The state leader in tackles in all classes, Nick Milburn Nick Milburn 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Newton | 2027 State IA finished his junior campaign with a whopping 120 tackles. He was the only prospect in 4A to finish with more than 100 tackles, out-pacing second place by nearly 30 tackles. All-in-all, between the last two seasons, Milburn has put together 222 tackles.

Some mind-boggling numbers there, Hansen’s teammate is a monster on the other side of the field for the Cardinals. A prospect that relentlessly pursues the football while keeping his head on a swivel, Milburn is a menace on the gridiron for opposing offenses. Whether it’s filling a gap on a run play, getting after the ball-carrier in the backfield or tracking them down on the perimeter, Milburn is going to find a way to bring down the ball-carrier. In addition to the 120 tackles, he finished the year with 18.5 tackles-for-loss and three sacks.

Somehow just receiving his first Division I offer from Northern Illinois, Milburn is the type of recruit that programs can be built around, where production far outweighs some of his still good physical traits, as he stands at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. With another year of terrorizing offenses, he could be in the mix for the award next year.

As perplexing as they come when it comes to lack of offers, Nick Milburn Nick Milburn 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Newton | 2027 State IA is among those at the top. The state leader in tackles with a whopping 120, Milburn is all over the field for Newton, while also standing at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. He fits the mold physically, in addition to his wildly good production — adding 18 TFLs and three sacks, as well.

With instincts that aren’t easily matched, Milburn is a high-motor, ferocious linebacker with an almost meniacal pursuit of the football. He does all of that while maintaining his assignments and doing exactly what his team needs to put them in the best position to win.

If Milburn doesn’t end up Power 4 or Group of 5, an FCS program in the Midwest could strike gold with a player like him.

Milburn racks up tackles like they’re going out of style. I found out how why when watching him operate against Clear Creek Amana on Oct. 10, 2025. Milburn is a big, physical middle linebacker in the classic definition of the position. He controls the action with his presence and a sixth sense for getting to the football. Milburn positions himself well during pre-snap reads, finds the gaps and shoots through them to the tackle. Milburn is a good athlete that runs well with long arms that also aid him in coverage. He has the size and burst to be effective lining up off the edge. Milburn should continue to see his stock rise and could take a big jump with strong performances at summer camps.