Junior Linebackers on the Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This junior linebacker group in Illinois has been one of the most productive and reliable units in the state. Each of these players brings toughness, instincts, and consistent impact to their defenses, and all of them are trending toward big senior seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1334149' first='Drake' last='May'] – LB – Macomb</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>May has been one of the most productive defenders in Illinois. He racked up 141 tackles and averaged 14.1 per game, showing elite instincts and a natural feel for finding the football. With 48 solo tackles and 6 tackles for loss, May consistently shuts down space and finishes plays with authority. He's positioned to become one of the state's top defensive recruits in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669894' first='Orlando' last='Greco'] – LB – Montini Catholic</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greco is the tone-setter for Montini's defense. He finished with 119 tackles, including 10 behind the line, and plays with a strong blend of toughness and discipline. His ability to diagnose quickly, slip blocks, and arrive with power makes him a true centerpiece linebacker. Greco's motor and reliability stand out on film.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1345210' first='Mason' last='Bucon'] – LB – Plainfield South</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bucon put together a breakout season with 116 tackles and nearly 13 per game. He's aggressive downhill, takes sharp angles, and disrupts plays before they develop. His 13 tackles for loss and 3 sacks show how impactful he is behind the line of scrimmage. Bucon is firmly on the rise and will be a major name to watch next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Connor Heneghan – LB – Maroa-Forsyth</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heneghan is a steady, consistent force for a Maroa-Forsyth defense that prides itself on discipline. His 111 tackles, with an even split between solo and assisted, highlight how dependable he is. He fills run lanes with patience, rarely misses tackles, and brings a physical presence without overplaying his assignment. Heneghan is built for a big senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Dillon Viscogliosi – LB – Yorkville</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Viscogliosi plays with effort and edge, and his 88 tackles show how often he's around the ball. He excels inside the box, works through traffic, and understands leverage. With 5 tackles for loss and a consistent presence in run support, he brings toughness and grit every week. Viscogliosi is a name that continues to climb.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->