Some of the most versatile players in Oklahoma high school football compete at the linebacker position.
From defending the pass to chasing down quarterbacks and ball carriers, the players on this list can do it all and are the heartbeat of defenses.
Here’s The Oklahoman‘s ranking of the state’s best linebackers:
More: Ranking Oklahoma high school football’s best defensive linemen in 2024 season
10. Cameron Carter, Sr., Millwood
One of the Falcons’ top returning players, Carter had 55 tackles, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns last season.
9. Kole Lamont, Sr., Broken Arrow
He had a strong junior year for the Tigers, finishing with 92 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
8. Logan Richard, Sr., Norman North
The 6-foot-1, 240-pounder had 101 tackles, including nine for loss, as the Timberwolves finished 9-3 and advanced to the Class 6A-I state quarterfinals last season.
7. Kale Charboneau, Sr., Wagoner
Charboneau is Wagoner’s quarterback, but he’s also a standout linebacker. Last year, he had 114 tackles, including 39 for loss, and four interceptions on defense.
6. Colyn Donnelly, Sr., Elgin
He’ll be a four-year starter for the Owls. Last season, Donnelly had 156 tackles, including 18 for loss, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three interceptions. He had 28 tackles and two forced fumbles in a 13-3 win against Midwest City in the season finale as Elgin claimed the District 5A-1 crown.
5. Behr Boyd, Sr., Norman
A key player for Norman last season, Boyd had 118 tackles, including 12 for loss.
More: Ranking Oklahoma high school football’s best offensive linemen in 2024 season
4. Brayden Knox, Sr., Putnam City
He committed to Tulsa on July 4 and is No. 29 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 list of the state’s top recruits in the 2025 class. Last season, Knox had 100 tackles, including 14 for loss, and nine sacks.
3. Sam Stone, Sr., Jenks
The Princeton commit played a big role in Jenks’ run to the Class 6A-I state title game last year, recording 125 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions.
2. Marcus James, Sr., Carl Albert
The OU commit shined in his first season with the Titans last year after transferring from McGuinness. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder had 122 tackles, including 23 for loss, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two sacks.
1. Ricklan Holmes II, Jr., Del City
Holmes had a phenomenal sophomore season and was named to The Oklahoman’s All-State first team after recording 145 tackles, including 22 for loss, and 17 sacks. He holds offers from Arkansas State, Iowa State, North Texas, Oklahoma State and Washington State.
Nick Sardis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Nick? He can be reached at nsardis@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @nicksardis. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Nick’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Top OSSAA football players in 2024? Ranking LBs in Oklahoma