Stephen Soares Jr.
Stephen Soares Jr.
About Stephen
Expert Analysis
CJ DeGennaro | Prep Redzone Scout
After evaluating Stephen’s 2025 season highlight film, he profiles as a notable late-cycle riser in stock whose game translates cleanly to the modern collegiate linebacker role. With a compact, robust build at 6’0”, 228 pounds, Stephen plays with a proper downhill mindset and consistently brings physicality to the line of scrimmage.
Stephen’s run defense is anchored by his ability to attack downhill with leverage and force. He plays square, wins first contact, and has the functional strength to displace blockers and alter run lanes. He consistently changes the line of scrimmage, particularly against interior run concepts, and shows no hesitation fitting into tight windows. His willingness to trigger downhill makes him a tone-setter in the box.
What elevates Stephen beyond a traditional thumper is his lateral mobility and change-of-direction ability. He moves fluidly within the box, allowing him to recover when plays bounce or cut back. This athleticism is evident in coverage, where he demonstrates strong spatial awareness in zone, understands route distribution, and positions himself effectively between threats. In man coverage, he holds up well against backs and tight ends, showing the range and balance to stay connected.
Stephen’s ability to work sideline-to-sideline while maintaining physicality makes him a valid three-down linebacker candidate. He projects favorably into schemes that ask linebackers to both fit aggressively against the run and carry coverage responsibilities in sub-packages.
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Read EvaluationEvent Results
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Combine Series: New York/New Jersey
05/04/2025
- 40 Yard Dash #1
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- Shuttle #1
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- Broad Jump #1
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- L Drill #1
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- Vertical #1
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