Ranking the Region’s Top Linebackers

Name, school, ht., wt. year, comment

1. Scott Hunt, Hart, 6-3, 215, Sr.

Athletic, tough middle linebacker

2. George Tapia, Hueneme, 6-1, 240, Sr.

Strongest player in Ventura County

3. Kevin Mack, Rio Mesa, 6-2, 230, Sr.

Runs 4.4-second 40-yard dash

4. Ray Cassady, Valencia, 6-2, 225, Jr.

Best Viking not named Manuel White

5. Anthony Foli, Newbury Park, 6-3, 240, Sr.

MVP candidate in Marmonte League

6. John Perry, Chaminade, 6-0, 230, Sr.

Strongest player in school history

7. David Johnson, Canyon, 5-11, 215, Sr.

Always has good games

8. Joel Garcia, Crespi, 5-9, 165, Sr.

Makes play after play

9. Eric Foster, Camarillo, 6-2, 230, Sr.

Will be three-year starter

10. Skyler McKnight, Reseda, 6-2, 220, Sr.

Most underrated player in City

11. Jason Newman, Kennedy, 6-0, 235, Sr.

Makes big plays

12. Jordan Lampos, Westlake, 6-0, 215, Jr.

Defensive star in the making

13. Howard Jones, Birmingham, 5-9, 175, Sr.

The kid can hit

14. Adam Fabela, Littlerock, 6-0, 205, Sr.

All-league pick last two years

15. Mark Hendricks, Palmdale, 5-11, 205, Sr.

One of best in Golden League

16. Reggie Kinlaw, Alemany, 6-3, 215, Sr.

San Fernando transfer has ability

17. Mike Sharp, Crespi, 5-11, 205, Sr.

Part of outstanding linebacker duo

18. Jason Nemit, Calabasas, 6-3, 245, Sr.

Has strength, size to cause problems

19. Jon Molock, Antelope Valley, 6-2, 185, Jr.

Ready to become a top player

20. Jabari Smith, Monroe, 6-2, 245, Jr.

Might be best linebacker in Valley Pac-8

21. Eric Harris, Chatsworth, 6-2, 220, Sr.

Leads Chancellors’ defense

22. David Oviedo, Moorpark, 5-11, 210, Sr.

Defensive MVP in Frontier League