Top Football Players Series: Linebacker, Giacomo SanFilippo, Bishop Moore

“I think he enjoys being with a couple of guys who are knowledgeable about the game, who love it and play really hard. I think they are setting a standard that he’s able to see, like, this is how we do it. He’s easily adaptable to making adjustments and playing that way.”

Giacomo has already selected his collegiate destination, committing to Kansas State last week.

Other top Orlando linebackers

Jelani and Ari Bentley, seniors, Tavares

It’s hard enough to choose the top linebacker in the Orlando area with talented players like the Bentley twins involved, but it’s even more difficult to discern which linebacker is better within their own family. Jelani gets all the praise, but really, they are nearly identical … and they are really, really good. Jelani is considered more of the aggressor, while Ari is a little bigger. Both are 6-foot-1, with Jelani at 210 pounds and Ari at 215. Ari led Tavares in tackles last season with 111, while Jelani was right behind him at 92. Tavares also loves to use Ari at fullback, plowing the way for 2,000-yard rusher Tamauri Collins.

Blaze Allen, senior, Bishop Moore

Allen is a fierce tackler and always in on the scrum. He led the Hornets with 125 tackles a year ago and he never gives up on pursuit. His motor is a bit like that of SanFilippo’s. Allen will move to the outside at times this season with SanFilippo coming in to play the middle, but both will team up inside in the 4-3 scheme.

Cale Britt, junior, Bishop Moore

Britt is big at 6-3, 200 pounds, and he’s long and lanky. He’s also very quick for his size and can play inside or outside. With SanFilippo in the mix, Bishop Moore will have the luxury of moving him outside at times, so this linebacker package at Bishop Moore gives the Hornets coaching staff a lot of options. Britt was second on the team in tackles as a sophomore last year with 118 stops.

Chris Sannon, junior, Evans

Sannon is another big guy at 6-2, 225, and he often lines up as an edge rusher. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback wreaked havoc with plenty of offenses last season and he led the Orlando area in sacks with 22 and and in tackles for loss with 28. He had 42 tackles overall.

Jamarion Coleman, senior, Lake Mary

He’s a little slight in height, but the 5-11, 205-pound Coleman certainly doesn’t play small. He’s a big hitter and a ferocious tackler. He was second at Lake Mary in tackles last season with 90, and he also had 8 tackles for loss. What stands out for Coleman is his ability to defend the pass and he had 2 interceptions for the state champs last year.

Chris Hays can be found on X.com @OS_ChrisHays.