Hidden Gems: 2028 Florida Linebackers To Know

The 2028 linebacker class may not receive the same attention as quarterbacks and wide receivers, but several young defenders have quietly put together impressive resumes.    [player_tooltip player_id='2091550' first='Mason' last='Beane'] | LB | St. Augustine | @Beane_Mason   Few linebackers in Florida were around the football more often than Beane last <a href="http://season.he/">season</a>. He finished among the state's tackle leaders in the 2028 class with 142 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. What stands out most is his consistency from snap to snap. Beane plays downhill, arrives with bad intentions, and rarely takes a play off. As he continues developing physically, his production suggests he could be one of the more underrated linebackers in Florida.   [player_tooltip player_id='2225116' first='Jaison' last='Brown'] | LB | Yulee | @Jaison_Brown09   Brown put together one of the most productive sophomore seasons in the state, finishing with 101 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and four sacks. At 6-1, 205 pounds, he already possesses a college-ready frame and plays with impressive instincts. Brown diagnoses quickly, takes efficient angles to the football, and consistently finds himself in position to make plays. Add in a 4.4 GPA, and he's a prospect who checks boxes both on and off the field.   Deshaun Smalls | ATH | Lakeland | @7_smalls38505   Smalls may be listed as an athlete, but his impact at linebacker eserves a lot more attention. The Lakeland transfer brings explosive athleticism, physicality, and versatility to the field. Whether he's making plays in space, covering ground defensively, or contributing offensively, Smalls consistently finds ways to impact games. Already holding a Division I offer, he's one of Polk County's more intriguing young prospects.   Rajon Riley | LB | 2028 | Ed White   Riley is a linebacker whose best football may still be ahead of him. He flashes good speed coming off the edge and shows the athleticism needed to impact both the run and pass game. After recording 52 tackles last season, he enters the year with momentum following a productive spring. Continued development could make him one of North Florida's breakout defenders.   [player_tooltip player_id='1879608' first='Will' last='Warren'] | LB | MCC | @williamwar90019   Production jumps off the page with Warren. The 6-1, 185-pound linebacker recorded 111 tackles last season while showcasing versatility throughout the defense. He moves well in space, can pressure quarterbacks when asked, and has the range to make plays sideline to sideline. As he continues adding strength, Warren's all-around skill set gives him significant upside.   Tyrone Robinson | LB | Martin County | @robinson_t54493   Robinson plays the linebacker position with an aggressive mindset. He attacks downhill, plays with urgency, and consistently brings energy to the defense. The physical tools are there, but it's his motor and willingness to pursue the football that stand out most. As his technique continues to improve, Robinson has the potential to become one of the Treasure Coast's more recognized defenders.   [player_tooltip player_id='2083378' first='Brett' last='Bearden'] | LB | Bolles | @brettbearden44   Bearden helped Bolles reach the Class 2A State Championship Game while putting together an impressive sophomore campaign. At 6-2 and 220 pounds, he already possesses ideal linebacker size and physicality. He finished with 61 tackles, four quarterback hurries, and four tackles for loss while showing the ability to engage blockers and finish plays. The combination of frame, instincts, and production makes him a prospect worth monitoring closely.   [player_tooltip player_id='2109959' first='Reese' last='Nunez'] | LB | Victory Christian | @Reese_Nunez6   Nunez emerged as one of Polk County's better young linebackers last season. He finished with 39 tackles and six tackles for loss while displaying improved physicality and confidence. What stands out is his versatility. Victory Christian moves him around the front seven, and he responds by making plays from multiple alignments. His instincts and willingness to compete every snap give him a high ceiling moving forward.   Grant Wheeler | LB | Leon | @GrantW_23   Wheeler quietly put together a strong season for Leon, finishing with 92 tackles and nine tackles for loss. He was one of the most productive defenders on the roster and consistently found ways to impact games. Wheeler's ability to diagnose plays and get downhill quickly makes him a reliable presence in the middle of the defense. Another productive season could bring more attention his way.   Demonti Wilson | LB | Plant City | @10DeMontiW   Wilson remains one of the more overlooked linebackers in the Tampa Bay area despite posting 85 tackles and earning all-conference recognition. He plays with confidence, attacks the football, and has shown the ability to consistently produce. The numbers speak for themselves, and another strong season could elevate his profile considerably.   [player_tooltip player_id='2175636' first='Tarlyn' last='Joseph'] | LB | Leon | @TarlynJ   Joseph is an athletic linebacker whose development has been noticeable over the last year. He's worked to improve both his frame and technique while becoming a more complete defender. The athletic traits are evident, and as he continues gaining experience, Joseph has the tools to emerge as another rising linebacker from the Leon program.

The 2028 linebacker class may not receive the same attention as quarterbacks and wide receivers, but several young defenders have quietly put together impressive resumes.