Top Returning 4A 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.   Wyatt Skinner – MLB, South Fort Myers High Height/Weight: 5'11", 185 lbs Season Stats: 143 total tackles, 28 solo, 115 assisted, 13 TFL, 6 sacks, 1 INT over 11 games. 3.1 GPA   Scouting Report: Skinner is a high-volume, instinctive middle linebacker who is always around the football. He shows excellent pursuit and tackling ability, racking up 143 total tackles and consistently creating negative plays with 13 TFL and 6 sacks.   Analysis: Skinner projects as a productive, high-motor linebacker. His impressive tackle totals and ability to make plays in the backfield give him a strong foundation for continued development.   [player_tooltip player_id='1681618' first='Colton' last='Haywood'] – MLB/OLB, Jesuit High Height/Weight: 6'0", 215 lbs Season Stats: 141 total tackles, 73 solo, 68 assisted, 24 TFL, 2 sacks over 13 games. 4.51 GPA Offers: University of Richmond   Scouting Report: Haywood is a well-built, productive linebacker who plays with great physicality and instincts. He excels at stopping the run and disrupting plays behind the line, posting 141 tackles and a strong 24 TFL over a full season.   Analysis: Haywood projects as a reliable, three-down linebacker with excellent production and academics. His stats and D1 offer from Richmond highlight his readiness for the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1681636' first='Zacary' last='Carroll'] – LB, Zephyrhills High Height/Weight: 5'9", 190 lbs Season Stats: 121 total tackles, 78 solo, 43 assisted, 18 TFL, 4 sacks over 12 games. 4.0 GPA, All-Conference   Scouting Report: Carroll is a tough, aggressive linebacker who plays with outstanding quickness and motor. He consistently flies to the ball and disrupts offenses, earning All-Conference honors with 121 tackles and 18 TFL.   Analysis: Carroll projects as a high-energy, productive defender. His strong academics and conference recognition show his reliability and potential.   [player_tooltip player_id='2151699' first='Daelyn' last='Davis'] – OLB/Edge, Arnold High Height/Weight: 6'0", 205 lbs Season Stats: 114 total tackles, 90 solo, 24 assisted, 20 TFL, 4 sacks over 11 games. 4.8 40, 260 lb bench, 335 lb squat, 3.2 GPA   Scouting Report: Davis is an explosive edge linebacker with impressive athleticism and strength. He shows great burst off the edge and the ability to finish plays, recording a strong 20 TFL and 4 sacks while posting solid strength numbers.   Analysis: Davis projects as a dynamic, athletic pass rusher with good measurables. His production and physical tools give him nice upside as an edge defender.   Ahziah Murphy – LB, Norland High Height/Weight: 5'10", 185 lbs Season Stats: 109 total tackles, 76 solo, 33 assisted, 10 TFL, 4 sacks over 10 games   Scouting Report: Murphy is a fast, active linebacker who plays with excellent pursuit and tackling ability. He shows good instincts and consistently makes plays in the run game and backfield.   Analysis: Murphy projects as a high-motor linebacker with solid production. His quickness and ability to create negative plays make him a valuable defensive contributor.   Merritt Moseman – LB, Arnold High Height/Weight: 6'4", 205 lbs Season Stats: 92 total tackles, 73 solo, 19 assisted, 9 TFL, 2 sacks over 11 games. 3.8 GPA   Scouting Report: Moseman is a long, athletic linebacker who uses his height and reach effectively. He shows good range and the ability to make plays from sideline to sideline while disrupting plays in the backfield.   Analysis: Moseman projects as a high-upside linebacker with excellent length. His size and production give him strong potential to develop into a versatile defender.   Charles Calhoun – LB, Auburndale High Height/Weight: 6'0", 203 lbs Season Stats: 91 total tackles, 49 solo, 42 assisted, 20 TFL, 1 INT, 6 PBU, 3 sacks over 10 games. 3.0 GPA Offers: 9 D1/Small school offers   Scouting Report: Calhoun is a versatile and disruptive linebacker who impacts games in multiple ways. He shows strong playmaking ability with 20 TFL, 3 sacks, an interception, and 6 pass breakups.   Analysis: Calhoun projects as a well-rounded linebacker with proven production and college interest. His ability to create negative plays and multiple offers 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.