Ranking the Future: New Jersey’s Top 2030 Linebackers

There is no shortage of talent at the Linebacker position when you look at the history of New Jersey high school football. All-time names such as Super Bowl Champion Gary Brackett, 15-year vet Sam Mills, former Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing and NFL Hall of Famer Andre Tippett all called the Garden State home. Below are potentially the next crop of Linebackers in the state for the class of 2030.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Ranked</h1>    The No.1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Reports pre-high school offers from Penn State, Oregon, Washington and Syracuse</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Has been penciled in as a day one starter for Shabazz High School</li> </ul>   The top Linebacker in the state as of August 2026 and reports the four major offers as proof that the next level agrees. Covers sideline to sideline and arrives with bad intentions at point of contact. Plays with speed that beats the blocking attempts of Offensive Linemen even when taking their best angles. Not afraid to navigate through traffic with contact, but often gets to the ball by finding lanes and alleys at full speed.    <h1 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Tier 1</h1>   Tier 1 athletes aren't listed in the initial Class of 2030 New Jersey rankings, but they stand as the top players at their positions as of August 2026. They have been added to the 2030 New Jersey Watchlist for future evaluations on their development. Athletes are listed alphabetically by first name -- NOT ranked.    A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   Excelled as both an Edge and Linebacker during his pre-high school career, playing with Cranford. In 2025 he was named Defensive MVP in the NJSYFL All-Star Game. Over the last 1.5 - 2 years he has made the transition to exclusively playing Linebacker. His speed and quickness has picked up substantially and he still has that hardhat mentality. Also a stud lacrosse player.     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   A downhill Middle Linebacker that wastes very little time getting from Point A to Point B. In the 2025 season, Betley was a leader on the defensive side of the ball and helped the Medford Renegades go undefeated and capture the SJIYFA championship. On his film he routinely made plays at or behind the line of scrimmage, both inside and outside the tackle box.     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   After taking a reclass year and playing with Silk City in 2025, Mazzetti took home the LB MVP award at the New Jersey PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January. Then, in April, the incoming SJR freshman reported his first offer from Eastern Michigan. Also a talented lacrosse player he's been balancing both sports and since January, Mazzetti has tacked on another inch and put on nearly 15 pounds of muscle.     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   In Morris County, it was a banner year for the Roxbury Jr. Gaels program, as they swept the MCYFL titles in each on each of the 6th, 7th and 8th grade levels. Looking at the 8th grade level specifically, the defense was spearheaded by Connelly, who was crowned MCYFL Defensive Player of the Year. He plays fast and has better ball skills than the majority of other LBs.     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   As he displayed each and every time I saw him play in a live setting this year, Delatush is one of the most athletic Linebackers in the state for the class of 2030. A Jersey Shore AYF Conference All-Star following the 2025 season, he had an excellent showing at the New Jersey PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January. He doubled down on that in June at The Rize 2026, where he finished as one of the top LBs at the invite-only event. Depending on how he physically grows, he is more than athletic enough to transition to Strong Safety.     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   Warren County, New Jersey hasn't historically been a hotbed for football talent; However it has been home to some outstanding wrestlers. Phillipsburg Stateliner freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2337899' first='Ian' last='Moore'] checks both boxes. While it could be a case of a being a big fish in a small pond in terms of football, I don't think it is. A NJ State Champion and a 3rd place finisher at Nuway Nationals on the mat, he finished with 36 touchdowns and double digit tackles in every game during the 2025 season. He's one to watch in both sports.     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   The younger brother of All-Everything stud QB [player_tooltip player_id='910743' first='Zach' last='Miceli'], [player_tooltip player_id='2144590' first='Joseph' last='Miceli'] is the next one up at Old Tappan. Following his 2025 season with Northern Valley, he was named a BCJFL All-Star and started at QB in the All-Star Game. While the strong QB genetics continued through to the younger Miceli, he is one of the most complete Linebackers in the state for this 2030 class. Uses QB vision to see the field and looks comfortable playing in space, but can lower the shoulder with the best of them.     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   An absolutely tenacious prospect out of Hackensack, who is making the permanent switch from Edge to Mike Linebacker. In early scrimmage film, Taylor has seemingly picked up reading his keys and flowing to the ball well. He physically looks the part and plays the position fast. Does a great job of pursuing to the football and attacking the ball carrier with good angles. Experience rushing off the edge shows in his physicality.     