Top Returning 2A LBs from the 2027 Class

Florida has long been a hotbed for high school football talent. Year after year, the Sunshine State produces some of the nation's most electric prospects. From game-breaking speed to next-level agility and pure, raw athleticism, Florida athletes consistently set the tone on Friday nights, and college coaches across the country take notice.   With the 2025 season now in the rearview, we're turning our focus to the players whose stock is rising across the state. Every athlete on this list has the tools to play at the next level. Some already hold multiple offers, while others are just beginning to gain traction, but all possess the ability to compete in college football in the right fit.   This group features a mix of nationally regarded standouts and under-the-radar sleepers who deserve serious attention from college programs. Simply put, this list is loaded with difference-makers.   Prep Redzone Florida will continue to support and spotlight these athletes as they chase their goal of playing college football.   [player_tooltip player_id='1680783' first='Levi' last='Champion'] – OLB, The King's Academy Height/Weight: 6'0", 210 lbs Season Stats: 182 total tackles, 85 solo, 97 assisted, 26 TFL, 3 sacks over 11 games. 4.29 GPA, 4.6 40 Offers: 18 Division 1 offers   Scouting Report: Champion is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with elite production and range. He plays with tremendous motor and instincts, consistently flying to the ball and delivering big hits while racking up an impressive 182 tackles and 26 TFL.   Analysis: Champion has everything you're looking for in a high-upside linebacker; he projects as a major prospect with a lot of college interest. His massive tackle totals, productivity, and 18 Division 1 offers show he is one of the top prospects at his position.   [player_tooltip player_id='2090685' first='Kyree' last='Brooks'] – LB, Cocoa High Height/Weight: 6'1", 215 lbs Season Stats: 135 total tackles, 99 solo, 36 assisted, 12 TFL, 3 sacks over 12 games. 3.8 GPA, 4.7 40   Scouting Report: Brooks is a physical, aggressive linebacker who excels at stopping the run and can also drop into coverage. He shows excellent tackling form and pursuit, finishing with 135 total tackles and strong solo numbers while playing with good speed for his size.   Analysis: Brooks projects as a sturdy, productive inside/outside linebacker. His combination of size, tackle production, and athleticism gives him solid upside.   [player_tooltip player_id='1638999' first='Tayvon' last='Norton'] – MLB, Tenoroc High Height/Weight: 5'7", 220 lbs Season Stats: 122 total tackles, 66 solo, 56 assisted, 4 TFL over 11 games. 4.1 GPA   Scouting Report: Norton is a compact, powerful middle linebacker who plays with great leverage and toughness. He is a sure tackler who consistently fills gaps and makes plays in traffic, showing excellent strength at the point of attack.   Analysis: Norton projects as a gritty, physical run-stuffer with strong production. His low center of gravity and high tackle volume make him a reliable anchor in the middle.   Jason Harville – MLB/OLB, Florida High Height/Weight: 6'0", 220 lbs Season Stats: 110 total tackles, 63 solo, 47 assisted, 17 TFL, 3 sacks over 11 games. Offers: UT-Martin, Troy   Scouting Report: Harville is a well-built, physical linebacker who is effective against both the run and pass. He shows good instincts, sheds blockers well, and consistently creates negative plays behind the line of scrimmage.   Analysis: Harville projects as a strong, versatile linebacker with college offers already secured. His production and physical tools position him well for continued growth.   [player_tooltip player_id='1727501' first='Carter' last='Bonilla'] – OLB, Gulliver Prep High Height/Weight: 6'1", 185 lbs Season Stats: 101 total tackles, 63 solo, 38 assisted, 7 TFL, 2 sacks over 10 games. 4.9 GPA, 4.55 40. Lacrosse player Offers: Oberlin College, Denison University   Scouting Report: Bonilla is a speedy, athletic outside linebacker with excellent range and pursuit. His background in lacrosse translates well to the football field, giving him fluid movement and the ability to cover ground quickly.   Analysis: Bonilla projects as a high-motor, athletic linebacker with strong academics. His speed and versatility make him an intriguing prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='2109933' first='Skyler' last='Burger'] – MLB, Florida High Height/Weight: 6'0", 205 lbs Season Stats: 101 total tackles, 63 solo, 38 assisted, 14 TFL, 1 sack over 11 games. 3.8 GPA   Scouting Report: Burger is an instinctive middle linebacker who reads plays quickly and flows to the ball. He shows good tackling ability and the disruptive presence to make plays in the backfield.   Analysis: Burger projects as a smart, reliable linebacker with solid production. His instincts and consistency give him a strong foundation.   [player_tooltip player_id='1695074' first='Connor' last='Rooney'] – OLB, South Walton High Height/Weight: 6'2", 209 lbs Season Stats: 100 total tackles, 25 solo, 75 assisted, 3 TFL, 0.5 sacks over 12 games. 4.21 GPA, 4.61 40 Offers: 6 Division 1 offers   Scouting Report: Rooney is a long, athletic outside linebacker who uses his length and speed effectively. He shows good range and the ability to make plays from sideline to sideline while maintaining strong academic standards.   Analysis: Rooney projects as a talented, versatile linebacker with Division 1 interest. His size, speed, and production make him an attractive prospect.   Gavin Holloway – LB, Calvary Christian High Height/Weight: 6'1", 205 lbs Season Stats: 94 total tackles, 40 solo, 54 assisted, 4 TFL over 12 games. 3.9 GPA   Scouting Report: Holloway is a physical, well-built linebacker who plays with toughness and good leverage. He is a reliable tackler who consistently supports the run and fills his gaps effectively.   Analysis: Holloway projects as a solid well-rounded, physical linebacker with good size and production. His consistency and work ethic serve him well.   Artrell Vance – OLB, Killian High Height/Weight: 6'0", 200 lbs Season Stats: 93 total tackles, 74 solo, 19 assisted, 16.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks over 11 games. 3.2 GPA, 4.55 40, 2nd Team All-Dade Offers: Liberty, Western Michigan   Scouting Report: Vance is an explosive pass-rushing outside linebacker with good quickness off the edge. He shows excellent burst and finishing ability, leading to an impressive 9.5 sacks and 16.5 TFL.   Analysis: Vance projects as a versatile, pass-rush specialist with proven disruption ability. His athleticism and sack production make him a dangerous defender.   Hunter White – LB, Ransom Everglades High Height/Weight: 6'0", 200 lbs Season Stats: 93 total tackles, 32 solo, 61 assisted, 9 TFL, 4 sacks over 12 games. 3.8 GPA   Scouting Report: White is a active and productive linebacker who shows good pursuit and the ability to create negative plays. He consistently gets involved in the run game and shows flashes as a pass rusher.   Analysis: White projects as a well-rounded linebacker with solid production. His motor and ability to make plays behind the line give him good upside.   Christian Hayes – LB, The Bolles School Height/Weight: 6'0", 210 lbs Season Stats: 90 total tackles, 63 solo, 27 assisted, 15 TFL, 4 sacks over 15 games. 3.5 GPA Offers: UT-Martin, Charleston Southern   Scouting Report: Hayes is a physical, productive linebacker who plays with great effort and toughness. He shows strong run-stopping ability and the capacity to rush the passer effectively over a full season.   Analysis: Hayes projects as a reliable, hard-nosed linebacker with college offers. His consistency across 15 games and ability to create negative plays highlight his value.

Florida has long been a hotbed for high school football talent. Year after year, the Sunshine State produces some of the nation's most electric prospects. From game-breaking speed to next-level agility and pure, raw athleticism, Florida athletes consistently set the tone on Friday nights, and college coaches across the country take notice.