Top Linebackers
Class of 2027 -- ranked by measurables, physical ceiling, and recruiting validation
122 tackles in 5A Centennial League play with a Pitt offer validates his elite production against top competition. Verified shuttle (4.44) and broad jump (8'7") confirm lateral quickness; needs to add 15-20 lbs to his 5'10" frame without losing agility, but instincts and motor are D1-caliber right now.
Nico Mavromat put up 122 total tackles as a junior linebacker in 5A Centennial League play, which for those keeping score at home is top 16 in the entire state and top 9 in 5A, and he did it at Cherokee Trail against a schedule that included Cherry Creek, Eaglecrest, Grandview, and Arapahoe, so nobody's inflating numbers against the local JV squad here. The ThunderRidge game (17 total tackles in a 21-11 win) is the one we keep coming back to because when you watch a linebacker rack up 10 solos and 7 assists in a low-scoring defensive slugfest, that's a kid who is filling every gap the offense is trying to exploit, flowing sideline to sideline and arriving with bad intentions before the running back even gets to the line of scrimmage. Pittsburgh clearly saw the same thing because they handed him his first D1 offer, and we don't think Pitt is in the business of offering kids out of charity. The verified testing backs up what the film shows: 4.44 shuttle, 8'7" broad jump, and a 7.69 L-drill all point to legitimate change-of-direction athleticism and explosiveness, which tracks with the coverage ability you see on tape (smooth backpedal, fluid hips, the kind of stuff that makes offensive coordinators nervous about checking down to the back). Now, the honest part: 5'10" 185 (and MaxPreps has him at 5'9" 170, which, pick a number guys) is a real conversation at the next level because college offensive linemen are going to outweigh him by 130 pounds and that's just physics. The wingspan at 6'0" is fine but not going to bail him out in traffic the way a longer linebacker's would. He also played on a Cherokee Trail team that went 4-7, and while the individual production is undeniable, the Cherry Creek game (5 solo, 3 assists, zero TFL against the best offense on the schedule) is worth noting alongside the ThunderRidge explosion game because college coaches are going to ask how he holds up when the talent across the line of scrimmage jumps a level. That said, the instincts are legit, the motor never stops (6 QB pressures from a linebacker tells you he's not just reading and reacting, he's hunting), and the forced fumble, 2 recoveries, and interception show ball-hawking awareness that you either have or you don't. If he can get to 200 without losing that 4.44 shuttle quickness, we think Pitt is going to have company on that offer list by August.
Prototypical EDGE frame at 6'3" 240 with scouts praising his hand usage, bull rush, and bend -- 80 tackles and 3 sacks on a back-to-back 5A state champion at Cherry Creek. The sophomore-to-junior leap (10 to 80 tackles) shows a player just scratching his ceiling; needs verified speed testing but the physical tools and competition level are legit.
Thomas is a 6'3" 240 lb rising senior EDGE/DE who produced 80 tackles, 4 TFL, 3 sacks, and an INT as a junior while starting on a back-to-back Colorado 5A state championship team. PRZ scouts praise his hand usage, bull rush power, lateral quickness, and block-shedding ability -- tools that project well at the next level. He adds long-snapping versatility and plays varsity lacrosse; the combination of size, multi-sport athleticism, and a rapid development trajectory (10 tackles as a sophomore to 80 as a junior) makes him a prospect worth evaluating closely heading into his senior year.
Rare size for a safety/LB hybrid at 6'3" 206 with 117 tackles, 10 TFL, and 2 INTs while also catching 49 balls for 6 TDs at 5A Regis Jesuit. Desperately needs verified athletic testing to unlock his recruitment, but the two-way production, frame, and instincts project him as a strong safety or hybrid LB at the FCS/low FBS level.
Filleman is a fascinating defensive prospect with rare size (6'3" 206) for a safety/nickel player who produced elite tackle numbers (112 tackles, 13 TFL) while also contributing significantly as a receiving threat (49 catches, 6 TDs). His best college projection is likely as a strong safety or hybrid linebacker in a defense that values versatility. He needs verified athletic testing and camp exposure to accelerate his recruitment, but his combination of size, instincts, tackling, and two-way production makes him a legitimate FCS/low-end FBS prospect with upside if his speed tests well.
