Vote: Who is the Top Returning Linebacker in Rhode Island in 2025?

Here are 15 of the top linebackers from the Ocean State for your voting consideration

The Portsmouth varsity football team during its 2025 season opener. / Louis Walker III/Special to The Providence Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With the fall season in full swing, it’s time to highlight the top high school football players in Rhode Island.

Fans will get an opportunity to vote on who they think is the best at their respective positions.

High School On SI recently compiled a list of the best quarterbacks, the best running backs, the best receivers, the best offensive linemen and the best defensive linemen in the Ocean State. 

Now, it’s time to highlight the best linebacker.

There are hundreds of outstanding players in Rhode Island, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. Let us know about other athletes worthy of fans’ attention.

Note: Some players may excel at multiple positions. Do not be alarmed to see an athlete who plays on both sides of the ball, as we try to get as many players as possible.

(Players are listed in alphabetical order and all stats/accolades are from prior to this season; the poll is below the list of players.)

Voting ends Monday, Sept. 29 at 11:59 PM PT

Brody Cavalieri, Mt. Hope, junior

Cavalieri recorded 102 tackles and a sack for the Huskies last season.

Chris Ciarniello, North Kingstown, senior

Ciarniello racked up 119 tackles for the Skippers last year. As a fullback, he had 997 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns.

Lawson Belford, North Kingstown, senior

Belford finished with 97 tackles, a sack, a caused fumble and a fumble recovery for the Skippers in 2024.

Trevor Bonner, Narragansett, junior

Bonner is a solid middle linebacker for the Mariners.

Gavin Boylan, Cranston East, sophomore

As a freshman for the Thunderbolts last season, Boylan had 99 tackles and four inceptions. On offense, Boylan finished with 224 all-purpose yards and three TDs.

Luke Brandariz, Portsmouth, senior

Brandariz had 56 tackles and caused a fumble for the Patriots in 2024.

Sam Brimlow, Westerly, senior

Brimlow racked up 74 tackles, two sacks, a caused fumble and a fumble recovery for the Bulldogs last season.

Drake Dumont, Scituate, senior

Last year for the Spartans, Dumont finished with 66 tackles, 2.5 sacks, four caused fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Johnny Germain, St. Raphael Academy, sophomore

Germain had 53 tackles, a sack, three pass deflections, a fumble recovery and a caused fumble as a freshman for the Saints in 2024. 

Noah Navarro, Tolman/Shea, senior

Navarro recorded 46 tackles and 10.5 sacks last year.

Spencer Padula, East Greenwich, junior

A captain for the Avengers, Padula had 128 tackles, an interception, three pass deflections and two caused fumbles last year.

Dante Peno, South Kingstown, senior

Peno capped his 2024 season for the Rebels with 71 tackles, two sacks, an interception, two fumble recoveries, a caused fumble and a blocked punt.

Gianni Sacco, West Warwick, senior

Sacco finished with 54 tackles, a sack, four pass deflections and a fumble recovery for the Wizards last season.

Nicholas Walkowski, Cumberland, senior

Walkowski had 58 tackles, a sack and a caused fumble for the Clippers last year.

Okah Wali, Bishop Hendricken, senior

Wali had 60 tackles and a fumble recovery for the Hawks in 2024.

About Our Top Returning Players Voting

High School on SI voting polls are meant to be a fun, lighthearted way for fans to show support for their favorite athletes and teams. Our goal is to celebrate all of the players featured, regardless of the vote totals. Sometimes one athlete will receive a very large number of votes — even thousands — and that’s okay! The polls are open to everyone and are simply a way to build excitement and community around high school sports. Unless we specifically announce otherwise, there are no prizes or official awards for winning. The real purpose is to highlight the great performances of every athlete included in the poll.

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