A 2028 Pennsylvania junior linebacker and nickelback who is currently sitting on our watch list. He stands 6’0, and I’ve heard from a few coaches on the staff that he has some serious jets. He has posted two times on Twitter this season, with the first being his first three game tape. That tape initially caught my eye and put him into my backlog of players to write about. I finally got the chance to dig in, and based on his production, he is on track to end up ranked after the season.

He posted his midseason tape about 20 minutes before writing this, so that will be the basis of this evaluation.

He is comfortable aligning as an inside linebacker in a 2 4 5 look but can also play near the line of scrimmage and be utilized as a blitzer. He understands passing concepts well and really blends the responsibilities of a defensive back and linebacker seamlessly. I see him passing off zones in conjunction with his teammates, looking comfortable in coverage and remaining a reliable tackler in space.

He comes away with an interception on the second play of his midseason tape and looks pretty good after the catch, too. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out he could operate effectively on offense if given the opportunity.

What stands out most is his comfort in space, which isn’t always the case with linebackers. That comfort allows him to double as both a positive tackler and capable cover man. He can affect the passing game without strictly being used as a pass rusher.

He is also a timely blitzer and a pest on defense who flies to the football and plays through the whistle. He can record PBUs, pressures, tackles for loss and, when utilized correctly off the edge, sacks. There is a lot this young man can do.

Messiah Wilburn Messiah Wilburn 6'0" | 180 lbs | LB/DB Braddock Hills | 2028 PA had a productive freshman season for Imani Christian, playing as a strong safety/outside linebacker. His ability to read and react to the play and then come upfield to make the play is impressive. He plays well in space as he understands how to play against the run and the pass. Wilburn should get more opportunities to play next season and could play some offense as well.

Playing as an undersized linebacker as a freshman, getting his 1st varsity playing time, Messiah Wilburn Messiah Wilburn 6'0" | 180 lbs | LB/DB Braddock Hills | 2028 PA did a good job. He has good instincts and reads plays well. You can see that the talent is there for Wilburn; he just needs to get stronger and faster, and that will happen with time. He also shows good tackling ability, and he wasn’t afraid to tackle bigger players. Wilburn has the skills to be an excellent high school linebacker.