111 tackles at 9.3/game on a 12-2 Legend squad ranked #3 in 5A, with elite strength numbers (335 bench, 515 squat) and a 16-tackle playoff game vs Valor Christian. At 6'1" 220 he has a college-ready frame; needs verified speed data, but the production, strength, and competition level profile him as a physical inside linebacker prospect.
Carter Berard is a physically mature, high-motor inside linebacker who produced at an elite rate (9.3 tackles/game) as a junior on one of Colorado's top 5A programs (12-2, #3 state ranking). At 6'0"-6'1" and a self-reported 220 lbs with verified elite strength numbers (335 bench, 515 squat, 225x13), he has the functional power and frame to play at the next level. His dramatic production jump from sophomore to junior year (22 to 111 tackles) and his 16-tackle playoff performance against Valor Christian demonstrate both rapid development and the ability to perform under pressure. With a 3.5 GPA and NCAA registration already completed, he checks the academic and character boxes as well.
Father is Josh Berard per National Prospect ID. No additional family athletic background found.
PRZ's #9 overall prospect in Colorado 2027 with 201 career tackles through two varsity seasons at 5A Columbine, plus 3 career INTs showing range and coverage instincts. Projectable 6'1" 185 frame with room to grow to 210; the recruiting validation and two-way ability are strong, but he needs verified testing and improved TFL production to match the ranking.
Vialpando is a long, athletic two-way player at 6'1" 185 who has been a varsity impact starter since his sophomore year at 5A Columbine. His defensive instincts are advanced — 126 tackles and 3 INTs as a sophomore followed by 75 tackles, a sack, and 3 pass deflections as a junior — and PRZ scouts highlight fluid hips in coverage, very good read-and-react speed, and physicality as a hitter. On offense he shows legitimate vision and contact balance as a runner with 6.1 YPC. The frame projects to 200-210 lbs and fits multiple defensive positions at the next level. Timed athletic testing would be the next step in evaluating his ceiling.
105 tackles and 18 TFL in 5A with a verified 4.32 shuttle is an elite combination of production and lateral quickness for a high school LB. The massive soph-to-junior leap and 500-lb squat show a rapidly developing player; the 5.00 forty is a concern but his closing speed on film and TFL rate suggest he plays faster than he times.
Terrance Jones Jr is a high-motor, instinctive middle linebacker who posted elite tackle production (105 tackles, 18 TFL) as a junior in Colorado 5A. His 4.32 shuttle confirms the lateral quickness and change-of-direction ability that scouts have noted on film, and his coverage skills are advanced for a high school inside linebacker. The 5.00 forty is a concern for straight-line speed at the next level, but his closing burst on film and ability to consistently beat blockers into the backfield suggest functional speed that may test better than that number indicates. At 5'11" and 201 lbs with a 73-inch wingspan, he has a projectable frame that could carry 215-220 lbs at the college level without sacrificing mobility.
The 6'5" 230 frame is the headliner -- prototypical college DE size with room to add significant mass, All-State honors, and scouts praising his bend and hand usage. Only 2 TFL and 1 sack on 76 tackles is concerning, but the physical ceiling is enormous; a productive senior season with improved pass-rush numbers could make him a late-cycle steal.
Shefte is a 6'5" 230-lb rising senior edge rusher with the length, frame, and positional versatility that jump off the screen. He earned CHSAA 4A All-State Honorable Mention as a junior after recording 76 tackles, 2 TFL, and 1 sack -- more than doubling his sophomore output of 33 tackles. Independent scouts praise his bend, hand usage, strength at the point of attack, and ability to chase down ball carriers in space. As a two-sport athlete who also plays varsity basketball, he brings translatable coordination and footwork. With room to add significant mass to his frame and a full senior season ahead, his physical ceiling is substantial.
Father appears to be David Shefte based on Twitter account (@DavidShefte) that follows and interacts with Chris's football content. No further athletic background information found.
Laser-verified 4.70 forty and 4.24 shuttle at CSU camp with 75 tackles, 12 TFL, and 3 sacks in 4A -- the athletic testing validates the film. Two-year all-conference and all-state honorable mention with a 4.09 GPA; undersized at 5'10" 205 but the verified quickness, coverage ability, and production make him a strong FCS prospect.
Rueschhoff is a productive, high-motor inside linebacker with verified camp athleticism (4.70 laser 40, 4.24 shuttle) and elite weight room numbers for his size. His tackle production, two-year all-conference honors, and all-state recognition in Colorado 4A are legitimate, and his academic profile (4.09 GPA, AP Scholar) makes him highly recruitable at the FCS/lower FBS level. The biggest question is whether his 5'10" frame and 4A competition level translate against bigger, faster talent -- he profiles as a strong FCS starter or mid-major FBS prospect who could earn a scholarship with a strong senior camp circuit.
College-ready 6'1" 230 frame with All-State 1A honors, 96 tackles, 11 TFL, and 687 rushing yards at 7.2 YPC -- rare movement skills for his size confirmed by scouts and wrestling background. Competition level is the knock, but the physical tools, two-way dominance, and instincts project well if verified speed testing confirms what film suggests.
Pridemore is a physically imposing two-way player at 6'1" 230 lbs with rare movement skills for his size — PRZ scouts note very good acceleration, balance, and change of direction. His junior season production on both sides of the ball (687 rushing yards, 8 total TDs, 96 tackles, 11 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT) and All-State First Team recognition demonstrate high-level football instincts and motor. He projects as a linebacker at the next level with the frame and physicality to play immediately, and his wrestling background adds functional strength and competitiveness that translate to the college game.
96 tackles as a starting LB on a 5A state championship Cherry Creek team means he's producing against the best competition in Colorado every week. Good size at 6'1" 210, but the 4.85 forty and modest TFL numbers (4) suggest a high-floor, low-ceiling ILB profile; the championship pedigree and frame are his calling cards.
Conference Defensive Player of the Year with 89 tackles, 10 TFL, and 2 INTs at 6'2" 215 on a 4A state champion team -- scouts highlight his zone coverage ability and tight end matchup skills. The 4.82 forty needs verification, but his size, instincts, multi-sport athleticism, and 4.2 GPA make him highly recruitable at the FCS level.
Sondrup is a 6'2", 215-lb inside linebacker with elite production (89 tackles, 10 TFL, 2 INT) and verified coverage ability in Colorado 4A. Scout evaluations praise his read-and-react speed, zone coverage skills, and ability to match up with tight ends -- rare traits for a high school ILB. His frame, multi-sport athleticism (basketball, track), 4.2 GPA, and state championship pedigree give him a high floor as a college prospect with significant physical upside entering his senior year.
Three-year varsity starter with 230+ career tackles who led a 2A state championship defense with 83 tackles, 9 TFL, and 2 INTs at 6'2" 210 with verified elite strength (415 squat, 285 bench). Scouts praise his edge-setting discipline and coverage instincts; frame can carry 225+ at the next level, making him a high-floor LB/SS prospect.
Greiman is a 6'2" 210 lb three-year varsity starter who led a state championship defense with 83 tackles, 9 TFL, and 2 INTs as a junior. He plays a box safety/OLB hybrid role with excellent instincts in zone coverage, disciplined edge-setting technique, and the physicality to stack and shed blockers. With verified strength numbers (415 squat, 285 bench, 245 clean), a projectable frame that can carry 225+ at the next level, and a track record of performing in championship moments, Greiman profiles as a high-floor linebacker or strong safety who diagnoses quickly and finishes tackles.
The 6'2" 200 frame playing multiple positions at 5A Overland is intriguing -- 75 tackles, 5 TFL, and 2 INTs show defensive instincts, and 17 catches for 238 yards demonstrate two-way ability. Playing on a winless team makes evaluation difficult, but the physical tools are legit; needs verified testing and a transfer or breakout senior year to unlock his potential.
Mitchell is a physically intriguing 6'1"-6'2", 195-200 lb two-way athlete with a projectable frame who plays multiple positions on both sides of the ball. However, his production is extremely limited (3 catches, 76 receiving yards as a sophomore), his team is one of the weakest 5A programs in Colorado, and there is no verified athletic testing data or D1-level recruiting interest. He needs a breakout junior season with dramatically improved stats, camp attendance to get verified measurables, and ideally a transfer to a more competitive program to generate legitimate D1 attention.
107 tackles as the leading tackler on a 13-1 5A state finalist at Ralston Valley, with good size at 6'2" 190 and strong lifts (400 squat, 225 bench). Zero TFL in 14 games is a significant red flag for impact-play ability, but the frame, production volume, and competition level on a championship-caliber team keep him in the conversation.
