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Yahoo
3 days ago
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Here are Cincinnati's 10 best linebackers in high school football ahead of the 2025 season
With the start of another high school football season around the corner, The Enquirer is ranking the best players in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. Linebackers are typically the leaders of the defense while calling out signals and showcasing their versatility by covering against the pass and crashing the gaps near the line of scrimmage to defend the run. Here are the best 10 linebackers to watch across the Cincinnati gridiron this fall, listed alphabetically. At the end of this story, remember to vote for the top linebacker in the city. Jakobe Clapper, St. Xavier A first-team All-Ohio selection and the Greater Catholic League-South's Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, Clapper helped anchor a St. Xavier defense that led the league in scoring, yielding just 14.6 points per game. He finished second in the GCL-South in tackles (105), reaching double figures five times to go with 4.5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and two recoveries. A three-star recruit and a top 20 player in Ohio for the Class of 2026, Clapper's offer sheet included nearly two dozen programs before committing to Notre Dame in May. Elijah Depperschmidt, Campbell County Depperschmidt is coming off a junior campaign where he led the Camels in tackles (78) along with a pair of sacks. He had 11 tackles for loss, which ranked 11th in all of Class 6A. He was an All-Northern Kentucky second-team selection by the Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association. Antwoine Higgins, Anderson More: Meet Anderson football's Ace Alston and Antwoine Higgins, with nearly 70 college offers As a sophomore last season, Higgins tallied 55 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, a pair of sacks and an interception on a defense that helped lead Anderson to the Division II state championship game. He was a second-team All-Ohio selection in Division II and first-team all-district. Higgins is the top-ranked linebacker in Ohio for the Class of 2027. A four-star recruit, he holds over 30 offers, including from Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Indiana, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Oregon. Adam Kirtley, Taft Kirtley ranked second in the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference in tackles last season with 140 in helping Taft become the first Cincinnati Public School to win a regional title since 1992. He also had 18 tackles for loss and five sacks en route to all-district and first-team all-league honors. A three-star recruit and the No. 92 player in Ohio for the Class of 2026, Kirtley committed to the UC Bearcats last month. Andre Parker Jr., Princeton Parker finished fifth in the Greater Miami Conference in tackles (107) last season, tallying 19 tackles for a loss. He also ranked fifth in sacks (7) to go with a force fumbled, two interceptions and a pick-six in a win over Fairfield. Parker was a third-team All-Ohio selection in Division I and second-team all-district in helping lead Princeton to the regional semifinals. He is tabbed as a three-star recruit and the No. 59 player in Ohio for the Class of 2026, according to 247Sports' Composite Rankings. Parker held nearly 20 offers before committing to Marshall in June. Aden Reeder, St. Xavier An all-district and first-team all-league selection, Reeder was tied for sixth in the GCL-South in tackles (74) last season and fifth in tackles for loss (13.5). Reeder also knocked away three passes, forced a fumble and tallied a trio of sacks for the Bombers. He had back-to-back 10-tackle performances in wins over La Salle and Cleveland St. Ignatius. A three-star prospect, Reeder is tabbed by 247Sports' Composite Rankings as the No. 24 player in Ohio in the Class of 2026. He committed to Luke Fickell's Wisconsin Badgers in May. Brayden Reilly, St. Xavier Another stout linebacker on St. Xavier's defense, Reilly was tied for sixth in tackles (74) last season alongside Reeder. He had four tackles for loss along with two forced fumbles and a pair of recoveries. Reilly also had two interceptions against Louisville Trinity. Another three-star recruit and a top 20 player in Ohio for the Class of 2026, Reilly committed to Northwestern in May. Jacob Savage, Ryle Savage was a two-way standout during Ryle's run to the state championship game in 2024. Offensively, he was second in Class 6A in rushing touchdowns (22) and sixth in yards (1,085). Savage was also one of the most feared linebackers in Northern Kentucky as he ranked fourth in Class 6A in total tackles (141), including 9.5 for a loss and three sacks. An All-Northern Kentucky first-team selection and a three-star prospect, Savage is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 2 linebacker in Kentucky for the Class of 2026. He committed to Indiana in April. Cam Thomas, Lakota West Thomas was a third-team All-Ohio