With the start of the high school season quickly approaching, the Register has put together its lists of the top 10 players in the county at each position.
These lists are based on the observations of the Register’s reporters, the input of football coaches around the county and the amount of interest shown by college scouts.
Here is a look at the top linebackers going into the season:
1. Keisean Lucier-South, Orange Lutheran, Sr.
The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Lucier-South is one of the best pass rushers in the county, recording 10 sacks and 11 tackles for loss while forcing four fumbles as a junior. This year, he’ll try to give the Lancers the same pass rush from the outside linebacker position as opposed from his usual defensive end spot, which he played last season. He’s narrowed his college choice down to five schools: Oregon, Florida, UCLA, Michigan and Oklahoma.
2. Will Sedgwick, Laguna Hills, Sr.
Sedgwick’s ability to shed blockers and roam the field from sideline-to-sideline earned him Sea View League Defensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore. As a junior, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound middle linebacker battled neck soreness after being involved in a car accident. Sedgwick, a BYU commit, is expected to be back at full strength this fall after being hampered by the injury last season.
3. Justin Parcells, Servite, Sr.
Wherever the ball carrier is, it’s a good bet you’ll find Parcells right there with him. Parcells (5-foot-11, 205 pounds) recorded 99 tackles last year, which was good for 8.3 per game. He also showed his ability to time the blitz with six sacks from his outside linebacker spot. Last season, Parcells was an All-Trinity League first-team selection.
4. Manase Time, Edison, Sr.
Time, who is listed at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, was a pass rushing terror last season when he recorded 13 sacks. He was named the Sunset League’s Defensive Player of the Year for his performance. Time spent some time at defensive end, but Chargers coach Dave White told the Register that he’ll spend more time at outside linebacker this season.
5. Matt Locher, Los Alamitos Sr.
The Griffins should have a great linebacker core this season, and Locher will lead the way after missing a majority of last season after he had foot surgery. Locher’s tremendous size, 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, will help him man the middle of Los Alamitos’ defense. His 3.93 weighted GPA shows on the field with the way he’s able to diagnose plays as they’re happening. Rivals and Scout both rate Locher as a three-star prospect.
6. Grady Higgins, Santa Margarita Sr.
Higgins’ awareness and instincts are evident on his game film, and those two traits helped him post a big junior season with 108 tackles, including 17 for a loss. The outside linebacker was named second-team All-Trinity League last year. Higgins (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) holds an offer from Holy Cross.
7. Jack Savage, Servite, Sr.
Savage is quite the appropriate last name for the Friars’ senior. Last season, Savage was disruptive coming off the edge and led Servite in sacks with seven and a half. He recorded 51 tackles and was named second-team All-Trinity League. Savage, who checks in at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, has received an offer from Holy Cross.
8. Hoyt Crance, Corona del Mar, Sr.
When the leader of the Sea Kings’ defense, Alex Moore, went down with an injury last season, Crance stepped up in a huge way for Corona del Mar. Even though he’s a bit undersized at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, Cranced played downhill against the run and recorded 19.5 tackles for loss. He was solid in coverage with three interceptions. And was always around the ball, which led to his 97 tackles. Crance has committed to Yale to play lacrosse.
9. Denzal Brantley, Los Alamitos, Sr.
Brantley is a three-year starter, and will patrol the outside for the Griffins. Los Alamitos touts him as its “Myles Jack.” His speed allows him to cover a lot of ground in the run game. His athleticism makes him dependable while in coverage, and allows him to see some time at running back. Brantley (6-foot-1, 203 pounds) has been offered a scholarship by Nevada.
10. Riley Gaddis, Newport Harbor, Sr.
Gaddis racked up 102 total tackles last season on his way to being named first-team All-Sunset League. The 6-foot-1, 204 pound linebacker can make plays out in space, and will flank the outside of the Sailor’s front seven along with teammate Keaton Cablay.
Others to watch (in alphabetical order): Zach Arnold, Brea Olinda, Jr.; Keaton Cablay, Newport Harbor, Sr.; Sammy Duarte, Servite, Jr.; David Eugenio, JSerra, Sr.; Scott Patton, Woodbridge, Sr.; Ricardo Perez, Edison, Sr.; Jacob Venegas, San Juan Hills, Sr.; Tanner Mathews, Santa Margarita, Jr.; Michael Mossett, Yorba Linda, Sr.; Ronald Nickerson, Mater Dei, Sr.
RELATED:
OCVarsity rankings: Top quarterbacks
OCVarsity rankings: Top running backs
OCVarsity rankings: Top receivers/tight ends
OCVarsity rankings: Top offensive linemen
OCVarsity rankings: Top defensive linemen
OCVarsity rankings: Top defensive backs
OCVarsity rankings: Top kickers and punters
Contact the writer: amorales@ocregister.com
