A long, rangy Linebacker that covers a ton of ground with just a few short strides. Played Middle Linebacker during the regular season with obviously good results, but then really looked the part as an Outside Linebacker for the Kentucky Future Stars in June 2025. In fact, Raider finished the game tied for second on the team in tackles for the Kentucky in their game against the Tennessee Future Stars. The St. X frosh moves well in space and had little problem running down plays from behind if he needs to. As I typically advise with a taller, leaner prospect that plays Linebacker, he can’t be ruled out as a kid who could evolve into a two-point edge rusher.

In my first opportunity to see Sam Raider Sam Raider 6'2" | 185 lbs | LB St. Xavier | 2029 KY play in a live setting, the big Outside Linebacker did not disappoint. Named a starter in the game, Raider wasted little time making an impact in the game, as he recorded three tackles on Tennessee’s second possession of the game. The future St. X Tiger finished the game (unofficially) tied for second in tackles on the Kentucky Future Stars with six. Along side fellow Linebackers Darius Ridener and Harley Gough Harley Gough 5'10" | 185 lbs | ATH Doss | 2029 State KY (listed above), the trio was in on 22 tackles.

Being completely transparent, I had no idea the Catholic Athletic Association of Louisville even existed until looking into Sam Raider Sam Raider 6'2" | 185 lbs | LB St. Xavier | 2029 KY . Raider will be making his debut for the KY Future Stars this upcoming June, and his size is worth the excitement alone. Raider, which is a fantastic Linebacker last name by the way, primarily played Middle Linebacker this season. However, with his build and judging by the level of the competition in the conference, he may have just been a better athlete that served as the most immediate plug on the defensive side of the ball. I am yet to see him play live at this point, but everything I see about him screams Outside Linebacker and/or Edge if he continues to grow longer and fill out. He was one of several kids who passed the eye test right away, while looking at the 2024 CSAA Louisville-Champion, St. Matthews Catholic team.