Last year six linebackers signed division-one or 1AA letters of intent and this year’s crop has already surpassed that number. There are currently eight linebackers in the Grand Canyon State that hold offers with a few on the cusp of getting some.
Here is a preseason look at Arizona’s top linebackers for the 2008 season. Remember, these are subject to change and are not solely based on recruiting, although it does come into play. Other factors include past performances and camp and combine stats and coaches recommendations.
1.) Anthony Jones- Hamilton- 6-2 210- I absolutely love this kid’s motor. He makes plays all over the field. Currently holds four D1 offers.
2.) Rueben Robinson- Hamilton- 6-3 215- This Oregon State commit is transitioning from safety where he showed the knack for making the big hit last year.
3.) Anthony Rose- Marcos de Niza- 6-1 200- Pima Region’s defensive player of the year and it is easy to see why. Recorded 145 tackles and 3 sacks. Has committed to Arizona State.
4.) Jake Fischer- Ironwood Ridge- 6-0 225- This tackling machine is a true middle backer. Show nice explosion and is a tough running back as well. Holds offers from Arizona and Colorado.
5.) Reggie Umuolo- Centennial- 5-11 200- The strong and explosive Umuolo has early verbaled to UNLV.
6.) Rodney Reagans- Chandler- 6-1 220- An all-state pick last year at Coolidge, Reagans has transferred to Chandler and is eager to show that he can hang with the big boys in 5A.
7.) Ryan Reardon- Notre Dame- 6-1 215- Tough two-way player, holds an early offer from Army.
8.) Mike Chocholosek- Mt. Ridge- 6-0 205- Earned region defensive player of the year honors after recording 119 tackles.
9.) Ray Cottman- Ironwood Ridge- 6-1 210- This all-region pick as on the verge of getting several mid-major offers. Recorded 102 tackles and 3 sacks last year.
10.) Anthony Greco- Notre Dame- 6-1 215- Also holds an offer from Army, Greco racked up an amazing 145 tackles last year for the 4A2 state champs.
11.) Tommy Brown- Skyline- 6-0 200- An all-region RB and LB, Brown terrorized opponent for 125 tackles as a junior.
12.) Brad Cunningham- Mt. Ridge- 6-0 200- Chocho, Cunningham and Brett Hager might make up the best LB trio in the state.
13.) Jesse Harper- Paradise Valley- 5-10 220- 1st team all-region pick in a tough 4A1 Desert Sky region.
14.) Adam Holzmeister- Brophy- 5-10 190- This kid has a nose for the football. Made a ton of big plays helping the Broncos to the 5A1 state title.
15.) Shad Bride- St. Johns- 5-11 195- Bride is mainly known for his ability as a 2,000+ yard rusher. But he is also a standout linebacker that made 99 tackles last year.
Riser
Steel Armstrong- Blue Ridge- 6-1 210- Not many are talking about this all-state selection that recorded 147 tackles. Blue Ridge always plays tough defense and Armstrong was the leader of that group last year.
Others to Watch
Ramon Abreu- Marcos- 5-9 175
Vince Adams- Catalina Foothills
Alexis Aguirre- Douglas- 5-9 170
David Alfaro- Coronado- 5-10 190
Dane Andrews- Cactus Shadows
Austin Arias (Jr)- Centennial- 6-0 200
Josh Baty- Basha- 6-1 230
Jared Beebe- Deer Valley- 6-2 215
Kyle Benson (Jr)- Corona- 6-2 180
David Berg- Desert Edge- 5-9 190
Jake Brown (Jr)- Paradise Valley- 5-10 190
Demitrius Burnett- Chavez- 6-0 180
Jason Burnett- Apollo- 6-1 180
David Carlen- Payson- 5-11 190
Cody Clark- Kellis- 5-9 160
Tyler Ermisch- Chaparral- 6-1 210
Justin Ferman- Apache Junction- 6-2 210
Paul Garcia- Glendale- 5-10 190
Austin Garday (Jr)- Centennial- 5-10 190
Keegan Gibbons- Salpointe- 6-0 180
Jake Goddard- Queen Creek- 5-9 190
Brett Hager- Mt. Ridge- 5-11 195
Danny Gutierrez (Jr)- Casa Grande- 5-10 205
Fred Harvey (Jr)- Goldwater
Daniel Hawkins- Peoria- 5-10 200
Chris Herron- Camelback- 6-3 195
Ryan Holmes- Chaparral- 6-1 220
Alex Johnson- North Canyon- 6-1 225
Corbin Jones- Greenway- 5-10 180
Demetri Katsoufis- North Canyon- 6-1 215
Matt Kinion- Kingman- 5-5 150
Bryan Lawrence- Agua Fria- 5-10 170
Jager Lee- Mt. Ridge- 6-1 220
Eric Liles- Coolidge- 5-10 180
Deandre Little (Jr)- Buena
Gabe Loya- Pueblo- 5-10 225
Mark Markar- Shadow Mountain
Treven Masse- North- 5-9 215
Brandon Matthews- Mt View- 5-11 180
Tanner McVicker- Higley- 5-9 180
Ben Monarrez- Cactus- 6-0 200
Johnny Morrison- Deer Valley- 5-10 180
Zach Neveleff (Jr)- Salpointe
Matt Padilla- Brophy- 5-9 205
Eric Ramsey (Jr)- Westview- 5-9 190
Michael Rodriguez- Peoria- 6-0 200
Kevin Ross- Sabino- 5-11 195
Kyle Rowland- Valley Vista- 5-9 165
Tommy Russell- Chaparral- 5-11 205
Matt Sanchez- Santa Rita- 6-0 190
Tyler Savage- Payson- 6-3 180
Joe Sayre- Salpointe- 5-11 205
Blake Schwanbeck- Maricopa- 6-2 180
Nate Scola (Jr)- Apache Junction- 5-10 175
Cody Smith- Lake Havasu- 6-0 185
Jace Smith- Higley- 5-8 165
JD Soulder- Horizon- 5-11 205
Zach Stradling- Mesa- 5-9 210
Collin Stoffel- Willow Canyon- 6-0 200
Austin Swindle- Saguaro- 5-11 200
Anthony Tasker- Dysart
Joe Wallace- Buena- 6-0 200
Jeremi Williams- Desert Edge- 5-11 210
Matt Williams- Cactus Shadows- 5-10 185