Roberto is one of the more complete backers in his class. He’s athletic, fluid, and comfortable in space. While showing confidence in coverage he flashes the ability to get in phase, locate the football, and play through the hands with clean timing. In the run game he has the closing speed to generate TFLS, timely blitzes, and slipped blocks that shut down plays before they start.

He brings real value in chess pieces, where he can function as an extra defensive back without sacrificing physicality. There’s a natural feel for spacing and route development, allowing him to anticipate rather than react. He flashes the ability to get in phase, match routes, and compete at the catch point. That combination of range, fluidity, and coverage instincts makes him a high-level second-level defender.

Jonathan Roberto Jonathan Roberto 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB State AL is a tackling machine out of Helena who’s making his debut as our #14 LB and #160 overall prospect in the state.

“Roberto seems to always be near the ball at the right time. He’s an instinctual, smart defender who can identify and blow up plays at any moment. He has a great understanding of his assignments and what he has to do in order to create stops.

When you pair that with his athleticism and ability to make plays in coverage, you have a really well-rounded LB. I’m excited to watch him down the stretch of this season.”

Make sure you check out some of Roberto’s tape below. He’s a talented defender with a big senior season ahead next fall.

Roberto is an active, high-effort linebacker who plays with nonstop motor. He shows good burst when triggering downhill and closes quickly on ball carriers. His physicality stands out, particularly when fitting up inside and delivering contact. Roberto works well through traffic and doesn’t hesitate to take on blockers. He shows flashes of playmaking ability when blitzing and attacking gaps. With continued refinement in coverage responsibilities, he projects as a productive and impactful defensive piece.

Roberto is the prototype modern linebacker, blending high-end athleticism with legitimate coverage ability. He’s one of the most natural pass-covering linebackers in the state, showing DB-like comfort getting in phase, locating the football, and playing through receivers’ hands with timing. His ability to sink his hips, change direction, and drive on routes allows him to function as an extra defensive back in sub-packages.

Against the run, Roberto pairs sideline-to-sideline speed with decisive downhill closing burst, routinely erasing plays before they develop. His production backs up the tape — 138 tackles, 15 TFLs, 6 sacks, 5 PBUs, and a pick-six — underscoring his impact in all three phases. He’s a true three-down linebacker whose game translates cleanly to the next level.

Roberto put together a monster game for Helena, racking up an impressive 20 tackles and a tackle for loss against rival Pelham. His sideline-to-sideline speed was on full display, as he consistently disrupted the Panthers’ offensive rhythm. Roberto’s motor never stops — he thrives in physical matchups and brings energy to every snap. His tackling form and football awareness set the tone for Helena’s defense. Coaches praise his leadership and ability to diagnose plays before the snap. With his continued growth, Roberto is emerging as one of the most productive linebackers in the state.

Jonathan Roberto Jonathan Roberto 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB State AL had an unbelievable performance for Helena’s defense this week, putting himself on our radar moving forward.

“Roberto seems to always be near the ball at the right time. He’s an instinctual, smart defender who can identify and blow up plays at any moment. He has a great understanding of his assignments and what he has to do in order to create stops.

When you pair that with his athleticism and ability to make plays in coverage, you have a really well-rounded LB. I’m excited to watch him down the stretch of this season.”

Roberto was terrific against Pelham. He recorded 20 total tackles (one for loss), flying around the field and creating stops nearly every snap.

Be sure to check out some of Roberto’s clips below, you’ll come away impressed: