SARASOTA – As the name suggests, linebacker means, quite literally, behind or to the back of the defensive line. When an opposing running back has reached the “second level,” it means he has pierced the D-line and moved into linebacker territory.
Failing to make the tackle here could result in a chunk play, or worse, a “take-it-to-the-house” celebration. Linebackers must possess vision, agility, explosiveness, the ability to shed blocks, and, of course, tackle.
The 12 here on our list of top linebackers in Sarasota and Manatee counties will be expected to do all these things.
The top Junior football players to watch in Sarasota and Manatee counties in 2024
Here’s the Herald-Tribune’s list of the Sarasota, Manatee area’s top linebackers, in alphabetical order:
Top high school linebackers in the Sarasota, Manatee area for 2024
Gage Cameron
Parrish
Vitals: 5-foot-11, 200 pounds: Sr.
College commitment: Albion College
The Bulls’ captain at middle linebacker finished last season with a team-high 128 tackles (48 solo, 80 assists), 15 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, two passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and one blocked punt. Cameron was selected as a 2023 All-FACA Team Linebacker and was a finalist for the Herald-Tribune Defensive Player of the Year.
Ronin Dangler
Manatee
Vitals: 6-foot, 200 pounds; Jr.
College commitment: None
Playing last season for Braden River, the sophomore linebacker totaled a team-high 94 tackles, 19 for losses. Also added five sacks, an interception, three passes defensed, two caused fumbles, and a blocked field goal. Also a weightlifter.
Richard DePaula
Lakewood Ranch
Vitals: 6-foot-1, 195 pounds; Sr.
College commitment: None
Last season the Mustang inside and outside middle linebacker registered six tackles in three games. He’s expected to play a bigger role this season on the defense of Mustang head coach Scott Paravicini.
Jaydon Fields
Southeast
Vitals: 6-foot-1, 205 pounds; Jr.
College commitment: None
The junior linebacker played last season at Southeast. Under Curt Bradley at Braden River, Fields will be used on or off the football. He may be most effective at rushing the quarterback.
James Griffitts
Riverview
Vitals: 5-foot-9, 185 pounds; Sr.
College Offer: Albion College
The Riverview inside linebacker saw early action last season for the Rams. But he moved into a back-up role when Riverview defenders returned from injury. Finishing with 27 tackles in seven games, Griffitts will be a Rams starter.
Austin Kerle
Sarasota Christian
Vitals: 5-foot-10, 160 pounds: Jr.
College commitment: None
From his linebacker position last season, the sophomore was the Blazers’ second-leading tackler, totaling 69. Kerle also added a sack, six tackles for loss, and an interception. At running back, he gained 340 yards and scored eight TDs.
Landon Marsters
Venice
Vitals: 6-foot-3, 210 pounds; Sr.
College Offers: 10 including UNC Charlotte, the Naval Academy, Air Force, and Dartmouth.
Playing for Riverview last season, the junior middle linebacker finished with a team-high 108 tackles, a sack, and two interceptions. Was the Rams’ Defensive MVP.
Caleb Matelau
Manatee
Vitals: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds; Sr.
College commitment: Louisville
A transfer from Palmetto, Matelau last season led the Tigers with 96 tackles, a sack, pass defensed, two fumble recoveries, one caused fumble, and one blocked punt. Committed to Louisville.
Nathan Pralle
Sarasota
Vitals: 6-foot-2, 225 pounds; Sr.
College commitment: Albion College
The Sailor inside linebacker totaled 42 tackles last season for the Sailors. Also had four sacks in his nine games.
Greg Robinson
Cardinal Mooney
Vitals: 6-foot-2, 222 pounds; Sr.
College commitment: None
Last season the junior linebacker was moved around on the field by the Southeast Seminoles. Now with the Cougars, he will compete for time at linebacker.
Isaac Smith
North Port
Vitals: 5-foot-10, 200 pounds; Sr.
College commitment: None
Smith played at running back and linebacker for the Bobcats. He missed half of last season due to injury, but in North North Port’s spring game versus Island Coast, Smith rushed for 177 yards and two TDs. On defense, he had nine tackles.
Kavion Smith
Manatee
Vitals: 5-foot-11, 190 pounds; Sr.
College commitment: None
Playing middle and outside linebacker, the 5-foott-11, 190-pounder totaled 35 tackles last season on a Hurricane defense which allowed an average of 15.5 points per game.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Top 12 high school football linebackers in Sarasota, Manatee counties in 2024
Herald-Tribune
