Jaxon Bastante Jaxon Bastante 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ entered the Non-Public B Championship as Prep Redzone’s No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 class — and he played exactly like it. From the opening whistle, he controlled the second level, consistently finding himself in and around the football. His instincts, size, and motor were all on display in one of the biggest games of his career.

Right away, Bastante began stacking plays. He shot gaps, created backfield disruption, and recorded a sack as a blitzer, showing off his timing and explosiveness. Moreover, he held his own in coverage, breaking on throws and closing windows with his length. Every time Paramus Catholic tried to spark momentum, Bastante showed up, either stuffing the run or redirecting plays before they could develop.

At 6’2”, 210 pounds, he already brings the frame college staffs look for in a modern linebacker. But it’s his all-around skill set — the ability to defend the run, pressure the quarterback, and make plays in space — that makes him such a high-upside prospect. In this championship game, he proved how transferable that toolbox will be at the next level.

Ultimately, Bastante capped off the title win by doing exactly what DePaul Catholic needed: anchoring the defense, delivering impact plays, and reinforcing why he’s considered one of the top linebackers in New Jersey. Now he’ll take that complete game to the University of Monmouth, where his ceiling only gets higher.

Jaxon Bastante Jaxon Bastante 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ , Prep Red Zone’s No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 class, delivered another dominant performance that solidified his reputation as one of the most complete defensive players in New Jersey.

Bastante was everywhere on the field, making plays in both run support and pass coverage. His instincts and closing speed consistently disrupted St. Peter’s Prep’s offensive rhythm. One of his most impressive moments came on an RPO play, where he tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage, showcasing his awareness and athleticism. Later, he made one of the game’s most defining plays—scooping up a forced fumble and taking it to the house for a defensive touchdown. That score gave DePaul Catholic a commanding lead and shifted all momentum in their favor.

Bastante’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways—as a blitzer, in coverage, and as a play finisher—underscores why he’s viewed as an elite prospect. His performance against St. Peter’s Prep served as yet another reminder that he’s the heartbeat of DePaul’s defense and one of the premier linebackers in the state.

Jaxon Bastante Jaxon Bastante 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ , a 6’2”, 210-pound linebacker, has committed to Monmouth. He’s a well-rounded defender who can stack blocks, finish tackles, and drop into coverage. With his length, instincts, and ball skills, Bastante has early contributor potential at the FCS level.

Jaxon Bastante Jaxon Bastante 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ is built for today’s game. At 6’2”, 210 pounds, the DePaul Catholic linebacker fits the mold of the modern hybrid defender—long, athletic, and incredibly versatile. Whether he’s lined up off the ball or rushing off the edge, Bastante makes plays all over the field.

What jumps out first is his instincts. He reads and reacts quickly, purposely crashes downhill, and consistently finds ways to slip blocks. Whether he’s wrecking screens on the perimeter or blowing up plays inside the box, he always seems to be around the ball.

Off the edge, he brings legit juice. He’s explosive when unblocked, but even when linemen get a piece of him, his length and motor still affect the quarterback. He’s also a strong, sure tackler who finishes what he starts.

Where Bastante separates himself is in coverage. He shows the awareness and athleticism to drop back and make plays in space—something that’s becoming a must at the next level. Add in his special-teams value—he’s the center on kickoff—and you get a complete linebacker with few weaknesses.

Offers from Rhode Island, Maine, Bryant, Monmouth, and Stony Brook are already rolling in. A Power Five offer feels like it’s only a matter of time. Bastante is Prep Redzone’s No. 1 linebacker in New Jersey’s 2026 class, and this fall he’ll have a chance to prove he’s one of the state’s top defenders, period.

Admittedly so, I am a very tough on linebacker evaluations and typically have them ranked lower relative to other position groups. That said, Jaxon Bastante Jaxon Bastante 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ might be the highest linebacker I have ever evaluated thus far for Prep Redzone. Bastante is an outside backer that form fits his tackles like it has been taught since time immemorial. Furthermore, he has shown to effectively read his keys and play down hill – especially when playing reach. When facing reach palys he does a great job keeping his outside arm free when walked up at the line in such scenarios. As he reads his the tackle to his side, Bastante is like a machine either flowing over the top when he steps down. In such power situations, he is also evasive and quick enough to avoid either the kickout or wrapper coming his way. Early to the run and late to the pass are his priorities, but he does have the speed, athleticism, and hips to retreat and pay the pass.