Tackling talents: These 50 linebackers are set to lead defenses this fall in District 10

Linebacker is a unique position requiring the speed to hang with skill position players and the strength and technique to deal with linemen. A linebacker can also be considered the captain of the defense; linebackers are often responsible for calling out plays throughout a game.

D-10 guide: Everything you need to know for the 2023 District 10 football season

Here is a look at 50 linebackers to watch in District 10 this fall (in random order):

Hunter Hohman, Grove City

• Senior, 5 feet 10 inches, 175 pounds

Hohman is a quick outside linebacker and leader of the Grove City defense. He was second on the team last year with 98 tackles, including two for a loss. Hohman also pulled down two interceptions and knocked down three passes as a junior. Hohman is a born leader at quarterback and is just as important on defense for the District 10 champions.

Dominic Berarducci, McDowell

• Senior, 5-8, 175

Berarducci is a speedy linebacker that could play both ways this year. He is also a running back in the mix for carries for the Trojans. Berarducci recorded 27 tackles including three for a loss last year and is one of the few returning players on McDowell's defense.

Sean Kennedy, Hickory

• Senior, 5-9, 200

Kennedy is another two-way standout player who could be among the top players in District 10 this season. Kennedy is a solid running back and speedy linebacker as well. He was third on the team last year with 59 tackles, including five for a loss. He also had two sacks and recovered two fumbles for the Hornets.

Nicanor Andrada, Farrell

• Senior, 5-11, 200

Andrada started at middle linebacker for Butler the past two seasons before moving to Farrell. He was second on the team last year with 53 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery. The Steelers were already loaded on defense and Andrada adds another playmaker to the mix.

Mitchell Tingley, Lakeview

• Senior, 5-7, 185

Tingley is one of the most versatile linebackers in District 10. He had 119 tackles, including eight for a loss last fall. He also had two sacks, pulled down four interceptions, forced one fumble and recovered one fumble. Tingley is a weapon on offense and a leader on defense as well.

Brighton Anderson, Meadville

• Senior, 5-9, 162

Anderson's quickness made him a tough defensive player to get by with either the run or the pass. He was second on the team with 68 tackles, including 10 for a loss, to go with one sack. Anderson was also among the leaders in District 10 with seven interceptions to go with five fumble recoveries, three blocked punts and one forced fumble.

Magnus Lloyd, General McLane

• Senior, 6-0, 190

Lloyd is one of the few returning starters for the Lancers this season. He was second on the team with 54 tackles, including 4½ tackles for a loss, and he had one sack, one interception and he forced one fumble. Lloyd is one of the top linebackers in Erie County and could be in for a big senior season.

Labron Wilder, Sharon

• Senior, 5-10, 170

Wilder is a candidate for comeback player of the year this fall. Wilder was an all-region linebacker as a sophomore before missing his junior season with an injury. Wilder is healthy and ready to contribute at linebacker this fall and could be in for a big year.

Tucker Lindell, Eisenhower

• Senior, 5-9, 170

Lindell received plenty of attention as a fullback, but his main presence was felt on defense. He led the Knights with 82 tackles, including 22 for a loss. Lindell also had one interception, ½ of a sack, two forced fumbles and one blocked field goal as a junior.

Carter Addison, Mercer

• Senior, 5-11, 175

Addison is a two-way standout for the Mustangs as he is an explosive running back and a smart linebacker as well. Addison could be counted on to be a senior leader for Mercer especially on defense as the Mustangs look to compete for a region title.

Tyler Haft, Cathedral Prep

• Senior, 5-10, 195

Haft is a solid linebacker returning this year after recording 51 tackles, 1½ sacks and two pass defenses as a junior. The Ramblers lost some key linebackers to graduation so Haft will be counted on to lead the way this fall.

Aiden Lesik, Fort LeBoeuf

• Senior, 5-9, 190

Lesik returns after a big junior season in which he led the Bison in tackles with 79, including six for a loss. He also intercepted one pass, forced a fumble and had three pass defenses as one of the top linebackers in Erie County.

Mason Savitz, Corry

• Junior, 5-11, 180

Savitz was a leader on defense for the Beavers last year on both sides of the ball. He controls the defense from the linebacker position as the Beavers look to not only compete with Meadville but to beat the Bulldogs for the D-10 4A title.

Jace Wallace, Fort LeBoeuf

• Senior, 5-7, 170

Wallace was right with Lesik in having a big 2022 season. He was second on the team with 76 tackles, including three for a loss. Wallace also fired through the line to get four sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as another explosive linebacker for the Bison.

Kevin Pearsall, Oil City

• Senior, 6-0, 195

Pearsall led the Oiler defense last year as a junior. He had a team-leading 75 tackles, including 17 for a loss. Pearsall also had eight sacks and one pass defense. Pearsall is a big-time run-stopper that flies all over the field to confuse offenses.

