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Top 5 Returning Linebackers in South Carolina (1A–5A) By Brahma Media | 2025 Season Preview

  • Writer: Brahma Media, LLC
    Brahma Media, LLC
  • May 16
  • 3 min read

🏈 When Helmets Clash, Linebackers Answer

When the helmets clash on Friday nights in South Carolina, it's the linebackers who bring the noise.

In every corner of the Palmetto State—from powerhouse programs to gritty small-town squads—one thing stays consistent: linebackers set the tone. Whether it’s shutting down the run, dropping into coverage, or lighting up the backfield, these defenders don’t wait for contact—they deliver it.

Let’s take a trip classification by classification and highlight the Top 5 returning linebackers in each SCHSL division heading into the 2025 season.

🔹 1A – Small Schools, Big Hits

In Class 1A, it’s all about heart over size. These backers are relentless, fearless, and play sideline to sideline. They’re the captains of small-town toughness.

🏆 Top 5 Returning 1A Linebackers:

  1. Kevin Smalls Jr. (SR)– Baptist Hill (Hollywood)▪️ 178 Tackles | 13 Sacks

  2. Jabarius Brunson (SR)– Ridge Hill-Monetta (Monetta)▪️ 123 Tackles | 32.5 TFL

  3. Christopher Glover II (SR)– Calhoun County (St. Matthews) ▪ 118 Tackles | 6 TFL

  4. DQ Green (JR)– Lamar▪️ 116 Tackles | 4 TFL

  5. Jakari Holloman (SR)– McBee▪️ 114 Tackles | 2 Forced Fumbles

🔹 2A – Speed & Sideline Control

In 2A, the tempo picks up. These linebackers have wheels, instincts, and a nose for the football. They disrupt plays before they even develop.

🏆 Top 5 Returning 2A Linebackers:

  1. Brody Tonon (SR)– Philip Simmons (Charleston)▪️ 126 Tackles | 12 TFL

  2. Jase Fair (SR)– Andrew Jackson (Kershaw)▪️ 125 Tackles | 2 INT

  3. Darryiarn Baxley (SR)– Chester▪️ 122 Tackles | 22 TFL

  4. AJ Lindsey (SR)– Landrum▪️ 105 Tackles | 13 TFL

  5. Breone Whitaker (SR)– Fairfield Central (Winnsboro)▪️ 104 Tackles | 4 Sacks

🔹 3A – Field Generals in Pads

3A gives us that perfect balance of power, poise, and leadership. These linebackers aren’t just athletes—they're the brains of the defense.

🏆 Top 5 Returning 3A Linebackers:

  1. Keryien Brown (SR)– Dillon▪️ 147 Tackles | 9 TFL

  2. Darius Dixon (JR)– Keenan (Columbia)▪️ 126 Tackles | 10.5 TFL

  3. Shaun Graybill (SR)– Woodruff▪️ 123 Tackles | 22 TFL

  4. Adrian Grate Jr. (SR)– Waccamaw (Pawley’s Island) ▪ 122 Tackles | 10 TFL

  5. Daniel Capehart (SR)– Dillon▪️ 107 Tackles | 3 Sacks

🔹 4A – Built for Saturdays

Class 4A is deep, physical, and playoff-tested. These linebackers play like they're already in college—some might be before long.

🏆 Top 5 Returning 4A Linebackers:

  1. Christian Foster (SR)– Emerald (Greenwood)▪️ 156 Tackles | 11 TFL

  2. KJ Burg (JR)– South Pointe (Rock Hill) ▪ 134 Tackles | 11 TFL

  3. Andon Hawkins (SO)– Midland Valley (Graniteville)▪️ 123 Tackles | 7 TFL

  4. Hugh Manning (JR)– A.C. Flora (Columbia)▪️ 114 Tackles | 23 TFL

  5. Jordan Davis (JR)– A.C. Flora (Columbia)▪️ 112 Tackles | 8 TFL

🔹 5A – The Elite Tier

This is the top of the mountain. 5A linebackers have the frame, speed, and football IQ to lead defenses deep into the playoffs—and straight onto college rosters.

🏆 Top 5 Returning 5A Linebackers:

  1. Nolan Jones (SR)– Catawba Ridge (Fort Mill) ▪ 132 Tackles | 7 TFL

  2. Michael Johnson (SR)– Indian Land (Fort Mill) ▪ 125 Tackles | 1 Sack

  3. Marcus Henderson (SR)– Berkeley (Moncks Corner) ▪ 122 Tackles | 8 TFL

  4. Bradley Lucas (SR)– Greenville▪️ 116 Tackles | 8 TFL

  5. Preston Rhodes (SR)– Lugoff-Elgin▪️ 116 Tackles | 6 TFL

🔊 Want More Real Coverage?

We’re just getting warmed up.

📺 Watch full breakdowns and player spotlights on our YouTube channel:👉 @BrahmaMediaLLC

🎧 Tap into the conversation on the Grade A Scouting Podcast, where we break down talent the right way. Weekly rankings, real talk, and interviews you won’t get anywhere else.

🖥️ Visit us at: www.BrahmaMediaLLC.com📱 Follow: @BrahmaMedia on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & X

South Carolina football runs deep—Brahma Media is in the trenches with it.



 
 
 

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