The Rise Is Coming: 2027 Linebackers to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Florida remains the undisputed powerhouse of high school football talent in America. Year after year, the Sunshine State delivers some of the most explosive, dynamic prospects in the country — athletes blessed with elite speed, breathtaking agility, and raw, game-changing athleticism. On Friday nights, Florida sets the standard, and college coaches nationwide are watching.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>As the 2025 season fades in the rearview mirror, all eyes now turn to the Class of 2028 and the rising standouts poised to dominate the 2026 campaign. This list highlights players whose stock is climbing rapidly. Every athlete featured possesses the talent and tools to succeed at the collegiate level. Some are already collecting multiple scholarship offers, while others are emerging sleepers just starting to draw serious interest — but all are capable of making an immediate impact in the right program.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>From nationally ranked difference-makers to under-the-radar gems, this group is stacked with future college playmakers. Prep Redzone Florida will continue to spotlight and support these athletes as they pursue their dreams of playing at the next level.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Colton Sklarek – OLB, St. Cloud High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'0", 220 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 64 tackles, 14.0 TFL, 7 passes defensed, 4.0 sacks over 10 games. 4.34 GPA</em></strong><br><strong><em>Offers: Dartmouth, Penn (Ivy League)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Sklarek is an instinctive, high-motor outside linebacker who reads plays quickly and flows to the ball. He shows good pursuit, sheds blockers well, and has the ability to affect the passing game with his coverage and pass rush.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Sklarek projects as a smart, productive linebacker with strong football IQ. His high tackle-for-loss numbers, academics, and Ivy League offers from Dartmouth and Penn highlight his well-rounded skill set and upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Emir Brinson – OLB, Lake Brantley High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'0", 210 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 63 tackles, 10.0 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 0.5 sacks over 10 games. 3.5 GPA</em></strong><br><strong><em>Offer: East Tennessee State</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Brinson is an active outside linebacker who plays downhill and closes quickly to the football. His ability to create tackles for loss reflects the way he attacks the line of scrimmage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Brinson projects as a tough, physical edge linebacker. His production and early college offer from East Tennessee State show he has the tools to be a solid contributor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Bomani Francis – MLB, Palmetto High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'11", 215 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 63 tackles, 6.0 TFL, 4 forced fumbles, 3.0 sacks over 14 games. 4.1 GPA</em></strong><br><strong><em>Offers: Eureka College, Florida Memorial University</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Francis is an aggressive middle linebacker with a knack for forcing turnovers. He attacks downhill, finishes tackles, and consistently finds ways to impact possessions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Francis projects as a strong, aggressive inside linebacker. His production over a full season and solid academics make him a reliable, hard-nosed defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Peyton Lamarre – ILB, Cypress Bay High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'10", 180 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 62 tackles, 1 INT, 12.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks over 8 games.</em></strong><br><strong><em>Offer: Eureka College</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Lamarre is a quick, explosive inside linebacker who shoots gaps and creates disruption. He shows excellent burst and the ability to get after the quarterback, racking up impressive TFL and sack numbers in limited games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Lamarre projects as a high-motor, disruptive linebacker. His efficiency and ability to create negative plays give him strong upside as he continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Brice Robinson – LB, Strawberry Crest High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'9", 205 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Season Stats: 61 tackles (23 solo, 38 assisted), 4.0 TFL, 1.0 sack over 8 games. 3.97 GPA, 385lb squat</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Scouting Report:</em></strong><br>Robinson is a compact, physical linebacker who plays with great effort and instincts on film. He's a reliable tackler who fills gaps well and shows good strength at the point of attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Analysis:</em></strong><br>Robinson projects as a tough, high-character linebacker. His production, near 4.0 GPA, and strength numbers show he's a smart, hard-working player who does his job consistently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->