Logan Groover, Conneaut

• Senior, 5-10, 170

Groover is a leader for the Eagles on both sides of the ball. His gritty play makes him tough to bring down as a running back and he also runs the Conneaut defense as a linebacker. He could be in for a big senior season.

Marion Norris, Farrell

• Senior, 5-10, 200

Norris is an all-star linebacker for the Steelers who is getting Division I interest. He led Farrell with 113 tackles, including three for a loss, last year. Norris also had three sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two pass defenses as a junior.

Ben Miller, Wilmington

• Senior, 5-10, 185

Miller is a standout running back as well as a linebacker for the Greyhounds. Miller is a senior leader and will be counted on to make an impact on both sides of the ball after being voted to the all-region second team as a junior.

Tyler Mikulin, Wilmington

• Senior, 5-10, 195

Mikulin is another linebacker who was voted to the all-region second team last fall for the Greyhounds. Mikulin is a two-way standout player and could be in for a big senior year as a running back and as a linebacker.

Cortez Nixon, Sharon

• Senior, 5-9, 175

In addition to being a solid running back, Nixon is one of the top linebackers in the area as well. He had 58 tackles, including three for a loss, to go with four sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery as a junior.

Hunter Razanauskas, Mercyhurst Prep

• Senior, 5-10, 180

Razanauskas had a big junior year to be voted to the all-region team. He finished last year with 66 tackles, including three for a loss. He also recovered one fumble and had three pass defenses as well. Razanauskas is a solid linebacker and could be in for a big senior season.

Josh Gorton, Cambridge Springs

• Senior, 5-7, 140

Gorton had a huge junior season as he led the Blue Devils with 115 tackles to go with two sacks, one pass defense and he blocked a field goal. As a senior on the defense, he will be counted on to lead the way as the Blue Devils compete for region and district titles.

Elliott Beuchat, Maplewood

• Senior, 5-6, 165

Beuchat had a big-time junior season for the Tigers as he led the team with 119 tackles, including seven for a loss. Beuchat also had one sack, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries last year. Beuchat could be counted on as a senior leader this fall.

Luke Klonowski, Lakeview

• Senior, 6-1, 192

Klonowski is a solid linebacker for the Sailors and returning starter as well. He had 44 tackles, including 12 for a loss, as he lived in the backfield as a junior. He also had four sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery, three forced fumbles and one blocked field goal.

JJ Ganska, Mercyhurst Prep

• Senior, 6-0, 175

Ganska was another leader for the Lakers' defense last year. He was one of the top tacklers on the team with 71, including five for a loss. He also had one sack, two interceptions and one fumble recovery as a junior and is another solid two-way player for Mercyhurst Prep.

Max Spence, Cathedral Prep

• Junior, 6-1, 185

Spence had a solid sophomore season as a starter for the Ramblers. In eight games, Spence had 17 tackles with one forced fumble. Spence's playing time could increase this year with Prep graduating a few linebackers and he could be in for two more big seasons.

Amari Farmer, Erie

• Junior, 5-8, 175

Farmer is a returning all-region linebacker for the Royals. Farmer has the speed of a running back and can control the middle of the field for Erie High. With new faces on defense, Farmer will be counted on as a leader.

Jake Hower, McDowell

• Junior, 6-1, 182

Hower put together a breakout sophomore season as he earned playing time on a senior-laden defense. Hower had 30 tackles including three for a loss in nine games. He also had one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery to go with a defensive touchdown.

Jacob Truitt, Fairview

• Senior, 5-10, 180

Truitt is one of the top defensive players back this fall for the Tigers. He was third on the team last year with 78 tackles, including seven for a loss, to go with three interceptions, two pass defenses and one forced fumble as Fairview looks to lean on its defense to step up this season.

Josh Lockett, Fairview

• Junior, 6-1, 225

Lockett was another dominant linebacker for the Tigers last fall. The then-sophomore had 73 tackles, including five for a loss, to go with two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. He is another defensive leader the Tigers can lean on.

Vinny Campoli, Fairview

• Junior, 6-0, 195

Campoli's role will be interesting this year. He is now the starting quarterback but is also a valuable member of the linebacker group. He had a big sophomore season with 88 tackles, one interception, three pass defenses and two forced fumbles.

Jeremiah Colon, Girard

• Senior, 6-2, 190

Colon's speed is a big asset as a linebacker. He plays both middle and outside linebacker for the YellowJackets as he can run down running backs and stick with receivers as well. Colon will be key in holding the Girard defense together this season.

Jacob Babo, North East

• Senior, 5-11, 250

Babo had a breakout junior season as he led the Grapepickers with 75 tackles, including one for a loss. He also forced one fumble but his impact was mostly felt stopping the run. He is a quick middle linebacker that anchors the North East defense.