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   The second Don Bosco Prep Linebacker in this Tier 1 group, [player_tooltip player_id='1476876' first='Malachi' last='Bredy'] has gone by the nickname "Manchild" and it's fitting. After being named a two-time Jersey Shore AYF Conference All-Star with Sayreville, Bredy enters high school already looking the part of a varsity athlete. At The Rize 2026 he established himself as one of the top LBs in the Northeast and already reports a Syracuse offer to boot. At this point in August 2026 there is some belief that he could still ultimately end up playing a power RB, but I see him as a Linebacker.     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   As the Fair Lawn prospect continues to stretch out and his body continues to develop, he's looking more and more like a future playmaker as an Outside Linebacker. He begins his freshman year at BC standing 5'10" and 150 pounds, but he wrapped up his youth career in 2025 with a selection to the NBJFL All-Star Game after establishing himself as one of the top players in the league at Tight End/Edge/OLB.     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   As a physically impressive looking a 2030 prospect as you may find in the entire state. Watson was a one-man highlight reel in 2025 playing for Linwood Panthers, shining at both Running Back and on the defensive side of the ball. He attended the New Jersey PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January as a Running Back and then followed it up with a standout performance at The Rize 2026 in June as a Linebacker. At The Rize 2026 out of all the Linebackers he finished with fastest 40 (4.93) and second in the Broad Jump (9'3").     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   The biggest 2030 Linebacker on this list, and likely in the entire state at 6'3" and 210 pounds, [player_tooltip player_id='2070614' first='Sawyer' last='Jones'] is a prospect I can't see going too much longer without reporting his first offer. Like several other of the top Linebackers in Tier 1, he attended the New Jersey PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January and followed it up with an eye-catching showing at The Rize 2026 in June. The Northern Burlington may eventually grow into more of a TE/Edge, but he starts his HS career on the LB list.     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   A 2030 prospect that I know coaches at Pope John are very excited about welcoming in to the fold. Moschberger earned a MCYFL All-Star nod in 2025 as an Offensive Lineman and was named 1st Team All-Conference as well. As he moves into HS he will take his 6-foot and 185-pound frame and focus on the Linebacker position and could see time as a Tight End as well.     A Tier 1 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   Glassboro High School has won back-to-back State Championships and the Bulldogs show no signs of slowing down with some notable freshmen coming in. Linebacker/Running Back [player_tooltip player_id='2076881' first='Tymir' last='Robinson'] is one of those freshman and the Linebacker is poised to become one of the next leaders in the class. At The Rize 2026 in June the muscled up Linebacker played well but showed the potential for so much more.    <h1 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Tier 2</h1>   Tier 2 athletes aren't listed in the initial Class of 2030 New Jersey rankings, but are considered prospects that could become one of the best in the state with further development, as of August 2026. They have been added to the 2030 New Jersey Watchlist for future evaluations. Athletes are listed alphabetically by first name -- NOT ranked.    A Tier 2 Linebackerin the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   May ultimately be more of an ATH than a Linebacker when all is said and done. He'll be at Camden, where the defending State Champs have no shortage of talent.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   A standout on both sides of the ball for a championship-winning Lodi team in 2025. Impressed mainly as a RB, but body translates more to a LB in high school.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   Somewhere between a Linebacker and Strong Safety at this point, Arroyave was one of several BCJFL All-Stars off the Park Ridge Owls last season.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   An outstanding three-sport athlete out of Clark, Peterson was one of the best pure athletes in the NJSYFL last year. An obvious pick as a league All-Star, he has the potential to go far.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   Originally committed to SJR he switched up late and will be at Immaculata. Very well could end up playing a lot of RB, but as a 190-pound freshmen who also wrestles, I like him a lot as a LB.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   An NJSYFL All-Star in 2025 with West Orange, Ortiz is a jack-of-all-trades type of player but appears to be taking form as a Linebacker. He has quick feet for a kid of his size.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   An all-around Linebacker that plays with a nice combination of speed and power. He'll also be the main RB as a freshman.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   Probably the first LB outside of that Tier 1 spot in terms of 2030 LBs in the state. A powerful kid who appears to be the future at LB for the Marauders.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   A three-time Jersey Shore AYF Conference All-Star and also a stud wrestler. He's a thick, stout kid who can thump as a MLB. Definitely strong enough to be walked down as shorter DT too.