Tyler Schneider is a productive, high-floor inside linebacker with excellent size (6'2" 190) and strength numbers (400 squat, 225 bench) who was the leading tackler on a Colorado 5A state finalist. However, the complete absence of TFLs and minimal sack/pass breakup production raises questions about his ability to make impact plays at the next level. He projects as an FCS or strong D2 inside linebacker prospect who could earn D1 looks with a strong camp circuit this summer, verified speed testing, and continued weight gain toward 210+ lbs.
109 tackles and 8 TFL at 6'0" 185 in 4A despite playing on a 2-9 team -- high-volume production against heavy defensive workload shows motor and instincts. Needs significant strength development (175 bench) and verified speed testing, but the tackle numbers and two-way versatility suggest a player with upside if he fills out physically.
Freshman Defensive Player of the Year in 2A who has continued producing with 75 tackles and 4 INTs as a junior -- the ball-hawking ability from the LB/S spot is rare. At 5'10" 205 with wrestling and track backgrounds, he's a physical, instinctive player, though height limits his ceiling; best projects as a strong safety or undersized ILB.
109 tackles and 3 forced fumbles as a team captain at 5A ThunderRidge show elite motor and ball-disruption skills, but at 5'10" 170 he's significantly undersized. Needs to add 25+ lbs and get verified testing done; the production and leadership are real, but the frame limits his D1 projection to FCS at best.
Dane Giles is a high-motor, instinctive linebacker who led ThunderRidge in tackles as a junior with 109 total tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries in Colorado 5A. His tackling production and leadership (team captain) are impressive, but at 5'10" 170 lbs with no verified athletic testing data and zero FBS offers, he currently projects as an FCS/D2 prospect who needs a strong senior season with improved measurables and camp exposure to generate D1 interest. A breakout combine performance and added weight could elevate his stock significantly heading into his 2027 cycle.
Started at MLB as a sophomore at 5A Mountain Vista and led the team in tackles per game as a junior -- the early development timeline and reported growth to 6'0" 195 are promising. Zero verified testing data and limited stat detail make him hard to rank, but the trajectory and competition level warrant monitoring through his senior year.
86 tackles with 8 TFL and 3 INTs (including a pick-six) show instincts and playmaking ability at 6'0", but at 150 lbs he's dangerously thin and needs 30-40 lbs of mass to project anywhere. The ball skills and tackle production are interesting if the frame fills out; pure developmental project.
The 6'3" 195 frame with 148 tackles and 25 total TDs is eye-popping production, and the All-State First Team in 6-man plus ball-hawking skills (5 INTs as a sophomore) show legitimate instincts. The 6-man to D1 transition is massive and the 4.6 forty is unverified; needs immediate camp exposure to determine if the tools translate.
Klinzmann is a highly productive 6-man football athlete with intriguing physical traits at 6'3" 195 lbs and legitimate two-way dominance at the small-school level. His All-State First Team selection, 1,300+ all-purpose yards as a junior, and ball-hawking defensive instincts (5 INTs as a sophomore) demonstrate elite talent relative to his competition. However, the massive leap from Colorado 6-man to D1 football requires verified speed testing, exposure at camps/combines, and ideally 11-man film before any FBS/FCS program can seriously evaluate him -- he profiles as an intriguing small-school sleeper who needs to get on the camp circuit immediately.
95 tackles with 1st Team All-Conference and HM All-State in 4A Golden, plus elite academics (4.43 GPA) -- the year-over-year production jump (2 to 41 to 95 tackles) shows rapid development. At 5'11" 205 with a 4.9 forty, he'll need to get faster to project at the next level, but the instincts and IQ make him a late-developing FCS candidate.
Liam Leffert is a productive, high-IQ inside linebacker with impressive tackle numbers (95 tackles as a junior) and strong weight room metrics for a Colorado 4A prospect. His rapid year-over-year statistical improvement and multi-sport athleticism suggest continued upside, but his lack of verified speed testing, undersized frame for the position, and absence of D1 offers indicate he projects as a late-cycle FCS or D2 target who could earn opportunities through camps and senior film. His elite academics (4.43 GPA, AP coursework) make him extremely attractive to academic-focused programs.
Father played college football. Brothers played college football and college rugby. Per his personal statement: 'My dad played college football, and my brothers played college football and college rugby. Growing up, I had a lot of role models around me and taught me how to compete.' Schools and positions of family members not specified.