Ben Garland, Oil City

• Junior, 5-11, 205

Garland put together a big sophomore season as he was the third-leading tackler for Oil City. He collected 68 tackles, including five for a loss, to go with one interception, two forced fumbles and two pass defenses as a big part of the Oilers' defense.

JJ Miller, Titusville

• Junior, 5-10, 160

Miller is another solid player in the middle of the Rockets' defense. He was second on the team with 54 tackles, including seven for a loss, and he was disruptive in the pass game as well. Miller could be one of the top linebackers in Crawford County this fall.

Kameron Mong, Titusville

• Junior, 6-2, 195

Mong was a leader of the Titusville defense last year with 36 tackles, including two for a loss. Mong also had a fumble recovery for the Rockets. Mong is a big-time player on both sides of the ball and could be in for another big year on defense this fall.

Sam Harvey, Warren

• Senior, 5-10, 180

Harvey is moving from the defensive line to linebacker to help fill a need for the Dragons. He had 26 tackles, including seven sacks, as a junior to lead Warren. Harvey is one of just a few starters back for the Dragons and the move to linebacker could pay dividends for a new coach.

Dominic Garzarelli, Grove City

• Senior, 5-6, 155

Garzarelli is one of the returning senior leaders for the Eagles this year. He was third on the team with 85 tackles, including three for a loss, as a junior. Garzarelli is one of the top linebackers in Mercer County and could be in for a big year as the Eagles defend their D-10 title.

Gavin Krupa, Lakeview

• Senior, 6-2, 177

Krupa is another impressive linebacker for the Sailors defense this year. He was second on the team with 65 tackles, including three for a loss, last fall. He also intercepted a pass and recovered three fumbles for the Sailors.

Nic Michael, Mercer

• Senior, 5-11, 175

Michael is another returning starter on both sides of the ball. Michael is a solid linebacker who can read offenses and make big plays for the Mustangs.

Travis Blackburn, Reynolds

• Senior, 5-10, 155

Blackburn is one of only a few seniors back for the Raiders this year. In nine games last year, he recorded 22 tackles and will be counted on to anchor the defense this fall.

Bryson Roberson, Sharon

• Junior, 6-3, 222

Roberson had a breakout sophomore season as he led Sharon with 97 tackles, including five for a loss. Roberson also had one sack, three pass defenses and one fumble recovery last fall. Sharon is loaded at the linebacker position which could anchor the defense.

Aiden Corace, Slippery Rock

• Junior, 5-9, 155

Corace had a solid sophomore season as a linebacker for the Rockets. In eight games, he had 39 tackles, including three for a loss, which ranked third on the team. He also had one interception and recovered two fumbles for the Rockets. Corace is one of just three starters back on defense for Slippery Rock.

Ty Tidball, Meadville

• Senior, 6-1, 210

Tidball is another top returning linebacker for the Bulldogs. He is a starting inside linebacker who was fourth on the team last year with 62 tackles, including eight for a loss. He also had two fumble recoveries and forced one fumble as a junior.

Jack Strausser, Greenville

• Senior, 6-0, 190

Strausser is part of a strong senior group at Greenville looking to lead the turnaround this fall. He was second on the team last season with 54 tackles, including two for a loss, to go with one sack and one fumble recovery as a junior.

Craig Buckner, Mercyhurst Prep

• Senior, 6-1, 175

Buckner is another part of a veteran group of linebackers for the Lakers. He had 51 tackles, including five for a loss, and he recovered a fumble last fall. With offensive firepower and a big line, Mercyhurst Prep could be in for a big season if the defense can hold teams down this fall.

Malachi Hyde, Greenville

• Senior, 6-1, 215

Hyde is another player on the list who could be a leading rusher as a running back and a standout as a linebacker this fall. Hyde had 38 tackles, including eight for a loss last fall. He also recovered two fumbles and is a senior leader for the Trojans.

Owen Kerns, Union City

• Senior, 5-10, 160

Kerns had a big junior season as he led the Bears with 63 tackles, including four for a loss. He could be counted on as a leader on both sides of the ball for Union City as he looks for a solid senior season.

Skylar Olmstead, Union City

• Senior, 5-10, 175

Olmstead is another senior two-way player who could be a leader for the Bears this season. In nine games last year, he had 38 tackles, including three for a loss. He also forced a fumble as a run-stopper and pass defender from the linebacker position.

Parker Schmidt, Cambridge Springs

• Senior, 6-6, 185

Schmidt is a leader of the Blue Devil defense and will play a big role this fall. He had 64 tackles last year to go with one sack, one forced fumble and one blocked field goal. Schmidt will play both ways this year but his presence will be felt the most on defense.

Contact Tom Reisenweber at treisenweber@timesnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @ETNreisenweber.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: District 10 high school football: 50 linebackers to watch in 2023