The County's Enforcers: The Top 5 Linebackers for the 2025 Season

Linebackers are the heart and soul of any defense, and in Pinellas County, a talented group of players is set to dominate the field this season. From senior veterans to rising juniors, these athletes are the enforcers who will be key to their team's success. Here’s our list of the top linebackers to watch.

1. Wayne Cunningham, Clearwater High School

The #1 spot on our list belongs to Wayne Cunningham, a dominant force out of Clearwater High School. A 6'2", 225-pound senior and a Delaware State commit, Cunningham has been a force to be reckoned with since his freshman season. He is a true do-it-all linebacker who excels at filling gaps and taking on opposing linemen with ease. Last season, he put up stellar numbers with 97 tackles and 2 sacks, cementing his status as the ultimate middle linebacker and a clear choice for the top spot.

2. Brody Tunison, Indian Rocks Christian

A rising junior who transferred from Seminole High School, Brody Tunison has earned the #2 ranking with his exceptional play. Tunison is an instinctive linebacker who cleaned up a lot of plays for a Seminole defense last season, tallying an impressive 126 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions. While he may not be the biggest linebacker, his tackling ability and hard-hitting style more than make up for it, as he consistently brings a big punch to every tackle

3. Caleb Nordenbrook, Keswick Christian

Hailing from the smaller school of Keswick Christian, Caleb Nordenbrook has been a consistent 100-tackle performer since his freshman year. Entering his junior season, Nordenbrook is a fearless, pinball-like player who covers all parts of the field for the Crusaders. He proved his playmaking ability last season with 124 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 4.5 sacks. At 5'8" and 175 pounds, he consistently fills the stat sheet and is a disruptive force on every play.

4.Courtney Taylor, St. Petersburg Catholic Courtney Taylor is a transfer from St. Pete High School who now anchors the middle of the St. Petersburg Catholic defense. With a great combination of size, speed, and power at 5'11" and 200 pounds, Taylor should dominate his way to a 100-tackle season and possibly move up the list. Last season, as part of a two-headed linebacker corps with Jacob Collins, he recorded 82 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. We anticipate his performance this season will attract Division I/Division II recruiting attention.

5. Jatavious "JoJo" Gray, Boca Ciega

At #5 is Jatavious "JoJo" Gray from Boca Ciega, who will serve as a leader for the Pirates' defense alongside Christian Murray. At 6'0" and 200 pounds, Gray brings the noise on every play. A player who's tenacity stands out on film , Gray has the versatility to play both linebacker and safety. Last season, he had 83 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception, but we could easily see him crossing the 100-tackle tier as he brings a missile-like intensity to the field. Gray has offers from Georgetown University, Shorter University and Washburn.