As we get closer to the start of the 2023 Arizona high school football season, The Republic is ranking the top players at each position. Next up are the linebackers, that second layer of defense that is extremely important at stopping the run and putting pressure on quarterbacks to force turnovers in blitzes.
1. Jonathan Kamara, Goodyear Desert Edge, 6-4, 210, Sr.
The Kansas commit is a big-time talent with incredible length, athleticism and the ability to move sideline to sideline as well as anybody out there. He's also a hybrid backer who is an excellent strong safety, which might be where he ends up playing at Kansas. For Desert Edge, the Scorpions need him closer to the line in attack mode. He's a game-changer on defense.
2. Naji Sherrod, Chandler Hamilton, 6-2, 220, Sr.
He's made considerable gains since the end of last season and is expected to have a breakout season for the Huskies, a team that can make a serious run at the gold Open ball. Skills are off the charts. Aggressive, tenacious, athletic. He'll make plays all over the field.
3. Keaton Stam, Peoria Liberty, 6-1, 215, Sr.
The kid is a beast, a bigger version of big brother Jax Stam, who was an all-state safety. Keaton creates turnovers as well as anybody in Arizona. Opponents know when they're hit by him. And they'd better hold on tight, because the football is likely to come loose.
4. Jaylen Dawson, Desert Edge, 6-2, 225, Sr.
He's a former running back but he's looking like the complete package at middle linebacker. He had a monster season last year and will make this a Herculean year. He has developed into an enforcer nobody wants to mess with. The Scorpions are happy to have him on their side.
5. Kamarion Peete, Gilbert Higley, 6-2, 215, Jr.
He racked up 117 tackles on last year's 5A championship team. He was the best defender on the field in the state championship win over Glendale Cactus. He will be a Power 5 college football player.
6. James Giggey, Prescott Valley Bradshaw Mountain, 6-4, 230, Sr.
He committed to Arizona State in June. Great two-way athlete who also stands out at tight end and will play on the edge. He was the 4A Grand Canyon Region Defensive Player of the Year last season when he had 133 tackles. He's the total package with size, strength, tenacity and skills.
7. Cayden Gibson, Chandler Arizona College Prep, 6-2, 215, Sr.
He's got Ivy League grades and a game that is off the rails, always in beast mode, he had 18.5 sacks last season. He's capable of doubling that under new defensive coordinator Steve Vaught, who came over from Chandler High.
Basha Bears defensive end Jack Bleier (33) celebrates after winning the Open Division state championship game at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022.
8 Jack Bleier, Chandler Basha, 6-1, 220, Sr.
Who's going to stop his guy? He's moving back from defensive line back to his more natural inside backer position. He's a tackling machine for the defending Open Division state champs.
9. Jaylen Jones, Hamilton, 5-11, 195, Sr.
This outside linebacker certainly got on the radar this spring, despite being considered undersized at outside linebacker. But he picked up 11 Division I offers, including Indiana and Louisville. He's smart, fast and a big hitter.
Junior Raymond Jones competes with Cactus High School at the Gotta Believe Athletic Club's 7 on 7 football tournament at the Scottsdale Sports Complex on May 27, 2023, in Scottsdale.
10. Raymond Jones, Cactus, 6-1, 210, Sr.
He might be the heart and soul of Cactus' football program. He had more than 100 tackles last season, then had a six-hour open heart surgery to repair a leaky valve. A warrior, he is fearless and ferocious and won't skip a beat as he heads into his final high school season.
ARIZONA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2023: THE REPUBLIC'S TOP 10 LINEBACKERS
