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St. Xavier has four Power 4 linebackers. How will Steve Specht fit them in?
//health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. nebackers-how-will-steve-specht-fit-them-in.html
Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, July 29th 2025 at 0:45 GMT by The Cincinnati Enquirer🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
St. Xavier, the school that produced Luke Kuechly, has four linebackers on its 2025 roster who should take Power 4 snaps in the coming years.
St. Xavier's Powerhouse Linebacker Corps: The Fab Four Set to Dominate in 2025
In the heart of Cincinnati, where high school football pulses with tradition and intensity, St. Xavier High School stands as a perennial powerhouse. Known for producing top-tier talent that feeds into college programs across the nation, the Bombers are gearing up for the 2025 season with what could be one of the most formidable linebacker units in Ohio high school history. At the center of this defensive juggernaut are four standout athletes: Tucker Clapper, Brody Reilly, Max Reeder, and Jake Vollmer. Dubbed the "Power 4" for their potential to land scholarships at elite college conferences, these linebackers embody the grit, athleticism, and camaraderie that define St. Xavier football. As the team prepares to chase another state title, their story is one of shared ambition, rigorous training, and unbreakable bonds forged on the gridiron.
St. Xavier's football program has long been a breeding ground for defensive stars, with a legacy that includes numerous NFL alumni and consistent playoff runs in the Ohio High School Athletic Association's Division I. The school's emphasis on discipline, technique, and physicality has turned it into a factory for linebackers who excel at reading plays, shedding blocks, and delivering bone-rattling tackles. For the 2025 season, the spotlight shines brightly on this quartet, each bringing unique skills that complement one another perfectly. Together, they form a versatile unit capable of adapting to any offensive scheme, whether it's stuffing the run, dropping into coverage, or blitzing the quarterback. Their chemistry isn't just a product of talent; it's built through countless hours in the weight room, film sessions, and off-field team-building activities that have solidified them as brothers in arms.
Leading the pack is Tucker Clapper, a senior who has emerged as the vocal leader of the group. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at around 220 pounds, Clapper possesses the ideal blend of speed and power that makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His journey to St. Xavier began in his freshman year, where he quickly made an impact on the junior varsity squad before earning a starting spot on varsity. Clapper's strengths lie in his instincts—he has an uncanny ability to diagnose plays before they unfold, often positioning himself for game-changing stops. Last season, he was a key contributor to the Bombers' defense, which ranked among the stingiest in the Greater Catholic League. Off the field, Clapper is known for his work ethic, often staying late to mentor younger players. His recruitment has heated up, with interest from several Power 4 schools in the Big Ten and SEC, drawn to his leadership qualities and on-field production. "Football at St. X is about more than just winning games," Clapper has said. "It's about building a legacy and pushing each other to be the best versions of ourselves."
Complementing Clapper's intensity is Brody Reilly, another senior whose athleticism sets him apart. Reilly, at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, is the speed demon of the group, with track-star quickness that allows him to cover ground sideline-to-sideline. His background includes a multi-sport upbringing, where he excelled in wrestling and track, honing the agility and endurance that translate seamlessly to football. Reilly's role often involves pass coverage, where his fluid hips and ball skills make him effective against tight ends and running backs in the flat. He's also a relentless pursuer, rarely giving up on a play even when it seems out of reach. Recruitment-wise, Reilly has garnered attention from ACC and Big 12 programs, impressed by his versatility. What makes Reilly special, however, is his resilience; he overcame a nagging injury early in his high school career to become a defensive anchor. Teammates describe him as the "energizer" of the unit, always bringing positivity and motivation to practices. "We feed off each other's energy," Reilly notes. "When one of us makes a play, it lifts the whole defense."
Then there's Max Reeder, a junior who's already turning heads with his raw power and football IQ. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Reeder is the prototypical inside linebacker, built like a tank with the ability to plug gaps and take on blockers head-on. His path to prominence started in youth leagues around Cincinnati, where his size and strength made him a standout from an early age. At St. Xavier, Reeder has thrived under the guidance of the coaching staff, who praise his film study habits and ability to adjust on the fly. He's particularly adept at run defense, using his leverage and hand placement to shed offensive linemen and make tackles for loss. As a junior, Reeder is poised for a breakout season, with scouts from Power 4 conferences already scouting him for his upside. His quiet demeanor off the field belies a fierce competitiveness on it, and he's often the one organizing extra conditioning sessions for the group. "Linebacking is about heart," Reeder explains. "You have to love the contact and the challenge of stopping the best."
Rounding out the Power 4 is Jake Vollmer, the youngest of the bunch as a sophomore, but don't let his age fool you—Vollmer is a prodigy with unlimited potential. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, he's still growing into his frame, but his explosiveness and football savvy are already elite. Vollmer's versatility allows him to play multiple positions in the linebacker corps, from outside to inside, making him a Swiss Army knife for the defense. His speed off the edge makes him a threat in blitz packages, while his coverage skills are advanced for his experience level. Coming from a family with a strong athletic tradition, Vollmer credits his rapid development to the mentorship from his older teammates. Recruitment buzz is building around him, with early offers expected from top programs eager to secure his commitment before he becomes a senior sensation. "Playing with these guys has accelerated my growth," Vollmer says. "They push me every day to get better."
What truly elevates this group is their collective synergy. Under the tutelage of St. Xavier's defensive coordinators, who've implemented a scheme that maximizes their strengths, the Power 4 operates like a well-oiled machine. They communicate seamlessly on the field, anticipating each other's movements and covering for one another in high-pressure situations. Offseason workouts have been grueling, focusing on agility drills, strength training, and team-building exercises that foster trust. This unity extends beyond football; the four often hang out together, studying film or just bonding over shared experiences. Their coaches believe this camaraderie could be the key to a dominant 2025 campaign, especially in a league filled with offensive firepower.
As St. Xavier eyes another deep playoff run, the Power 4 linebackers represent the heart of the team's defense. Their individual talents—Clapper's leadership, Reilly's speed, Reeder's power, and Vollmer's versatility—combine to create a unit that's greater than the sum of its parts. In an era where high school football is more competitive than ever, with players vying for college scholarships amid the NIL landscape, these athletes are not just playing for wins; they're building resumes that could lead to the next level. Fans in Cincinnati and beyond will be watching closely as the Bombers take the field, knowing that this linebacker corps could very well be the difference-maker in pursuit of glory.
The road ahead won't be easy. Rivals in the Greater Catholic League, like Elder and Moeller, boast talented offenses that will test the Power 4's mettle. Yet, if their preparation and chemistry are any indication, these linebackers are ready to rise to the occasion. For Clapper, Reilly, Reeder, and Vollmer, the 2025 season is more than a stepping stone—it's a chance to etch their names into St. Xavier lore. As they strap on their helmets and charge onto the field, they carry the weight of expectation, but also the thrill of potential. In the world of high school football, where dreams are made and legends born, this Power 4 could be the next great chapter in Cincinnati's storied gridiron history.
(Word count: 1,048)
Read the Full The Cincinnati Enquirer Article at:
[ https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/high-school/ohio-high-school/2025/07/29/cincinnati-high-school-football-st-xavier-power-4-linebackers-clapper-reilly-reeder-vollmer-2025/85357774007/ ]