When you stand above 6 feet and weigh more than 200 pounds, you are often introduced to the linebacker position with hopes of dominating through size. When you have the power and speed to go along with those measurables, you begin to catch the attention of those who run position camps.
North Shore High School’s Charles Ross has not only dominated those position camps but also in games. According to 247 Sports, he is now considered #1 in Texas and #2 in the nation at the linebacker position.
“I feel I’m the top-rated linebacker in Texas because of my speed and my knowledge of the game,” said Ross.
Ross runs a 4.34 40-yard dash and 10.3 in the 100-meter dash. Last season, he was successful at making it to the UIL 6A state meet, where he placed 5th after running 10.56 in the 100-meter dash.
Ross understands that speed is important at the linebacker position because it allows the player to fly to the ball on both sides of the field while in pursuit. Ross studies the game of Harold Perkins, a junior LSU linebacker and Cy Park alum because he has the speed and quickness to rush off the edge.
“I watch Harold Perkins in college, and on the professional level I’m watching Fred Warner,” said Ross, who is already committed to LSU. “They both have the ability to make plays all over the field.”.
Ross has played on the varsity level for three years, serving as one of North Shore’s defensive captains. As a junior, Ross accounted for two interceptions, one of which resulted in a pick-six, two pass breakups, six sacks, and 71 total tackles. He was named Second-Team All-District, and before the start of his senior season, he was named to the Touchdown Club of Houston 2024 High School Preseason Team.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the top athletes in Houston,” said Ross.
Ross has done a phenomenal job continuously translating his off-season training to the field. He recently worked with Donnie Baggs, a former Texas A&M and Dallas Cowboys linebacker, and focused on proper technique to avoid getting jammed by bigger linemen.
“We worked on various linebacker drills such as pass rush, working in box, shock, press, and shed with correct hand placement. Now, I’m working on being in a position to apply more pressure on the quarterback,” said Ross.
The greatest piece of advice Ross has received was words from his grandfather that apply to life on or off the field of play.
“He reminded me to always put God first and thank him for all he does,” said Ross. “I also like ‘Don’t let yesterday take up too much today.’ That was a quote by Will Rogers.”
While Ross has had success in his three-year varsity run, he is reminded of how far he has come with so many position changes.
“The toughest thing I’ve had to overcome was learning a new position each year,” said Ross. “My sophomore year, I played safety; junior year, I played inside linebacker; and now, senior year, I’m outside linebacker. However, playing various positions has made me versatile and has allowed me to add to my skill set.”
Ross chose the Tigers over several schools, including Yale, Cal Berkley, and the University of Pittsburgh, because of LSU’s coaching staff, school environment, and academics.
“I know Coach Baker will develop and prepare me for the next level,” said Ross. “My goal while in college is to study industrial engineering, earn a degree, play football, and have a good time while doing it.”
About Charles Ross:
Class: 2025
IG: @char1esross8
Twitter: @Legendary_Ross_
Position: Linebacker
Height & weight: 6-feet-2, 210 pounds
Favorite artist: Kanye West
Status: Committed to LSU
Favorite subject: Psychology
Shout-outs: God, family, my girlfriend, Desmond Christan and Elijah Holland
