Written By: Coach Buckets @PreWarWesley
With spring football wrapping up across the country, it’s time to spotlight 10 linebackers who stood out live during the 2025 7v7 circuit. These defenders impressed with their toughness, physicality at the line of scrimmage, ability to run with receivers, and advanced understanding of zone coverage—knowing exactly when to stay or pass off routes. They brought vocal leadership, high football IQ, and a coachable mentality that translates well to Friday nights this fall.
These linebackers are listed in no particular order. Each one brings tremendous upside and value to their high school programs. College coaches: now is the time to check out their HUDL film and get them on your radar.
AJ Gowin
Class of 2026 – Staley HS (MO)
7v7 Team: EPIC7 Midwest
A rangy, athletic linebacker who plays with great closing speed and natural instincts in space. He can cover backs and tight ends, while also bringing intensity against the run.
Twitter: @aj_gowin1
Lake Sutton
Class of 2027 – Oak Park HS (MO)
7v7 Team: StrongsideKC
Arguably one of the most promising young linebackers on the circuit. Sutton is physical, vocal, and plays with a maturity beyond his years. He glides in coverage, communicates pre-snap, and sets the tone for his unit.
Twitter: @LakeSutton1
Mason Wydra
Class of 2026 – IMG Academy (FL)
7v7 Team: GAIN Sports
Long, lean, and athletic, Wydra is fluid in space and extremely reliable in zone drops. He shows elite change of direction and reads the quarterback’s eyes well to anticipate throws.
Twitter: @MasonWydra
Hunter Schaller
Class of 2026 – Belleview HS (FL)
7v7 Team: 352 Reapers
A downhill thumper who brings toughness to every rep. Schaller excels in underneath coverage and brings high-effort pursuit on every snap.
Twitter: @huntercs15
Dakari Wake
Class of 2025 – Leavenworth HS (KS)
7v7 Team: KS Elite
Committed to Missouri Southern, Wake is a true field general. He’s quick to diagnose plays, commands his unit with confidence, and flies to the ball.
Twitter: @dakari3wake
Cody Wright
Class of 2026 – Colby HS (KS)
7v7 Team: Sharp Performance
Wright is consistent, physical, and has excellent range. He’s able to cover in space while staying fundamentally sound in his reads and reactions.
Twitter: @codyawright07
Braylon Hodge
Class of 2026 – Cherry Creek HS (CO)
7v7 Team: Team Full Gorilla
With double-digit offers from schools like Utah, Iowa, Michigan State, and San Diego State, Hodge is already a national recruit. He’s explosive, technically sound, and able to run with skill players in space.
Twitter: @BraylonHodge
Parker Moore
Class of 2025 – Lawrence Free State HS (KS)
7v7 Team: Sharp Performance
A Wyoming commit, Moore brings grit, leadership, and a great understanding of leverage and angles. He’s the type of player who always seems to be around the football.
Twitter: @ParkerMoore2025
Rey’Zhian Shears
Class of 2026 – Wichita East HS (KS)
7v7 Team: Wichita Wheat
Shears is twitchy, vocal, and explosive through contact. He’s a rising name to know, especially with his ability to cover the flat and hook/curl zones at a high level.
Twitter: @ReyShears
Pharrell Adams
Class of 2026 – Wichita East HS (KS)
7v7 Team: Wichita Wheat
One of the top linebacker prospects in Kansas, Adams already holds offers from Kansas, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State. He plays fast, communicates constantly, and diagnoses plays with ease.
Twitter: @adams_pharrell
These 10 linebackers brought energy, leadership, and coverage versatility to the 7v7 circuit. Whether it’s their sideline-to-sideline range or sharp football IQ, each has the tools to dominate this fall.
Keep an especially close eye on 2027’s Lake Sutton—he’s going to be that guy.