155 career tackles across two seasons with 25 career QB hurries on a 2A state champion, including 8 tackles and 2 TFL in the title game. At 5'8" 190 the frame is maxed, but the motor, pass-rush toolkit, and big-game production are undeniable; profiles as an undersized ILB or hybrid EDGE at the D2/FCS level.
Thurnes is a compact, physical EDGE/LB who has produced at a high level for two consecutive seasons on one of Colorado 2A's most dominant teams. He plays with excellent instincts, sideline-to-sideline range, and a developed pass-rush toolkit (bull rush and spin move) that belies his age. At 5'8" 190, he will need to prove his athletic testing numbers translate against bigger competition, but his motor, production, and big-game performance (8 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack in the state title game) suggest a player whose football IQ and competitive toughness can carry him.
101 tackles and 15 TFL in 3A with a massive sophomore-to-junior production jump and scouts noting quick burst and gap penetration. At 5'9" 165 he's severely undersized, but the TFL rate, instincts, and 4.0+ GPA make him a high-character developmental prospect who needs 30+ lbs to have a college future.
Dylan Cooper is an undersized but highly productive and instinctive linebacker who posted 101 tackles and 15 TFL as a junior in Colorado 3A, showing elite pursuit speed and gap penetration for his level. His 4.0/4.7 GPA, multi-sport background (track, wrestling), and community leadership paint the picture of a high-character, coachable kid with room to grow physically. At 5'9" 155-165 lbs, he'll need to add functional weight, but his motor, football IQ, and year-over-year development arc suggest a player whose ceiling hasn't been reached — a prospect worth tracking through his senior season and summer testing events.
139 tackles and 28 TFL in 6-man with track-verified explosiveness (37-7.5 triple jump, 15-11 long jump) and dramatic year-over-year improvement. No height or weight on file is the critical missing piece -- if he measures 6'0"+ with adequate size, the athleticism and production combination could be special; impossible to rank higher without measurables.
Gavin Ruhs is a high-motor, two-way playmaker out of Stratton's dominant 6-man program who posted 31 catches for 608 yards and 11 TDs offensively while racking up 139 tackles and 28 TFL defensively as a junior — production that ranked 43rd nationally in total tackles per MaxPreps. His track & field background (37-7.5 triple jump, 15-11 long jump) provides verified explosive athleticism, and his three-year statistical trajectory shows a player who has improved dramatically each season. Measurables are the critical missing piece — verified height, weight, and timed speed would clarify his projection and positional fit at the next level.
All-State First Team with 1,709 rushing yards, 32 TDs, and 97 tackles with 28 TFL in 6-man -- the two-way production and track explosiveness (5-6 HJ, 18-5.75 LJ) are undeniable. No verified height/weight makes projection impossible, and the 12.0 100m suggests functional but not elite speed; needs measurables and 11-man film to evaluate.
Drew Fox is an explosive, high-production 6-man running back and two-way player who earned CHSAA All-State First Team honors as a junior after rushing for 1,709 yards and 32 touchdowns while also recording 97 tackles and 28 TFL on defense. His track and field background — highlighted by a 5-6 high jump, 18-5.75 long jump, and 38-11 triple jump — confirms translatable explosiveness and lower-body power. Fox's career-long efficiency at 7.5 YPC across 309 varsity carries, combined with his ability to dominate on both sides of the ball, points to a competitor who could project as a physical, downhill back at the next level, though verified measurables and film evaluation in the context of 6-man football will be critical.
Massive two-way workload with 183 carries and 78 tackles at 4A Greeley Central, plus 4 blocked FGs showing elite effort and timing. At 5'11" 160 he needs significant mass, but PRZ ranking (#106) and scout praise for his vision and contact balance suggest a player with more upside than the frame currently shows.
Galindo is a high-motor, two-way football player who carried a massive workload for Greeley Central as a junior — 183 carries on offense while also logging 78 tackles at linebacker. At 5'11" 160 lbs, he plays with excellent vision and contact balance as a runner and diagnoses plays quickly on defense, as noted by Prep Redzone scouts who praised his acceleration, lateral quickness, and downhill tackling instincts. He projects as a player who could fit multiple defensive and offensive roles at the next level, but will need to add 15-20 pounds of functional mass and get verified testing numbers to fully showcase his athletic profile heading into his senior year.
