Carolina Recruits Media Day: LB Recap

The linebacker group at the inaugural Carolina Recruits Media Day featured a strong mix of veteran leadership, proven production, and young defenders ready to take the next step. Linebackers are the heartbeat of a defense, and this group showed many of the traits you want at the position—physicality, instincts, pursuit speed, versatility, and the ability to make plays from sideline to sideline. From seniors preparing to lead their programs one final time to underclassmen beginning to emerge as legitimate college prospects, there was plenty of talent to evaluate. Here's my breakdown of the linebackers who represented at Carolina Recruits Media Day.    [player_tooltip player_id='2267250' first='Jerrel' last='Brown'] is another talented piece of an impressive 2028 linebacker class at South View. Brown plays with a downhill mentality and does a good job of quickly identifying the ball and closing space. He can run, plays with physicality, and has the potential to develop into a tackling machine in the middle of the Tigers' defense. With a strong group of young defenders surrounding him, Brown should be an important part of a South View defense that has a chance to be very good for the next several seasons.     [player_tooltip player_id='2228900' first='Dawson' last='Crosby'] is the leader in the middle of the East Columbus defense and brings the type of presence you want from a senior linebacker. He has legitimate college size with a strong frame, plays fearless, and isn't afraid to step downhill and meet ball carriers in the hole. Crosby will see some time offensively as well, but his biggest impact should come on the defensive side of the ball. With his physicality, leadership, and ability to control the middle of the defense, Crosby is a senior linebacker college programs should have on their radar this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='2267253' first='Braylan' last='Johnson'] has the prototypical size and frame you look for in a college linebacker prospect. The East Bladen senior is long, athletic, and has the speed to make plays in space while also being a legitimate threat coming off the edge. His length and long arms give him an advantage when taking on blockers, setting the edge, and pursuing the quarterback. Johnson's combination of elite positional size, speed, and versatility gives him plenty of upside as a next-level defensive prospect.     [player_tooltip player_id='2267254' first='Jaylon' last='Lowery'] enters his senior season as one of the leaders of the Lumberton defense. He brings experience, physicality, and a strong presence to the middle of the Pirates' defense. Lowery has set a big goal of clearing 100 tackles this season, and he has the opportunity to reach that mark with the role he will play. Expect him to be around the football consistently, making plays against the run and setting the tone for the Pirates defensively.     Brayden Withers has lofty goals entering his sophomore season as he prepares to spend more time at the varsity level. The young linebacker has the physicality and mentality to be a factor against the run, showing a willingness to step downhill and get involved at the point of attack. The biggest adjustment will be adapting to the increased speed and physicality of varsity football. Withers is still a young prospect with plenty of development ahead, but this season should provide an opportunity for him to establish himself as a name to watch in the 2029 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='2267257' first='Micah' last='Figueroa'] will be one of the senior leaders of the Jack Britt defense this season and is one of the Buccaneers' few returning defenders with significant tackling production from a year ago. He has excellent size for the linebacker position with a long, athletic frame and the ability to run. Figueroa is at his best attacking the run, where his length allows him to work through traffic, pursue ball carriers, and finish tackles. With his experience, physical tools, and leadership, expect Figueroa to be a key piece in the middle of the Jack Britt defense this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='2267260' first='Chris' last='Walters'] is the quarterback of the Hoke County defense and one of the senior leaders the Bucks will lean on heavily this season. His impact goes beyond making tackles, as Walters is responsible for communicating, getting teammates lined up, and making sure the defense is in the right position before the snap. He is effective against both the run and pass, showing the instincts and athleticism to play in space while remaining physical downhill. Walters can also be used as a pass rusher, giving Hoke County another way to create pressure. His versatility, experience, and command of the defense make him a key piece for the Bucks this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='2267261' first='Kevin' last='Jones'] has the tools to put together a breakout senior season in the middle of the Overhills defense. He is a strong, physical linebacker who can run and consistently finds his way to the football. Jones is at his best against the run, where he plays downhill, closes space quickly, and has the ability to become a tackling machine for the Jaguars. With his combination of strength, pursuit speed, and experience, Jones is a senior linebacker who could see his production take a major jump this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1720935' first='Ricky' last='Trower'] is one of the veteran leaders of the Overhills defense and brings a ton of experience into his senior season. It feels like Trower has been starting for the Jaguars for five years, and that experience shows in the way he approaches the game. He understands the defense, plays with confidence, and has been a consistent presence in the middle of the unit throughout his career. Now entering his final season, Trower will be looking to turn all of that experience into his most productive year yet and finish his Overhills career with a huge senior campaign.

The linebacker group at the inaugural Carolina Recruits Media Day featured a strong mix of veteran leadership, proven production, and young defenders ready to take the next step. Linebackers are the heartbeat of a defense, and this group showed many of the traits you want at the position—physicality, instincts, pursuit speed, versatility, and the ability to make plays from sideline to sideline. From seniors preparing to lead their programs one final time to underclassmen beginning to emerge as legitimate college prospects, there was plenty of talent to evaluate. Here's my breakdown of the linebackers who represented at Carolina Recruits Media Day.