and second-team all-district selection in Division I last season on a Lakota West defense that led the GMC in scoring, yielding just 8.4 points per game. Thomas finished with 84 tackles, including 14.5 for a loss and four sacks. He also helped the Firebirds' defense take the ball away with three forced fumbles, one recovery and an interception. According to 247Sports' Composite Rankings, Thomas is the No. 16 player in Ohio for the Class of 2026 and a three-star prospect. He committed to Illinois in February. Derek Uran, Elder A three-star recruit and a top 60 player in Ohio for the Class of 2026, Uran committed to Virginia in June, picking the Cavaliers over a list of suitors that included Cincinnati, Ohio University, Western Michigan and Bowling Green, among others. The second-team All-Ohio and first-team all-district selection led the GCL-South in sacks (9.5) last season and finished fifth in the league in tackles. He also forced three fumbles and intercepted a pair of passes, including a 31-yard pick-six against Lakewood St. Edward. On the radar Alex Albrinck, Badin; Brody Ayler, Beechwood; Zac Belmont, McNicholas; Alex Brown, Mason; Landon Brown, Simon Kenton; C.J. Bryant, Hamilton; Vontay Calloway, Badin; Conner Cuozzo, Moeller; Hunter Davis, Lebanon; Brycen Deller, Harrison; Alex Dugan, Elder; D.J. Edwards, Lakota West; Travis Hodges, Boone County; Patrick Keefer, Fenwick; Jesse Keith, Wilmington; Brody Nickerson, Turpin; Trent Owens, Badin; Sam Reder, Summit Country Day; Max Rhodes, Oak Hills; Marlan Robertson, Cincinnati College Prep Academy; Bubba Smart, Roger Bacon; Tye Spaulding, Western Brown; Quinten Tischner, Bishop Brossart; Elias Lopez Torres, Dayton; Kevonte Whitaker, North College Hill; Kai Workman, Ryle Vote: Who is the top linebacker in Greater Cincinnati in 2025? This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati high school football: Best 10 linebackers ahead of 2025
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Browns roster review: Taking a look at Carson Schwesinger and the LBs
As training camp quickly approaches, so does the return of many Browns linebackers who made a solid impact during the 2024 season. The backlash and media criticism that followed securing only three victories were well-deserved, but bringing back most of the linebacker room suggests the blame may have been misdirected. The team's clear focus for the linebacker group this offseason was to retain its veterans while finding a player who can fill Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's shoes. The Browns brought back veterans like Devin Bush and Winston Reid and added former Miami Dolphin Jerome Baker. Now, let's take a quick look at some of the Browns' 2025 linebackers and their expectations for the upcoming season: Carson Schwesinger Despite officially losing Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah for the entire 2025 season, the Browns still upgraded their linebacker room with the 33rd overall pick, Carson Schwesinger. The former UCLA Bruin was a star in his final year with the team, collecting 136 total tackles and 4.0 sacks. After receiving his fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract, Schwesinger is expected to be the starting Will linebacker in Week 1 of the regular season. Many fans and Browns personnel have high expectations for the rookie linebacker. Jordan Hicks Despite the presence of several veterans on the Browns roster, Jordan Hicks remains the top playmaker in the group. In just 12 games for the Browns in 2024, Hicks totaled 78 combined tackles along with a promising 77.7 PFF run defense grade. Had he played all 16 games, he likely would've recorded his sixth straight season with 100+ combined tackles. Returning for the second year of his three-year contract, Hicks will have more support from his fellow linebackers in 2025. He now has a year of experience under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and will welcome the addition of rookie Carson Schwesinger. Despite his strong track record, Hicks will still need to compete for reps with newly acquired veteran Jerome Baker. Jerome Baker A fresh face in Cleveland but a veteran around the NFL, Jerome Baker joins the Browns after a long stint with the Miami Dolphins. The former Ohio State Buckeye and Cleveland native returns home with a solid statistical resume. Last season, Baker recorded 61 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, and earned a 61.0 overall PFF grade. The hometown defensive star is currently projected to be the second-string middle linebacker, according to ESPN. Despite this, depth charts are far from finalized, and Baker is expected to have a significant role either way. Time will tell if he can continue his consistent NFL career in a Browns uniform. Devin Bush Along with the addition of Schwesinger comes the return of some key veterans, including linebacker Devin Bush. Bush re-signed with the Browns after a consistently solid 2024 season, totaling 76 tackles and earning a 79.2 overall PFF grade — ranked 16th among 189 NFL linebackers. When