Breakout Linebackers To Know In Gwinnett County

Is there a county in the entire country that produces more talent in Gwinnett County? I don't think so. The giant football-crazed county is home to some of the state's best and most historic programs, including the mighty Grayson Rams who are coming off one of the best seasons in Georgia high school history. The county is also home to the Buford Wolves, the current 6A state champions and one of the winningest programs in the state. The are is one again full of talent, and today's story is focused one some breakout linebackers in the area who are poised to have big seasons in 2021. &nbsp; <strong>Carlos Fuller - Peachtree Ridge</strong> He might not be the flashiest linebacker in the region, but Carlos Fuller might be one of the toughest and grittiest defenders in the region. He's physical, loves contact, and is versatile enough to be a run-stuffing inside linebacker as well as impact edge defender. The 6-foot-1 210-pounder plays bigger than his size and knows how to deliver a hit when he gets there. "He works harder than any kid I have ever had," one Peachtree Ridge staff member told Prep Redzone. Not only is he an impact player on the field, but he's a smart player who will lead the Lions defense as a senior. His field awareness and knowledge of the game helps the team as well as he helps get everyone else lined up and in the right position. He'll be taking on a leadership role this year not only of defense, but he'll be one of the team leaders this spring and into the 2021 season. If the Lions are going to compete for state titles again, they're going to need more players like Fuller. He can get after the quarterback, stuff the run, and make all the calls for the defense. Look for him to have an outstanding senior season. &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=33835912-e665-4021-a4a5-717afc7b6dbc&amp;ssid=a9cbf684-16ef-4997-9539-15fefe9df410"><span class="first-name">Zakye</span> Barker</a> - Norcross </strong> He has a handful of smaller offers already, but if Barker an replicate his junior season as a senior this fall, he could be an absolute steal for a D1 program looking for a productive linebacker. He may not be the biggest or fastest linebacker in the county, but he was one of the most productive last year, totaling 155 tackles and leading Norcross to one of their best seasons in school history. He also has 8 sacks and an incredible 37 TFLs. The 5-foot-11 220-pounder runs well for his size, showed great instincts, and maybe more importantly, he knows how to wrap up and tackle. He shows good form and rarely puts himself in a position where he can't make a play. He takes a direct angle to the ball carrier and knows how to sniff out plays before they get going. He has a true "nose for the football" and should see more interest start coming his way sooner than later. &nbsp; <strong>Jalen Smith - Grayson</strong> If we're talking about breakout players in Gwinnett County, we have to include one of the talented Grayson Rams. The staff there is raving about their rising junior linebacker Jalen Smith, who is coming off an excellent showing at MVP Camp over the weekend. He played some as a sophomore last season for the Rams, but the 6-foot-2 190-pounder is expected to have a much bigger role in Grayson's defense as a junior this fall. He has a good frame, but on film he shows good quickness and initial instincts against the run. He gets to the ball-carrier quickly and made 16 total tackles last season. Playing on one of the best teams in the country, Smith still found a way to see the field as an underclassmen and his experience will only help him as a junior next year. He's great in coverage due to his length and impressive footwork. IF he can continue adding more weight and muscle in the off-season, Smith could be looking at a breakout season as a junior.