-yardage and goal-line packages. High-effort, team-first player who is around the football every snap and sets the tone with his physical, no-holds-barred style.   What could take him to the next level:   At 190 pounds he is still building the functional mass and anchor strength needed to consistently stack and shed bigger Power 5 offensive linemen and tight ends in the A- and B-gaps. Coverage technique is developing — hip fluidity and transitions can tighten up when asked to match athletic backs or tight ends in man coverage. Eye discipline and run-fit recognition will continue to improve with reps against faster, more complex college schemes featuring heavy motion and RPOs.   If / how you project to help a team win:   Farias projects as a tough, productive three-down inside linebacker who can anchor the middle of a 4-2-5 or 3-4 defense. His elite tackle production, instincts, sideline-to-sideline range, and run-game disruption give him immediate value as a box defender who can stop the run cold, create negative plays, and force turnovers that swing field position and shorten the field for your offense. He brings special-teams impact right away and the high-motor, physical mentality that elevates the entire unit. With continued physical maturation and technical polishing, he has the makeup of a reliable starter or key rotational piece who helps your team win through stout run support, physicality in the trenches, and overall toughness.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/matthewfarias27/status/2033678917496676486?s=20 </div></figure>     What he does well:   Nnadi is a compact, explosive, and highly physical outside linebacker who plays with a relentless motor and outstanding effort on every snap. Despite his size, he shows sudden burst off the ball, active hands to shed blockers, and the ability to create pressure and finish with sacks (5.0 as a junior). He attacks the edge aggressively in the run game, fills gaps with good instincts, and pursues sideline-to-sideline with solid range for his frame. The tape shows him consistently around the football — 39 total tackles in 9 games — delivering thumping hits and creating negative plays. He also contributes on offense at fullback, bringing toughness in short-yardage and goal-line packages. High-effort, high-motor player who brings energy, physicality, and production as a tone-setter on the edge.   What would take him to the next level:   At 5-8 and 195 pounds he lacks ideal length and bulk for a traditional college edge defender and will need to add significant functional strength and mass to consistently set the edge, anchor against Power 5 offensive linemen, and hold up versus bigger tight ends in the run game. Coverage technique is still developing — hip fluidity and transitions can tighten up when asked to drop into space or match athletic backs/tight ends in man coverage. Eye discipline and run-fit recognition will improve with more reps against faster, more complex college schemes featuring heavy motion and RPOs.   If / how you project to help a team win:   Nnadi projects as a high-motor rotational edge defender and special-teams contributor who can provide immediate pass-rush juice and run support in sub-packages. His explosiveness, tackling reliability, pursuit, and ability to create negative plays (sacks, TFLs) give him the tools to disrupt opposing offenses and shorten the field for your offense. He brings the kind of relentless, physical, team-first mentality that elevates the entire unit and adds depth and toughness to the linebacker room right away. With continued physical maturation and technical polishing, he has the makeup of a reliable rotational piece or eventual starter who helps your team win through disruptive edge presence, special-teams impact, and overall hustle.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CAPrepVarsity/status/2042263029367066787?s=20 </div></figure>

The LA City Section has long produced tough, physical, and productive linebackers who make their mark at the next level. This year's watchlist is stacked with high-motor hitters, instinctive tacklers, and versatile defenders ready to anchor defenses.