the Browns had the opportunity to bring him back on a team-friendly one-year deal, they didn't hesitate. Bush will need to fight to reclaim his role as Cleveland's starting strongside linebacker. Another player who made a positive impact in 2024 and continues to improve is Mohamoud Diabate. Both linebackers will battle for a starting spot they each arguably deserve. Mohamoud Diabate Mohamoud Diabate has quickly become a fan favorite, transforming from an undrafted free agent into a key contributor on defense and special teams. After returning from a hip injury in Week 6 of the 2024 season, he claimed a starting spot and consistently made plays throughout the remainder of the year. In 13 games last season, Diabate racked up 70 combined tackles and made 11 starts, showcasing his impact. His journey from undrafted rookie to reliable starter came as no surprise to those within the Browns organization, who recognized his relentless dedication from the beginning. Despite his breakout season, Diabate still faces the challenge of proving in training camp that he can sustain that level of performance and officially secure a starting role. This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns roster review: Taking a look at Carson Schwesinger and the LBs
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NCAA JUCO waiver changed Missouri football's linebacker room. Here's how it made MU stronger
Missouri football may have Vanderbilt's quarterback to thank for the strength of its linebackers. Mizzou's season-opener for the 2025 campaign against Central Arkansas on Aug. 28 on Faurot Field is less than 50 days away. Fall camp is right around the corner, as the Tigers typically have players report to campus in Columbia over the final weekend of July. In the offseason, Vandy QB Diego Pavia sued the NCAA, claiming junior college eligibility should not count toward Division-I eligibility. In response, the NCAA issued a blanket, one-year waiver for former JUCO players to return in 2025. In turn, Mizzou is able to return one of its leading tacklers and top projected linebackers. Here is how Missouri's linebackers shape up heading into fall camp, including a projected (but not finalized) depth chart, the upside and possible questions for the room and some snippets of what the coaches said during the spring: Missouri football projected depth chart at linebacker Starters: Mike: Josiah Trotter, r-so..; Will: Triston Newson, gr. Primary rotation: M: Jeremiah Beasley, so.; Brian Huff, r-fr. W: Khalil Jacobs, sr.; Nicholas Rodriguez, so. Reserves: Dante McClellan, fr.; Jason King, fr.; Brady Hultman, jr. It would be a surprise if Trotter and Newson don't end the season with the highest snap counts among MU's linebackers. Beyond that, the listed rotation is our best estimate of how Mizzou will line up at linebacker this season. However you want to divide up the reps in the rotation behind the top two is as good a guess as any. Jacobs, a former South Alabama player under second-year MU defensive coordinator Corey Batoon, should play frequently at weakside linebacker, especially with his familiarity of the DC's scheme. Rodriguez took his reps there as a rookie, too, and we'd expect to see him take a jump in playing time from Year 1 to 2. Beasley is the most likely backup at middle linebacker, unless Rodriguez makes a slight position switch. Depending on how deep MU wants to go, Huff and McClellan are the likeliest next options. The upside Depth shouldn't be an issue for Missouri at linebacker this season. It's a position that's caught Mizzou out a couple times in the past, with injuries forcing the Tigers into some midseason changes. In 2023, Newson went from reserve to Cotton Bowl starter when Ty'Ron Hopper and Chad Bailey picked up late-season injuries. Last season, Rodriguez stepped into a significant role when Jacobs missed the second half of the season with injury. Missouri is at least three deep at both middle and weakside linebacker this year — potentially more, if the true freshmen are ready. The experience of Newson is absolutely invaluable, too. With the blanket waiver for former junior college players, Missouri immediately returned a player with 123 total tackles, including 13.5 for loss, while wearing the black and gold. Trotter earned a third-team, preseason All-SEC nod from Phil Steele's magazine, and his presence absolutely raises the ceiling of the group. He was good for 93 tackles and a pick in a freshman All-American season at WVU last year. If that translates to the SEC, Mizzou has a stout starting duo. Questions, concerns to answer For starters, Batoon is going to need to be judicious about dividing up the reps. There are at least six players fighting for a couple of spots. That is, of course, one of those good problems. You won't find a coach anywhere in the country disappointed by too much competition. If we're nitpicking, there's also an experience question for this group of linebackers to answer. The Tigers seem to generally be pleased with the group they have assembled this season, but on-paper assessments and live-game production are very different things. Four of the top-six options we have listed on the LB depth chart have spent two or fewer years in college. That's a young room, and although experience doesn't dictate production, Mizzou will want to avoid a drop in performance as it moves down its depth chart. Breakout candidate Rodriguez earned some high praise through spring camp. 