2027 LB Brayton Feister Drawing National Attention with Versatile Skillset

2027 Archbishop Hoban (Ohio) linebacker Brayton Feister‍ is one of the nation’s top athletes and that’s led to a unique recruitment. 

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound standout from Archbishop Hoban High School (Ohio) already holds nearly 20 scholarship offers as of May. Depending on the program, he could play on either side of the ball, or both.

“It really depends on the school,” Feister told ISD. “I’m nationally ranked at linebacker, so a lot of schools see me as a linebacker, but I hardly have film there. I got stuck in a position where I had to play running back for us the last two years.” 

As a sophomore, Feister expected to see some action at running back but anticipated the majority of his snaps would come at linebacker. However, circumstances forced him to step up on offense once again.

Feister took over at running back, rushing for 1,583 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2024. He’s hoping for more balance in his junior season to showcase his defensive potential.

“I stepped up and played tailback my freshman year,” explained Feister. “Last year, I was supposed to split carries and go strictly at linebacker, but a couple guys transferred out and I had to take over the running back position again. This year, we have a guy in, so hopefully he’s not going anywhere, so I can split carries, start both ways and go full-time linebacker. I’ll be able to crack heads and do what I love.”

Feister remains confident linebacker is where he’ll reach his highest potential and where he could one day make it to the NFL, but he’s also more than willing to play wherever he can help his future college. 

“I believe that’s going to be my highest ceiling and get me to the NFL,” said Feister. “At the same time, I have an opportunistic mindset and I’ll do whatever is best for the team.

Feister’s recruiting interest reflects that versatility. Ohio State is recruiting Feister as an athlete, with potential offensive snaps in third-down situations. Michigan and Missouri are both open to him playing both sides of the ball. 

One school Feister is particularly familiar with is Notre Dame. He visited South Bend for the 2024 Blue-Gold Game and earlier this week, Irish linebackers coach Max Bullough stopped by Hoban to see him work out. 

The two were able to catch up on the phone after the workout and Feister expects to be in South Bend in early June. 

“It meant a lot,” said Feister. “To have Coach Bullough come out was pretty incredible. It’s always amazing to have an opportunity to have coaches like that come in. He came in and watched me work out.

“He told me I’m highly physically developed and ahead of the guys in my class. With my limited film, he wants me to come for Irish Invasion. He said if I had linebacker film, he’d offer me, but I don’t have linebacker film. He said he’ll run me through a couple linebacker drills and likely offer me.” 

As Feister plans his summer visits, he’s being highly selective about where he’ll spend his time and energy.

“I have limited resources and I can’t go to every camp,” Feister stated. “I have to make sure the trip is going to be worth the resources to go to that camp. I’m not going to go to random camps just to go. I’m not going to go to a camp if they don’t like me or have a chance to get a verbal. That’d be a waste of their time and my time. I don’t want to do that to me or them.

“I like the Notre Dame thing because it’s worth both of our time. I’m going to be there, ball out and show them what I can do, so I’ll have an opportunity to play there.” 

Beyond Notre Dame, Clemson is also showing interest and will be among the schools watching Feister later this month during a major camp event at Hoban.

“We have a big camp/combine thing at our school,” Feister explained. “A bunch of schools come in. Every Division I school that is a top name like Clemson and Ohio State come in, so a lot of of them will watch me there. I hope a lot of offers will come in there after they see me move around.” 

Entering his junior year, Feister holds offers from Akron, Boston College, CMU, Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Miami (OH), Michigan, Missouri, Purdue, Toledo, USC, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

He knows what’s at stake and is determined to make the most of every opportunity.

“It’s pretty surreal,” said Feister. “It’s incredible. As a little kid, I watched the bigger guys play and now, I’m one of those guys. It’s really cool. It’s a dream come true. My dreams are coming true and it’s amazing to be able to strive for greatness and see everything into place. I have to keep working and doing my thing to achieve my dreams.” 

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