Phil LaVerde

Started all seven games he played in at outside linebacker during his junior season… Finished the year with 35 tackles (19 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, a quarterback hurry, and three pass breakups… Recorded a career-high nine tackles (four solo) with a pass breakup against Washington & Jefferson on November 1… Had seven tackles, including one for loss, against Westminster on September 20… Named to the PAC Fall Academic Honor Roll. Saw action in nine games for the Spartans during his first year on the team, playing on special teams and at outside linebacker… Finished the season with 28 total tackles (11 solo), including 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack with one pass breakup… Recorded the first sack of his career against Thiel on October 19… Had a season-best seven tackles, including 1.5 for loss, against Allegheny on October 5… Totaled six tackles, including 1.5 for loss, against Westminster on October 26… Named to the PAC Fall Academic Honor Roll. Attended Ohio State for one year but did not play for the football team… Was a four-year member of the Kirtland High School football team, serving as a captain during his senior year… Was coached by his father, Tiger LaVerde… Helped his team win state championships in 2020 and 2021… Named a MaxPreps Small School All-American… Selected as the Ohio Division 6 Defensive Player of the Year… Was a two-time All-Ohio selection… Chosen as the Lake County Defensive Player of the Year… Tied his school's single-season record with 160 tackles his senior season, including 27 for loss… Was an AP Scholar with Distinction and received high honors… Graduated summa cum laude… Winner of the Steve Trivisonno Student-Athlete Award… Also played basketball and lacrosse and competed in track & field in high school. Born August 3… Son of Tiger and Mary.