Linebackers are a crucial part to a team’s defense being successful. No matter if its run blocking or pass blocking, they provide that extra layer to the defensive line to keep opposing offenses from going down the field. Here are some the best players in Florida that are doing just that.
List compiled by Florida HS Football Staff
| 1. Kain Daub | 6’3 | 245 | Sandalwood |
| Verbal Commitment |
The Scoop |
| Committed to Florida State |
He started to get noticed when he was still at Nease, but skyrocketed when he made the transfer to Sandalwood and has not looked back since. He is just one of a few Sandalwood players who are Division I prospects and should help them make the playoffs this season. |
| 2. Dillon Bates | 6’3 | 215 | Ponte Vedra |
| Verbal Commitment |
The Buzz |
| Committed to Tennessee |
Bates has been very instrumental the last couple of seasons for a Sharks team that drove all the way to the regional finals in 2011 and made it to the playoffs again in 2012. Bates will be called upon again to help really keep things in check for the Sharks defense in hope of a third district title this season. |
| 3. Jacob Pugh | 6’3 | 205 | Godby |
| Verbal Committment |
The Scoop |
| Committed to Florida State |
Pugh has been a key part of Godby’s defense for the last couple of seasons. Expectations are huge for Godby this year, so expect to see and hear Pugh’s name a lot during the season as he makes the plays that count the most. |
| 4. Delvin Purifoy | 6’2 | 234 | Pensacola Catholic |
| Verbal Commitment |
The Scoop |
| Florida State |
Purifoy is a key part for the Crusaders defense, especially in helping them keep close in games against Madison County (twice) and Trinity Christian – Jacksonville last season during the regular season and playoffs. Committed to Florida State earlier this year, Purifoy will help his team adjust to being in Class 5A after being in Class 3A the last two seasons. |
| 5. Jaboree Williams | 6’1 | 225 | Fort Lauderdale |
| Verbal Commitment |
The Scoop |
| Committed to Wake Forest |
Williams has been rising up the charts and has become the first noticeable prospect from the Flying L’s program in recent years. Williams will again be a force to helping the Flying L’s become a playoff contender, something that could happen this season. |
IN THE BUBBLE
Sharieef Rhaheed – Fort Pierce Central
Vincent Jackson – Jesuit
Greg MicClise – Bayside
Richard Yeargin III – University School
Darrion Owens – Oakleaf
Nico Firios – Lyman
![Matt Adams is stepping down as head coach after eight years at Pensacola Catholic. [Photo Courtesy of Pensacola Catholic High School]](https://floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_9290-120x86.jpeg)
![Adam Gore (left) is stepping down at Chiefland after his third stint. Cliff Harrell (right) will be taking over as head coach of the Indians in 2025 [@ChieflandFtbal/X & @CliffHarrell11/X]](https://floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chiefland-Coaching-Change-120x86.jpg)
![Miami Northwestern Head Coach Teddy Bridgewater and QB Leon Strawder huddle up the rest of the Bulls offense during a time out during the recent 2024 FHSAA Class 3A State Championship. Strawder was among three athletes that stood out in the 2024 FHSAA Class 3A State Championship Game on Sat. Dec. 14, 2024, at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium in Miami [Joshua Wilson/FloridaHSFootball.com]](https://floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cover-3-Class-3A-State-Championship-120x86.jpg)
![Winston Watkins Jr. (right) of Venice was among three athletes that stood out in the 2024 FHSAA Class 7A State Championship Game on Sat. Dec. 14, 2024, at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium in Miami [Joshua Wilson/FloridaHSFootball.com]](https://floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cover-3-Class-7A-State-Championship-120x86.jpg)
![RB Byron Louis of American Heritage (Plantation) was among three athletes that stood out in the 2024 FHSAA Class 4A State Championship Game on Fri. Dec. 13, 2024, at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium in Miami [Joshua Wilson/FloridaHSFootball.com]](https://floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cover-3-Class-4A-State-Championship-120x86.jpg)
![QB Mason Mallory was among three athletes that stood out in the 2024 FHSAA Class 6A State Championship Game on Fri. Dec. 13, 2024, at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium in Miami [Joshua Wilson/FloridaHSFootball.com]](https://floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cover-3-Class-6A-State-Championship-120x86.jpg)
