Linebackers in 2028 Catch Attention on Tape

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your subscription***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we are about to release our 2028 Redzone Rankings prior to the start of the season we wanted to take another look at the film of prospects that emerged in the offseason, are new on the radar, or we wanted to double check if what we saw the first time remains true after in person evals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here we examine some 2028 Linebackers in the Film Room!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1688538' first='Jameer' last='Miles'] (Carmel)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miles is a freak show linebacker at 6'4".&nbsp; What makes him special is how well he covers for a linebacker.&nbsp; Almost like a safety or slot corner with his one on one coverage or over the middle.&nbsp; Elite coverage backer that can also make plays getting up field as the fluid athlete is so good at diagnosing against the run and flowing to the ball.&nbsp; Moves defenders with ease using his long arms.&nbsp; Closes so quickly in space!&nbsp; Sideline to sideline backer who is a COMPLETE prospect!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Corey McCullough (Mt. Carmel)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'2" 215 pound linebacker is primed to emerge as a force for the Caravan defense.&nbsp; Sees plays in front of him hitting the gap to make plays in the backfield.&nbsp; Wraps up very well in traffic using his length to bring in ball carriers and hitting with force.&nbsp; Flows well to the ball and has the strength to easily get off blocks.&nbsp; Flashes in coverage being able to be effective over the middle against the pass.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140235' first='Omari' last='Hogan'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East St. Louis 6'0" linebacker is a speedy second level defender who tackles very well in space.&nbsp; Takes sound angles and is an impactful player on coverage units as well.&nbsp; Thumper at the second level that racks up TFLs along with pursuing once the ball is past him.&nbsp; Like how he wraps up low consistently bringing the ball carrier down in space.&nbsp; Hits hard and once he adds more strength will be even more of an enforcer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150293' first='Cooper' last='Beaty'] (Plano)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highly productive 6'1" 195 pound linebacker that can really make plays against the pass with interceptions over the middle.&nbsp; Covers well in space.&nbsp; Like how he closes the gap vs the run breaking down backs and taking the best angle possible to the ball.&nbsp; Accelerates to the ball carrier when running sideline to sideline.&nbsp; Brings some value as well as a well built pass catcher, but his future is on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2114903' first='Ryker' last='Czubak'] (Joliet Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Czubak goes 6'2" and 215 pounds with a stocky frame.&nbsp; The outside linebacker flies to the ball sideline to sideline never giving up on the play.&nbsp; Ton of power in his game as he blows up blocks and lays the hammer when tackling!&nbsp; Crashes down off the edge vs the run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2084252' first='Hunter' last='Valentine'] (Pinckneyville)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valentine is a productive linebacker for Pinckneyville.&nbsp; The sophomore is going to be their star on defense this season.&nbsp; High IQ middle linebacker who brings good athleticism and instincts to the table.&nbsp; Technically sound tackler and getting to the ball through traffic.&nbsp; Wraps up well!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2115647' first='Rhys' last='Landsmann'] (Bishop McNamara)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bishop McNamara 6'0" 210 pound linebacker had 91 tackles, 12 TFL, 6 sacks, 1 FF, 1 TD as a sophomore.&nbsp; Also has an impressive 4.53 40, 4.28 shuttle, and 9'5" broad jump.&nbsp; Has his head up always looking to make a play.&nbsp; Very sound tackler that breaks down the opponent in space then takes them out down low securing the tackle.&nbsp; Runs low to the ground with excellent vision as a second level defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nicky Fontillas (Maine South)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fontillas is a 6'2" 210 pound linebacker from Maine South.&nbsp; The middle linebacker diagnoses plays getting through traffic bringing the ball carrier down.&nbsp; Good size, strength, and is a thumper up the middle vs the run.&nbsp; Great angles to the ball and is a sound tackler in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='287360' first='Graham' last='Burt'] (Geneva)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burt goes 6'0" 205 pounds from Geneva.&nbsp; The linebacker has quality closing speed and wraps up when tackling.&nbsp; Can cover a little over the middle of the defense.&nbsp; Quality angles to the runner and gets off blocks and through traffic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2077747' first='Julian' last='Stump'] (DePaul Prep)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stump is a 6'0" 180 pound prospect out of the Catholic League.&nbsp; Middle linebacker who has awesome instincts and stuffs on the interior vs the run.&nbsp; Can run well pursuing the ball on the other side or when it is past him.&nbsp; Tackles well in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2146954' first='Luke' last='Rhomberg'] (IC Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On JV a year ago Rhomberg recorded 22 tackles, 10.5 TFL, and 2 QB hurries for IC Catholic.&nbsp; The outside linebacker at 6'2" 185 pounds has super long arms which help him reel in opponents.&nbsp; Sets the edge well against the run.&nbsp; Lives in the backfield hitting hard and has bend when rushing off the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2116933' first='Robert' last='Davis'] (McHenry)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis goes 6'1" and 175 pounds.&nbsp; The outside linebacker does a nice job of tackling in space and not letting the back get wide.&nbsp; Covers decent in space against the slot receiver closing the gap and making it tough.&nbsp; Contributes on special teams as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2202778' first='Jack' last='Stanton'] (Loyola)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stanton goes 5'9" and 190 pounds.&nbsp; Smaller linebacker that uses it to his advantage hiding behind the big boys up front then getting to the ball carrier out of nowhere.&nbsp; Could transition to a safety role with how well he covers, runs, and has solid ball skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->