There are many record-breaking linebackers in the Sarasota-Manatee area to choose from entering the 2026 high school football season. Here's the Herald-Tribune's selection of the 12 best linebackers in Sarasota and Manatee counties. And now is the chance to have your say. Vote in our poll today for the player you think is the best linebacker in the area. Scroll to the bottom or click here to make your pick. The poll closes at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.. The nominees for the best linebacker in the area are: Ty Baker, Parrish Community
Baker is a 5-foot-11, 225-pound middle linebacker. Last year, during his sophomore campaign, he recorded 33 total tackles, 13 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, one sack and five quarterback hurries. He also forced two fumbles, recovering one. Baron Baldwin, Southeast Baldwin is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound senior linebacker. Baldwin recorded 60 total tackles, 38 solo tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two pass deflections and one fumble recovery last season. Zach Bonisch, Saint Stephen's
Bonisch transferred from Parrish to Saint Stephen's in the offseason. The linebacker had 122 tackles and three sacks in 2025. Cooper Buck, Sarasota
Buck is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound linebacker. Buck had 90 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and one interception last season. He's entering his senior season. Ryan Bundrage, Southeast Bundrage is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound junior. Last season, he had 26 total tackles, 21 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception and three pass deflections. Kahleb Crawford, Southeast Crawford is a 5-foot-8 junior linebacker. Crawford tallied 62 total tackles, 43 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, two pass deflections and two fumbles recovered for a combined 32 yards last season. Felly Kmit, Venice
The 6-foot-2, 223-pound middle linebacker transferred from Michigan during the offseason after he had 55 total tackles, 16 solo tackles, 16 tackles for loss, three interceptions, two forced fumble and two sacks during his sophomore season. He's entering his junior season. Travion Lester, Cardinal Mooney
Lester is a 6-foot-1, 220-pound junior. In 2025, during Cardinal Mooney's title run, Lester tallied 96 total tackles, 51 solo tackles, 31 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Jordyn Lowery, Manatee Lowery is a 6-foot, 190-pound senior outside linebacker. He had 36 total tackles, 31 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble last season. Carson McBride, Saint Stephen's
McBride is a linebacker, who had 116 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble last season. Harold McKeever, Lakewood Ranch
McKeever is a 5-foot-7 middle linebacker, who had 11 total tackles and two solo tackles in five games during his sophomore season. Tristen Neeley, Venice
Neeley is a 6-foot-2 senior middle linebacker. In 2025, he had 127 total tackles, 82 solo tackles, five tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He also played on Venice's 2024 state championship team. Editor's Note: We reserve the right to disqualify a candidate or declare a vote "no contest" if tampering such as bots or offering to pay for voting is evident. Please respect the integrity of the vote the way these athletes respect the integrity of the game. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: The top 12 Sarasota, Manatee area LBs entering 2026. Vote for No. 1