102 tackles at 9.3/game leading Rocky Mountain in 5A with PRZ ranking (#187) and scouts praising his acceleration and lateral quickness. At 5'7" with no listed weight, the size barrier is severe for any D1 LB projection; his wrestling background and motor are assets, but he profiles as a D2/D3 prospect unless he grows significantly.
Cormac Loughlin is a high-motor, productive linebacker who led Rocky Mountain with 102 tackles (9.3/game) as a junior and earned multiple local all-area honors. However, at 5'7" with no listed weight and no verified athletic testing, his physical profile presents a significant barrier to D1 recruitment. He projects best as a D2/D3/NAIA linebacker prospect unless he adds considerable size; his wrestling background and relentless motor give him a foundation, but the lack of measurables and film on Hudl will need to be addressed immediately heading into his senior season.
Has a sibling, Lir Loughlin, who also competes in varsity wrestling at Rocky Mountain and was listed as a Fort Collins-area state wrestling championship contender.
1,673 rushing yards and 82 tackles with 12 TFL and 5 sacks is dominant two-way 8-man production, and 100 career wrestling wins confirm elite toughness and functional strength. At 5'9" 170 the positional projection is unclear -- possibly a safety or slot -- and the 4.81 forty limits upside, but the competitiveness and motor are real.
Owen Harris is a high-motor, two-way football player who dominated Colorado 8-Man football as a junior with 1,673 rushing yards and 17 TDs while also posting 82 tackles, 12 TFL, and 5 sacks on defense. At 5'9" 170 lbs with a 245 lb bench press, he possesses legitimate functional strength and contact balance that fuel his 7.7 YPC average. His position at the next level will likely need to shift from his current RB/DE role -- he projects as an athlete with the toughness, two-way versatility, and competitive drive to contribute in a scheme that values effort and physicality.
102 tackles with All-League defensive honors and 1,089 all-purpose yards as a breakout junior in 8-man, plus membership on a state-level 4x100 relay. At 6'0" 175 with no verified speed data and 8-man competition, he's a raw prospect who needs mass and exposure, but the multi-sport athleticism and production arc are worth monitoring.
Caleb Eastwood is a late-developing, multi-sport athlete who had a legitimate breakout junior season at a small 8-man program in Colorado. His 1,089 all-purpose yards, All-League defensive honors, and membership on the state's fastest 4x100 relay show real athleticism, but the competition level, lack of verified speed data, and zero recruiting exposure make him a fringe FCS/D2 prospect at best right now. He needs verified camp testing, increased film visibility, and a strong senior season to generate any D1 interest.
102 tackles and 472 rushing yards (8.4 YPC) as a two-way starter in 4A show toughness and motor, with 7 MaxPreps Player of the Game awards validating consistent impact. At 5'7" 192 the frame severely limits D1 projection; profiles as a D2/NAIA prospect unless he can prove elite speed at camps.
Hopkins is a high-motor, undersized two-way player whose 102 tackles and 472 rushing yards (8.4 YPC) as a junior demonstrate legitimate football instincts, toughness, and production. However, at 5'7" 192 lbs with no verified athletic testing, no receiving stats, and no college interest, his D1 ceiling is likely limited to FCS or D2 programs unless he can prove elite speed/explosiveness at camps. He needs to aggressively pursue combine events and build out his Hudl film to generate any college attention.
91 tackles at 11.4/game with 6 sacks and 6 TFL show a high-motor pass rusher at the 1A level, and PRZ scout notes praise his lateral quickness and short-area explosion. At 5'10" 175 on a winless team, the competition level and team context are major concerns; needs mass and verified testing to project beyond small college.
Peyton Farris is a high-motor, undersized linebacker who dominates at the Colorado 1A level with elite tackle production (11.4 tackles/game) and surprising pass rush ability (6 sacks). However, his 5'10" 170-175 lb frame, the 0-9 team context, and 1A competition level create significant projection concerns for D1 football. He profiles best as a small-college (D2/D3/NAIA) linebacker prospect who could earn D1 FCS looks if he adds 20+ pounds and performs well at verified camps/combines.
84 tackles at 9.3/game in 3A with a compact 5'10" 200 build and lacrosse background showing lateral movement. No verified testing, limited recruiting profile, and maxed-out frame make D1 projection difficult, but the tackle rate and physicality suggest a potential D2/D3 inside linebacker.