'I think Nick Rodriguez probably had the best spring of anybody on the defensive side of the ball,' Eli Drinkwitz said April 8. 'His playmaking ability at the linebacker position was remarkable throughout spring. Really challenging to block. I think him and Coach (Derek) Nicholson really hit it off. His instinctual play (and) physicality has been remarkable to watch.' That's another positive development for the Miami native. He was one of five true freshmen to burn a redshirt in the 2024 season as he appeared in 11 games for the Tigers as a rookie. What Drinkwitz said about him after spring camp sounds like a lot more than plain-ol' coachspeak. That praise sounds like a player who is ready to move into a feature role on the defense. What the coaches said in spring Drinkwitz, April 8, on the room: 'That linebacker group — very deep. Very deep and very impactful. … I look for that room to be as deep and as impactful as the edge position.' More: Deepest on the roster? How Missouri football's defensive ends shape up before fall camp More: Who are Missouri football's 10 best players in EA Sports College Football 26 video game? Batoon, March 5, on Newson's return: 'It's like a reprieve. Like, he was done at the bowl game, hugged his neck, we said our goodbyes, almost. Then, boom — (the waiver) happens. It's been really cool, and he's looked at it as a blessing. … An extra year, what an awesome deal for him, and I'm excited to see what he does with it. He'll make the most of it. … We went in the portal and got some guys, and with (Newson) coming back, there's tremendous competition.' This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Why JUCO eligibility waiver changed Missouri football linebacker depth
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Detroit Lions training camp medical preview: Linebackers
The linebackers suffered significant casualties last season as well as a surprise offseason surgery. All that along with Alex Anzalone's contract status means there are a lot of uncertainties going forward. The lack of quality, proven depth could be an issue this season if the starters don't stay healthy. Last season, the Lions kept six LB's on the initial 53-man roster (Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Malcolm Rodriguez, Ben Niemann). Here is the list of LB's starting with the players with the biggest medical question marks entering the season. Ages are at the start of the season. #1: Malcolm Rodriguez - 27yo Right ACL - November 28, 2024 The ACL isn't a long-term concern, but it will keep Rodriguez out for about half this season. He is entering the final year of his 4-year rookie deal so has a lot of motivation to prove recovery. As expected, he was placed on PUP at the start of training camp. Projection: An estimated 11-month recovery would have him return on November 2 vs the Vikings. He may not start looking like his former self until late in the season or 2026 though. #2: Derrick Barnes - 26yo Right MCL/PCL - September 22, 2024 An MCL/PCL injury ended his season in Week 3. This offseason, the Lions showed a lot of confidence by giving him a 3-year deal with $16 million guaranteed. Despite his visible right leg atrophy this offseason and a limited participation at OTA last month, he should be ready for the season. He was not placed on PUP at the start of camp which confirms his readiness. Projection: Barnes is in the starting lineup for Week 1. #3: Jack Campbell - 25yo Campbell has played every game in his two-year NFL career. However during OTA, Campbell revealed that he had a minor hip surgery this offseason. He didn't seem too concerned which is reassuring. In related news, Kerby Joseph had hip surgery the previous offseason and then became an All-Pro. Campbell was not placed on PUP at the start of camp which confirms that he is ready. Projection: Campbell starts Week 1 and continues to anchor the middle of the defense. #4: Alex Anzalone - 30yo Left forearm fracture - November 17, 2024 A forearm fracture cost him six games last year, but he was able to return for the final two games. There is no concern with the arm going forward. He has a history of a chronic right shoulder dating back to college but has been playing through that just fine. The main question for Anzalone may be his contract status. He was one of only two players who skipped OTA (Ragnow, retired), and there are multiple hints that he is seeking a new or adjusted deal. He has posted many offseason workout videos suggesting he is healthy and ready for the season. Projection: Even if he holds out all of camp, Anzalone will be a starter in Week 1. #5: DaRon Gilbert - 24yo Last year as an undrafted rookie, Gilbert was