STOCK RISERS: Top 2026 Linebackers In Georgia

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 rankings are out on Prep Redzone, and it's full of talented linebackers across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are towards the top of the 2026 rankings? Let's take a look...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/RodneyColton24"></a><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='682944' first='Rodney' last='Colton JR']. - Newnan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An impressive hybrid defender who can play linebacker or in the secondary, Colton Jr. is a hard-hitting defender with range and plenty of power behind his tackles. He's a quick-reacting defender who understands his role and has the ability to make a big play. He forced three fumbles last year, an impressive number for anyone, much less a freshman. He has good size already at 6-foot-1 and around 180-pounds and showed on film that he could reel in multiple D1 offers down the road. He flashed consistently and has a true nose for the football. He has natural instincts against the run, gets to the ball-carrier, and leaves a bruise when making the tackle. He shows a great motor and knows how to make a play in the backfield. As good as he was as a freshman, he has a chance to have a real breakout sophomore season in 2023. According to the latest 2026 update, Colton Jr. is now ranked as the No. 2 linebacker prospect and the No. 16 overall prospect in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283895' first='Alec' last='Upshaw'] - Calhoun</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Size and speed. That's what Upshaw brings to thee Calhoun defense. At a solid 6-foot-3 already, Upshaw is an imposing defender already with impressive instincts, quickness, and straight-line speed. Upshaw ran an impressive 4.75 in a 40-yard dash at a local showcase in late February, showing his ability to move. He has a promising D1 frame and still a few years away from remotely reaching his potential. Still under the radar somewhat, but he plays for a big-time Calhoun program and could push for a starting role next year as a sophomore if he continues to work and develop properly over the next few months. He's young, but he's big, fast, and will only get better and better the more he plays. Look for him to see an increased role in the Calhoun offense next fall. He's currently ranked as the No. 3 linebacker and the No. 18 overall prospect in Georgia according to the latest 2026 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='675033' first='Noah' last='LaVallee'] - Walton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another hard-hitting defender in the 2026 class, Lavallee is an impressive linebacker who showed plenty of promise for Whitefield Academy last year as a freshman. A big, physically gifted defender for his age at already 6-foot-2 200-pounds, LaVallee is a natural playmaker on defender who knows how to cover and defend against the run. He understands the game really well for his age and shows impressive instincts. He knows what he needs to do, and he executes. Like others in the 2026 class, it's easy to see the potential he brings to the table and he has a chance to have a really strong sophomore season for the Walton Raiders, one of the top programs across the state in 7A. He has the makings of someone bound to play at the D1 level, and at some point, the offers are likely to come his way. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->