97 tackles and 521 rushing yards (6.7 YPC) as a true two-way starter in 3A demonstrate elite motor and contact balance despite weighing just 158 lbs. Needs to add 25+ lbs and get verified speed testing; the production is impressive but the frame and competition level limit his ceiling significantly.
Logan Trujillo is a high-motor, undersized two-way player who emerged as Pueblo East's featured back as a junior, averaging 6.7 YPC on 78 carries while simultaneously anchoring the defense with 97 tackles and 8 TFL from the linebacker spot. His combination of contact balance, lateral quickness, and competitive toughness is evident on film clips, but at 5'8" 158 lbs he projects as a player who needs to add 20-25 pounds before college while maintaining his burst. Verified athletic testing would go a long way in validating his speed, as his production and YPC suggest above-average explosiveness for the 3A level.
99 tackles at 9.3/game with true multi-position versatility in 1A, demonstrating high effort and football IQ. At 5'10" 165 with no verified athletic testing and 1A competition, he profiles as a D3/NAIA prospect who would need transformative physical development to attract D1 attention.
Liam Smith is an extremely productive small-school two-way player whose 99 tackles as a junior demonstrate elite effort, instincts, and tackling ability at the 1A level. However, at 5'10" 165 lbs with no verified speed or athletic testing data and no recruiting service recognition, he currently projects as a lower-division prospect (D2/D3/NAIA) who would need significant physical development and exposure at camps to generate D1 interest. His senior year will be critical for adding weight and attending verified testing events.
91 tackles and impressive strength numbers (405 squat, 255 bench) at 5'10" 180 show physicality and weight room commitment at the 1A level. Below-average rushing efficiency (3.4 YPC) and no speed testing limit his projection; best path is as a physical linebacker at the D2/D3 level.
Jacob Quintana is a tough, physical two-way player who impacts the game primarily on defense as a high-volume tackler at the 1A level. His weight room numbers (405 squat, 255 bench) are impressive for his size, but the lack of any verified speed/agility testing and modest rushing production (3.4 YPC) make it very difficult to project him as a D1 running back. His best path to college football may be as a linebacker or safety at the D2/D3/NAIA level, where his instincts, physicality, and strength would translate better against appropriate competition.
96 tackles and 6 TFL leading Centauri's defense with shot put marks (44'3") showing upper body power unusual for a 150-lb player. Severely undersized and needs 25-35 lbs to project at any college level; the track throwing background is intriguing but the frame is the primary limiter.
Blake Johnson is a high-motor, two-way contributor on a strong Colorado 1A program who made his biggest impact on defense with 96 tackles and 6 TFL as a junior. His offensive rushing numbers are modest (206 yards, 5 TD on 44 carries) and he is significantly undersized at 5'11" 150 lbs, which limits his projection. He has legitimate athleticism as evidenced by his track throwing marks (44'3" shot put as a sophomore), but without verified speed data, added weight, and exposure at camps, he profiles as a small-school prospect who would need a transformative senior year and significant physical development to attract D1 attention.
78 tackles with 10 TFL and 4 sacks in 1A 8-man show a productive pass rusher with wrestling-honed technique. At 5'8" 155 in the lowest classification, the competition level and frame make D1 projection unrealistic; a small-college prospect at best.
195 career tackles since freshman year show remarkable durability and motor, but at 5'8" 148 lbs on a winless 4A team with 3.4 YPC rushing, the physical limitations and competition context are severe. High-effort, high-character kid who profiles as a NAIA/D3 prospect.
Ramirez is a high-motor, undersized linebacker who has been a productive tackler since his freshman year on varsity, accumulating 195 career tackles across 23 games. However, at 5'8" 148 lbs with no verified speed or athletic testing data, no college offers, and production coming against a very weak 4A schedule on a winless team, he does not currently project as a D1 prospect. His offensive numbers as a running back are below average (career 2.9 YPC), and his frame offers limited room for growth to a college-ready size at linebacker.
80 tackles on a league championship team at 5'8" 167 with basketball versatility showing some athletic tools. Very limited defensive stat profile (2 TFL) and significant size concerns make D1 projection unrealistic; a small-school contributor who needs substantial physical development.
Elite pound-for-pound lower body strength (385 squat, 405 deadlift at 165 lbs) is noteworthy, but 5'7" 165 with 75 tackles, 2 TFL, and minimal offensive production at an unclassified program leaves very little to project at the college level. Weight room effort is commendable but frame severely limits upside.