Bay Area's Top Linebackers Set the Stage for 2025 High School Football Season

The Bay Area's high school football scene is abuzz as the 2025 season approaches, with linebackers from St. Francis, Clayton Valley, Los Gatos, De La Salle, and Pittsburg emerging as key players to watch.

At St. Francis, senior linebacker Marco Jones has been a defensive powerhouse, amassing 315 tackles over the past two seasons. His exceptional performance has earned him recognition as the region's top player and the state's No. 9 recruit overall.

Clayton Valley boasts a formidable defense led by senior linebacker Jonathan Blanchard. In the 2023 season, Blanchard recorded 72 tackles and two sacks, earning him the title of Blossom Valley Athletic League Santa Teresa Valley-Division Defensive Player of the Year.

Over at Los Gatos, junior linebacker Kaleb Pleis has been making waves. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 220 pounds, Pleis has demonstrated versatility by playing both as an edge rusher and linebacker. His impressive skills have attracted offers from Air Force, Army, and UNLV.

De La Salle continues its tradition of producing top-tier talent with senior linebacker Bradley Ruffin. Ruffin's performance in the previous season, which included 38 tackles and three sacks, earned him first-team honors in the Bay Valley Athletic League.

In Pittsburg, senior linebacker Isaia Vandermade is a name to remember. As the reigning West Catholic Athletic League Freshman of the Year, Vandermade has shown promise and is expected to be a significant contributor to his team's defense this season.

These athletes exemplify the depth of talent in the Bay Area's high school football landscape. As the 2025 season kicks off, fans and scouts alike will be keenly observing these linebackers as they strive to lead their teams to victory.