Kentucky Future Stars: 2026 Linebacker Selections
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Since 2010, Tennessee and Kentucky have been meeting each June in the annual Future Stars Game. The bordering states have a deep rivalry, but a deeper respect for each other. Kentucky recently invited a few more athletes into what they…
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Continue ReadingSince 2010, Tennessee and Kentucky have been meeting each June in the annual Future Stars Game. The bordering states have a deep rivalry, but a deeper respect for each other. Kentucky recently invited a few more athletes into what they call the #Brotherhood. Here’s a look at the 2026 Linebackers selected for Team Kentucky eighth grade.
Kaeden Bean Kaeden Bean 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB Meece Middle | 2026 KY | Somerset
A big thumper in the middle, Bean is a throwback Middle Linebacker who will stuff up the A gaps on command. At 6-foot and 220 pounds, he was selected for the Kentucky Future Stars for the second straight year. Already squatting over 425 pounds and was a Regional Player of the Year nominee this past season.
Tyler Kautzman | Webster County
A Battle of the Regions selection this past season, Kautzman is another traditional Middle Linebacker Kentucky will have at their disposal. I don’t have exact measurable at this point, but I’d put him in the 5-foot-8, 180-pound range. Muscular kid who plays assignment football. Better against the run than he is the pass. Understands leverage to defeat blocks and always hustles.
Brauck Strunk Brauck Strunk 5'11" | 190 lbs | ATH McCreary Central | 2026 State KY | Mcquarry
When looking at 2026 Linebackers in the state of Kentucky, Strunk is in the conversation for the very best it has to offer. Already looks the part at 5-foot-11 and 188 well-distributed pounds and can make plays from sideline to sideline at ease. Plays a rangy style of Linebacker and because his lower body is well-proportioned, it allows for him to have impressive explosion at the point of contact.
Daulton Tarter Daulton Tarter 5'9" | 200 lbs | ATH Bracken County | 2026 State KY | Bracken County
Tarter is hard to put a label on, when it comes to describing his playing style. He’s built like a Middle Linebacker at 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, yet has the the 4.78 forty yard dash time of Defensive Back right now. Label or not, my biggest taking away from watching his film is how advanced his ability to time blitzes is. Plays fast and downhill. Delivers big hits when meets the ball carrier.
Malik Coburn Malik Coburn 6'3" | 230 lbs | LB Bowling Green | 2026 KY | Bowling Green
Could be the biggest Linebacker on this Kentucky Future Stars eighth grade team at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds. A very solid, well-put together kid who also spent time with his hand in the dirt as a Defensive End this past season. Possesses a solid build with room for development. On film, looks to have a thick lower half. Would love to see improved speed if he’s going to stay at that Mike Linebacker position.
Isaac Estrada Isaac Estrada 5'10" | 220 lbs | LB Shelby County | 2026 State KY | Shelby West
Estrada was a Region 2 Player of the Year Honorable Mention selection this past season at Shelby West. Another traditional Mike Linebacker who showed pretty good speed and agility, with a 4.9 in the short shuttle. While he’s definitely a downhill guy, coaches were optimistic about his ability to track down plays going away from him.
De’vaughn Bell-Maxwell | Louisville
Coming off a tremendous season for the Bad News Jaguars team this past season, Bell-Maxwell should be one of the more athletic Linebackers for the Kentucky Future Stars. Not the biggest or most jacked up right now, but he can run around very well. Ran a sub 5.0 forty yard dash at tryouts. Has natural Linebacker instincts and plays comfortably in space.
Tyler O’Bryan | Bullit East
O’Bryan brings a nice taste combination of speed, strength and twitch to the Linebacker group. In reality, he’s a bit of hybrid/tweener Outside Linebacker and Strong Safety. O’Bryan should make his presence known in obvious passing situations due to his ability to drop quickly and make plays on the ball. I can think up a bunch of scenarios where he’s in the game on third down and makes plays against the pass or coming down hill in run support.