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   A first team ALL-Conference selection and MCYFL All-Star in 2025, De Freitas looked the part for Madison. Has a ways to go physically, but was one of the better blitzing LBs in North Jersey.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   A stud at both baseball and football, Podber should get on the varsity field early for Verona based off what he put on tape in 2025. He can also play Tight End at a good level.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   Currently belongs somewhere between an Outside Linebacker and Strong Safety. One of the biggest hitters pound-for-pound in this 2030 class. Played for St. James Pop Warner in 2025.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   A blunt, powerful Middle Linebacker who plays with a keen nose for the football. During youth ball he also played DE and RB.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   DNP during a reclass year in 2025. Put together extremely well and plays fast and physical. Appears as if he can be that MLB/FB-type that can contribute on both sides of the ball.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   A versatile LB that can fill the A Gap as a Mike on one play and then drop in boundary coverage on the next. Plays with good lateral quickness. Played for St. James Pop Warner in 2025.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   An Outside Linebacker with well-proportioned size and a great frame. Was named a Jersey Shore AYF Conference All-Star in 2025.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   After contributing heavily on both sides of the ball for the back-to-back champion River Vale Raiders, Haag had a borderline MVP performance in the BCJFL All-Star Game in 2025. He may ultimately end up playing a different position, but he's a baller.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   After seeing him play in the BCJFL All-Star Game as an Edge, I was surprised to hear that he'd be playing Outside Linebacker as a freshman. Either way, he knows how to make plays behind the line.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   The first of two Linebackers I really liked off the Fairfield Falcons team in 2025. A team captain a year ago, Hayek looks the part and should be a nice player.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   The Westwood product is a 2030 student-athlete that the state of NJ is going to hear about, one way or another. A stud on the football field and even bigger stud on the wrestling mat. Get familiar.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   A prospect that I feel is just beginning to scratch the surface of what he could potentially become. Long arms, moves well in space. Last year played with Montclair Cobras 13U.     A Tier 2 Linebacker in the New Jersey 2030 class, via Prep Redzone Next as of August 2026.   Joining his teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2338783' first='MJ' last='Hayek'] in Tier 2, Franscione is another LB prospect I liked off the Fairfield Falcons in 2025. He played MLB and was the leading tackler on the team.      <h1 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Tier 3</h1>   Tier 3 athletes aren't listed in the initial Class of 2030 New Jersey rankings. These athletes have some ability, but there is room for substantial improvement, as of August 2026. Athletes are listed alphabetically by first name -- NOT ranked.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Adam Shave | Mendham</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2338660' first='Aiden' last='Martinez'] | Passaic Valley</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Alexander Galaraza | St. Peter's Prep</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Anthony DeStefano | West Essex</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2065310' first='Blessing' last='Bahombwa'] | Woodbridge</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Charlie Porter | Morristown</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2058643' first='Dustin' last='Longo'] | Mt. Olive</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Emmanuel Pratt | Morris Catholic</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Hanley Almonte | Belleville</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Hunter Zaccheo | Hackettstown </li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2065339' first='Jacob' last='Flores'] | Woodbridge</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Javen Banks | Morris Catholic</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Jayden Taylor | Northern Highlands</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Jordan Zuniga | Morris Hills</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2252615' first='Kellen' last='Mulholland'] | Montville</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Liam May | Madison</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Rocco Barnes | West Essex</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2148011' first='Tristan' last='Berland'] | St. Joseph Regional (Montvale)</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Will Vieira | Delbarton</li> </ul>

There is no shortage of talent at the Linebacker position when you look at the history of New Jersey high school football. All-time names such as Super Bowl Champion Gary Brackett, 15-year vet Sam Mills, former Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing and NFL Hall of Famer Andre Tippett all called the Garden State home. Below are potentially the next crop of Linebackers in the state for the class of 2030.