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.

Preseason Report: Stephen Soares Jr. Stephen Soares Jr. 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Taft | 2028 State New E – Class of 2028
Introducing Stephen Soares Jr. Stephen Soares Jr. 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Taft | 2028 State New E from Taft School, a linebacker prospect to watch as he strides into his freshman year! At 6’0″ and 228 pounds, Stephen has already garnered verbal offers from UConn and Syracuse, a testament to his dynamic skills on the field. As a young, active player, he showcases an impressive ability to be constantly around the ball, knocking blockers and ball-carriers backward on impact.
Stephen plays downhill in the run game, exhibiting notable strength on contact and the ability to change the line of scrimmage. His agility allows him to change direction quickly in the box, making him effective in both zone and man coverage. With the ability to cover sideline to sideline at high speed, he demonstrates early high-level skill that will make him a rising college prospect to keep an eye on. Coaches looking for an impactful linebacker should definitely follow Stephen’s journey!

🏈 College Football Rising Prospect Card 🏈
Name: Stephen Soares Jr. Stephen Soares Jr. 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Taft | 2028 State New E
Class: 2028
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 225 lbs
Position: Linebacker
School: Taft School, New England

🏆 Future Star Alert: Keep an eye on Stephen as he continues to dominate on the field! 🌟

Active Player: Constantly making plays!

Impactful Contact: Knocks blockers and ball-carriers back!

Strong on Contact: Can change the line of scrimmage!
🚀 Athletic Abilities:

Change of Direction: Exceptional agility in the box!

Coverage Skills: Very good at both zone and man coverage!

Speed: Covers sideline to sideline with blazing speed!
🎯 Recruitment Status:

Offer from Syracuse: Secured before May 12, 2025 showcase!

Offer from UConn: Earned after standout performance on May 12, 2025!
🎥 Highlight Film: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22361548/Stephen-Soares/highlights

Prospect Highlight Film Evaluation: Stephen Soares Jr. Stephen Soares Jr. 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Taft | 2028 State New E
Stephen Soares Jr. Stephen Soares Jr. 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Taft | 2028 State New E , a promising 6’2″, 225 lbs linebacker from the Taft School in Connecticut, has made significant strides in his freshman season, culminating in a verbal offer from Syracuse University on March 2, 2025. His recent highlight film showcases remarkable athleticism and tenacity that make him a standout player in New England’s 2028 class.
During the 2024 varsity season, Stephen consistently displayed an active presence around the ball, effectively disrupting plays and delivering impactful hits that move both blockers and ball-carriers backward. His downhill approach in the run game exemplifies his ability to change the line of scrimmage, showcasing his strength and assertiveness on contact.
Stephen’s agility allows him to change direction seamlessly within the box, making him highly effective in zone and man coverage. His ability to cover sideline to sideline with high-level speed is particularly impressive, highlighting his physical gifts and his football IQ and awareness on the field.
With an unwavering work ethic and a passion for the game, Stephen is poised to become a key asset for any collegiate program. His blend of size, speed, and skill set will undoubtedly make waves as he continues to develop in the sport.
For more highlights, check out his full film at Stephen Soares Jr. Stephen Soares Jr. 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Taft | 2028 State New E Highlight Film.

Stephen is a fast, physical, aggressive defender with a nose for the ball. He can play inside or outside, and can get into the backfield or to the boundary very quickly. He plays with a low pad level, good field vision and is a sure stick when tackling. Very high ceiling for this freshman.