• Athletic Evaluation – Strengths: Aidan is a tackling machine at middle linebacker and a physical presence on both sides of the ball. He was the leading tackler on the team as a sophomore, averaging an outstanding 12.3 tackles per game. This reflects his superb instincts – he diagnoses plays almost instantly and takes great angles to the ball. At ~6′1″, 190 lbs., he has an ideal frame for a high school linebacker and uses it well to take on blockers and drive ball carriers backward. He’s surprisingly fast for his size, covering sideline-to-sideline and even dropping into pass coverage effectively. Additionally, Aidan proved to be an effective pass rusher when called on – he led the team with 3.5 sacks, often blowing past blockers on blitzes.
• Athletic Evaluation – Weaknesses/Areas for Improvement: Still developing in pass coverage reads – while he’s good in zone, he can improve in man-to-man coverage on speedy slot receivers or tight ends. Continuing to work on agility and foot speed will help in this area. At times he can be overly aggressive (biting on play-action or overrunning a play), so harnessing that aggression with even better play recognition will be a focus. These are normal refinements; overall his skill set is very advanced for his age.
• Athletic Evaluation – Position-Specific Skills: At middle linebacker, Aidan’s key skill is his play recognition and downhill tackling. He scrapes through traffic exceptionally well and rarely takes false steps. He’s a form tackler – hits low and wraps up, which is why he seldom misses tackles. He’s also taken on the role of defensive signal-caller, showing good command in aligning the front. When blitzing, he times his rush and has a knack for slipping past pass protection (his sack numbers show his effectiveness). He is also a stalwart on special teams, often seen making tackles on kickoff coverage.
• Athletic Evaluation – Game Performance: Simply put, Aidan was all over the field in 2024. He logged double-digit tackles in most games, including a jaw-dropping 19-tackle performance in one contest against a run-heavy opponent, where he seemingly made every other stop. In rivalry and playoff games, he elevated his play – for instance, in the playoff opener he recorded 15 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble, nearly single-handedly stifling the opposing offense. His consistency was remarkable: whether Burbank was winning big or in a tight battle, Aidan’s motor never slowed. Overall, his sophomore year performance firmly established him as one of the top young linebackers in the area and a focal point of the Bulldog defense.
• Athletic Evaluation – College Potential Projection: Given his production and physical tools as an underclassman, Aidan has the look of a future Division I linebacker. If he continues on this trajectory, by senior year he should attract serious recruiting interest (some early whispers from scouts have already started). He projects as an inside linebacker at the college level, potentially at the FCS or FBS (Mountain West/Big Sky) level once he adds more bulk (could easily play at 210–220 lbs in college). His combination of tackling ability, size, and intelligence on the field make him a candidate for a defensive captain role in college. He’ll want to show continued improvement in coverage to maximize his recruitment, but all signs point toward him being a scholarship player – possibly one of the most recruitable athletes in his class from this region.
• Character & Intangibles – Work Ethic and Dedication: Aidan’s work ethic is exceptional. Coaches frequently cite him as the first one in and last one out of the locker room. He spent the summer before his sophomore year in intense training – including daily weightlifting and speed workouts – and the results were evident. He’s also an avid student of the game: he studies film extensively, often coming to defensive meetings having already scouted opponents’ tendencies. His dedication carries into the classroom as well; he maintains solid grades and approaches his academics with the same seriousness. There’s no doubt that his on-field success is a direct product of the countless unseen hours he’s invested.
• Character & Intangibles – Leadership Qualities: Though only a sophomore, Aidan emerged as a leader of the defense. He’s a vocal presence on the field – confidently making defensive calls, checks, and firing up the front seven when needed. What’s striking is that even upperclassmen respect and follow his direction, a rare quality for someone his age. Off the field, he leads with his preparation; teammates notice how hard he works and it sets the bar for everyone else. He’s also supportive – if a teammate misses a tackle or assignment, Aidan is often the first to pick them up and refocus them on the next play. His natural leadership will only grow as he becomes an upperclassman, but he’s already shown he can rally a team and be the “quarterback” of the defense.
• Character & Intangibles – Coachability: Highly coachable describes Aidan well. Despite his success, he is very receptive to coaching and always looking to get better. If a coach corrects his angle or tells him to be more patient on a certain play-action, he will incorporate that feedback immediately. He’s also shown versatility – when coaches experimented with him at different linebacker spots or even had him put his hand down as a rush end in certain packages, he embraced it fully and learned the role quickly. His respect for the coaching staff is evident; he’s described as “yes sir, no sir,” taking every piece of advice as a tool to improve. This attitude makes him a favorite among coaches and allows them to trust him with significant responsibilities.
• Character & Intangibles – Mental Toughness: Aidan exemplifies mental toughness. He never shies away from physical play or high-pressure moments. In fact, he seems to get stronger as games wear on – even if he’s been in a battle all night in the trenches, by the fourth quarter he’s still firing on all cylinders. He’s had games where the team fell behind, but Aidan kept the defense battling, often delivering momentum-changing hits or plays to spark a comeback. He doesn’t get discouraged by a missed tackle or a bad series; he instantly analyzes what went wrong, fixes it, and comes back even harder. His endurance mentally and physically allows him to play virtually every snap with high intensity, which is rare.
• Character & Intangibles – Character and Attitude: Humble and team-oriented to the core. Aidan is not about personal glory – he genuinely cares about the team’s success above all. After his big games, he’s the first to credit the defensive line for keeping him clean or the coaches for a great game plan. He plays the game with passion but also great sportsmanship; he hits hard but helps opponents up and doesn’t engage in trash talk. Off the field, he’s polite, respectful, and well-liked by peers and teachers. He has a grounded demeanor and maturity that is beyond his years. Simply put, Aidan’s attitude and character are exemplary, making him not only a cornerstone of the defense but also one of the culture leaders for the program.