Vote Now: Who is the Top Returning Linebacker on the South Suncoast for the 2023 Season?

Here are 13 players for your consideration

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best-returning linebackers in high school football for the 2023 season on the South Suncoast.

Our list includes some of the best in the tri-county region and players who proved to be invaluable to their teams last season in making key tackles at the end of the game, delivering big hits or helping lead the defense as the top tackler in the area.

There are plenty of worthy names on this list, so be sure to vote in our poll for who you think will be the top returning linebackers for the upcoming season. Voting will close on August 31st, just in time for the start of the regular season.

Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. This poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player that may not be mentioned in our poll.

Eli Seed, Venice: Seed is a can’t miss player when it comes to linebackers along the South Suncoast. Last season the outside linebacker totaled 127 tackles, three for loss, three interceptions and two fumbles forced. 

Gavin Nix, IMG Academy: Nix is rated a 4-star linebacker according to 247Sports and returns to the Ascenders for the 2023 as one of the top linebackers on the South Suncoast and the state. 

Damontez Mcdowell, Manatee: The Hurricanes’ defense is led by Power 5 prospect Mcdowell as he had a solid 2022 campaign. Mcdowell notched 56 tackles, 6.5 for loss, one interception. 

Nathan Pralle, Sarasota: Pralle has received high praise from new head coach Josh Phillips as he will be one of Sarasota’s top linebackers this upcoming 2023 season. 

Dajien Walton, Sarasota Booker: One of Booker’s top returners on defense is the sophomore linebacker. Walton in 2022 compiled 50 tackles, 2.5 for loss and a sack. 

George Leibold, Cardinal Mooney: When it comes to linebackers on the South Suncoast, Leibold was one of the top tacklers around. Leibold totaled 117 tackles, eight for loss, two sacks and five interceptions. 

Levi Freed, Lakewood Ranch: A stellar junior campaign has Freed considered among one of the tops around. Freed notched 82 tackles, 6.5 for loss, two sacks and an interception. 

Gage Cameron, Parrish Community: Cameron’s sophomore season was a breakout one and lands him on this list. The linebacker totaled a team-high 103 tackles and 5.5 for loss. 

Braden Krejci, Charlotte: The Fightin’ Tarpons top returning linebacker had a stellar 2022 campaign as Krejci notched 56 tackles, two for loss and an interception. 

Landon Marsters, Sarasota Riverview: Martsers saw time at linebacker as a sophomore and made 11 tackles, but should see a much more expanded role this spring, fall. 

Dastan Chiktaev, Palmetto: The 6-foot, 210-pound linebacker is the sledgehammer in the middle for the Tigers. Last season, Chiktaev racked up 65 tackles, 13 for loss and two sacks. 

Caleb Matelau, Bradenton Christian: As a sophomore, Matelau had a breakout year for the Panthers as he notched 92 tackles and three went for a loss. 

Charlie Tack, Out-of-Door Academy: The 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker stood out for the 9-1 Thunder in 2022. Tack totaled up 62 tackles and 7.5 went for a loss. 

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.