Tour of Talent: South Florida's Top 10 Linebackers (Class of 2020)

By Jerry Williamson

These might be the most important positions on defense, the middle and outside linebackers, whose fury sets the tone. South Florida is stacked with them, guys with big motors who can get to the quarterback fast, drop back in coverage and make plays in space and get through to stuff the running back. Below is Rising Stars' top 10 linebackers for the class of 2020 in no particular order: Willie Floyd, Miami Carol City A beast of an outside linebacker, whose recruiting took off after transferring from Monsignor Pace. Florida Atlantic University realized a guy with great range and speed and instincts. Expect a big season in Greg Moss (defensive coordinator) defense. Floyd earned first-team all-county the past season as an offensive athlete. Widmyer Garcon, Deerfield Beach HS Garcon has been wreaking havoc on backs since his days at South Plantation. He has the capability of playing both inside and outside linebacker. He could be a rover at the next level. Garcon flashed a sign of his full potential after his spring football game recording 5 tackles, 1 interception, 1 touchdown. Ruben Hyppolite II, American Heritage (Plantation) Hyppolite holds (5) football subdivision scholarships and has displayed outstanding testing numbers this off-season. The rising junior will leave his mark as a tenacious tackler, who will move out blocks to make stops with his speed and quickness. Naquoan Fagan, Miami Southridge The younger brother of Miami Southridge linebacker Nadarius Fagan (Syracuse), is someone who has the speed and physical nature to florish this season. He is the next defensive star as his varsity film continues to expand. He can play inside and outside linebacker. His greatest strength might be rushing the quarterback. But watch him cover backs out of the backfield and tight ends. He is ready to show his toughness on Friday nights. Derrick Williams, Miami Central He had a quiet break-out sophomore season with 73 tackles, 8 sacks and 1 forced fumble. The Rockets has been on a roll by adding extremely talented sleepers this off-season. Williams, is a tremendous versatile linebacker who will make the hits to lead a fast and furious defense. Robert Hanna, Miami Palmetto Hanna, a Rising Star product, is recognized as a hybrid linebacker with the versatility to play corneback or safety at the next level. He's one of the best and little-known prospects of his class. He is fast, physical and can stuff the run. Devon Betty, St. Thomas Aquinas A tackling machine, who transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas this season from Miramar HS. He has the complete package to be the heart and soul of a fast, athletic defense. He could play strong safety, but watching him on film within the trenches will make you understand. He can stuff the run and get to the quarterback. Karleon Gray-Johnson, Doral Academy The Firebirds have middle linebacker with major upside standing at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds. Gray-Johnson earned the Rising Stars' All-South Florida Freshman Team. He is physical, loves to hit, and has speed and quickness to go with power. He without question looks depart and is a name that can surface this season. Andy Garcia, American Heritage Plantation Last year, Garcia was all over the field, making plays on defense. He is a versatile athlete who can play middle and outside linebacker and move down to defensive end depending on the situation. I noticed someone with a motor that didn't have trouble getting into opposing teams backfield. Garcia and teammates Ruben Hyppolite II, could be the top linebacker tandem in South Florida. Tamarick Best, Pahokee Here's another muck talent, who is going under-the-radar. Best has the speed and power off the edge to be one of the forces on the Blue Devils stingy defense. He had countless quarterback hurries as a sophomore based on film and he is just now scraping the surface of his potential. He is ready to take off this season.