waived by the Lions in preseason with an unspecified injury designation. Projection: The lack of young depth means that Gilbert has a shot to make the 53-man roster. #6: Trevor Nowaske - 26yo Nowaske had a concussion in practice last season and missed a game. He played a healthy 349 snaps last season for the Lions on defense, and another 284 on special teams. Projection: He makes the 53-man roster with his experience and youth. #7: Grant Stuard - 26yo The Lions signed Stuard as a free agent this offseason. He has been remarkably reliable being available for every game in his 4-year NFL career. He does have a remote history of a torn meniscus which isn't a significant concern in the short-term. Projection: With a fully-guaranteed, 1-year contract, Stuard will make the 53-man roster. #8: Anthony Pittman - 28yo Pittman joined the Lions late last season and appeared in the final three regular season games. He should be healthy going into the season. Projection: He may compete for a final roster spot. #9: Ezekiel Turner - 29yo Turner got 111 snaps last year on defense with the Lions. Most of his snaps (189) came on special teams. He should be healthy going into the season although his age is nearing 30. Projection: If he makes the team, it will be because of special teams. #10: Zach Cunningham - 30yo Last year with the Broncos, he missed a few games with a hamstring but that's not a concern going forward. Projection: The Lions likely would prefer to stay younger at the LB position. This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions training camp medical preview: Linebackers
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals Five-Star: Breaking down the linebackers
INDIANAPOLIS – The stars came out for the 2025 Rivals Five-Star event at the Indianapolis Colts' facility last week. Here we break down the top linebackers from the event. MORE FROM INDY: Highlights and analysis | Teams that should be pleased | Positional MVPs | Gorney Awards | Biggest surprises | Flip watch | QB analysis | RB analysis | WR analysis | TE analysis | OL analysis | DL analysis RECRUITING INTEL: Mid-South | Florida | West | Southeast | Midwest RIVALS FIVE-STAR MEDIA DAY: All the news, notes and interviews | The All-Lobby Team | How solid are the commitments? | Roster RIVALS FIVE-STAR INTERVIEWS: Jaden O'Neal | Trae Taylor | Chase Calicut | Samu Moala | Jake Kreul | Felix Ojo | Peyton Houston | CJ Sadler | Richard Wesley | JaReylan McCoy | Carter Scruggs | Nolan Wilson | Carson Sneed | Derrek Cooper | Devin Carter | Jayden Wade | Joel Wyatt | Kaden Henderson | Nick Abrams Abrams was outstanding all day, not making highlight plays all the time but being a solid linebacker, covering up running backs, running downfield with receivers during one-on-ones and then showing off great ranginess during the 7-on-7 tournament. Advertisement The four-star linebacker from Owings Mills (Md.) McDonogh, who has Alabama, Georgia, Michigan and Oregon as his four finalists, had the longest wingspan of any linebacker at the Rivals Five-Star at 83 inches. He also boasted nearly 34-inch arms so he could unexpectedly knock down passes and tip balls. Abrams won the positional MVP award because he can cover so much ground. This is how impressively strong Forkpa is: The bench press winner was Clemson commit Grant Wise, who did 27 reps at 225 pounds and holds multiple Florida state records in weightlifting. Forkpa was one rep behind him. Not only is the four-star linebacker from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy super strong but he's not stiff, he can move and bat down passes. He trusts his eyes in coverage and then has the burst and speed to go after the ball and make the play. Advertisement Florida, Michigan and others are battling it out for him. Moala did some reps coming off the edge during linemen one-on-ones and then flipped over and did many more with the linebacker group before playing 7-on-7 all afternoon. That's what has been so impressive about Moala, who reminds us a little of Jaelan Phillips. He has the physical presence to come off the edge and beat offensive tackles and then he can line up in space at linebacker, run with speedy receivers downfield and make life difficult at that position as well. That level of versatility should bode well in College Station. The Texas A&M commit reinforced his pledge to the Aggies over UCLA, Washington and others. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH TEXAS A&M FANS AT White struggled a little bit with speedy receivers during the one-on-one session at Rivals Five-Star but it's often difficult – and unexpected in game settings – for linebackers to run 30 or 40 yards downfield in coverage. Once the Jackson (Miss.) Jackson Academy standout got his feet under him and used to the speed, he did much better, especially during 7-on-7. White was so good during 7-on-7 play that giving him the position MVP award was being seriously considered. His leaping interception near the end zone that stopped a drive from the opposing team was one of the best plays of the entire event.
