Inside The Rankings: #TN2024 Linebackers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This year's linebackers might have the deepest position group of all in this state with more than 20 prospects set for the FBS or FCS levels by the end of this recruiting cycle and it shows big time within our new senior rankings. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2024-rankings/?position=LB">#TN2024 Linebacker Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["150276"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOne of the best overall prospects from our #TN2024 class is Spillman and he is a talent that has the physical abilities and upside to take his game past college football and into the pro ranks one day. Aggressive, fierce and highly intelligent, Spillman has everything you want in a starting linebacker and he is still far from a finished product. The Mustangs senior backer can run and chase down the ball from anywhere on the field or drop back and cover in space. Spillman is ranked as the 2nd overall prospect for a reason and why he is someone with a bright future beyond the college game. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["149842"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eGentle has been a known name around the recruiting circle for a few years and now the future Tennessee Volunteer is headed into his senior season as the top ranked edge linebacker from our #TN2024 class. Sporting great size, a physical mindset and high football intelligence, Gentle is a well rounded football player that does everything right and never tends to make mistakes, always placing himself in position to make a play on the ball. He is a physical edge rusher that knows how to bend but Gentle also works very well against the run, showing the range to string out the back and bring him back inside. The Vols are getting a consistent, well versed football player that could fight for playing time the moment he steps on campus.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["237054"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThis guy has as much potential and upside as any linebacker inside our rankings and those reason's along with his natural athletic abilities is why Smith ranks 22nd overall and the 3rd best at his position for our current senior rankings. If you are wanting someone that can bend and get a serious burst off the snap, Smith should be your guy! The Lions senior edge rusher possibly has the best speed in the state coming off the edge and he is still growing into his body while continuing to learn the game, so his future looks very bright and scary for his future opponents. Many Power Five, D1 schools are sniffing around and could be close to pulling the trigger on an offer. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["207299"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSoles, Jr is one of the best sack artists in the state going into the summer camp season and a prospect with tremendous upside as a college speed rusher. Ranking 4th among the linebackers, Soles, Jr is a true edge rusher with great burst off the snap and the agility to bend and chase after the quarterback. He is a bouncy, athletic guy that could develop into a stand up backer where he could drop and cover in space. Soles, Jr is also a fierce competitor that enjoys playing the game, so his motor is always on high and always looking to find the ball. This East TN product is still not a finished product but Soles, Jr has the physical abilities and upside to develop into a feared college pass rusher. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["228694"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eA leader with a great grasp for the game of football, Law is a true middle linebacker that brings a lot of cerebral knowledge and physical game play to the field along with the range to chase down the ball on a consistent basis. Law is a heady ball player that knows how to put himself in position to either make a play on the ball or be the cause that helps his teammates make plays. He can also run and when he diagnoses the ball early, he doesn't hesitate as he attacks with a vicious approach. Law comes in ranked 27th overall through our 1st senior rankings but he holds the Power Five offers and talents to rise up during our next update and someone that could see the field early in his college career. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["258668"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAllen has been one of the hottest defensive recruits over the past few months and it's for good reason as this West Tennessee has great size and arm length along with the bend and speed off the edge that works very well on the college gridiron. The Red Devils senior defender put forth a breakout junior season where he displayed the ability to get after the quarterback but I think more importantly, showed the strength and balance to shut down the outside run game. Allen has a strong upper base and the arm length to extend and detach from blockers and either bring down the ball carrier or chase after the passer. His recruiting stock continues to rise even as I type this, so Allen is a definite name to follow as someone that is beginning to reach national recruit status. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["362094"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThis is one of my top sleepers from the defensive class who I feel could see a rise in his recruitment after a strong summer camp season which in turn could boost his PRZTN ranking. Barbat is an athletic guy with nice size and the physical build that you find on the college level. He fits the inside linebacker role perfectly as a guy who recognizes the run very well then explodes towards the ball without hesitation. Barbat has the speed to chase down the ball sideline to sideline but can also get after the quarterback as well. He brings a lot of athletic traits to the football field that I like and translates well into the college game. Coaches are aware of this Middle Tennessee backer as he holds several D1 offers but his talents warrant bigger looks from Power Five, who I know are lurking around.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["149383"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eCurtis has been on the college radar for a few season's now and his stock still remains high headed into his senior year as one of the best hybrid linebackers in his class. Committed to Michigan, Curtis is a tall, long and rangy edge linebacker that can rush the backfield but also drop in space, using his length and lower base mobility to make plays in pass coverage. Watching his highlights, Curtis has a knack for always being around the ball, making big plays against the pass but also showing the range to chase down the ball in the run game. His ranking is a little low right due to his lack of size in the weight department but he has the frame to pack on more weight once he arrives in Ann Arbor and give the Wolverines an athletic playmaker that can be moved to multiple areas within their defense. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["287770"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThis West Tennessee linebacker might have as much potential and upside as any prospect at his position from the #TN2024 class as Fauteux is big, long and can run along with some explosive play and traits that translate well to the next level. Ranking just outside the Top 40, Fauteux brings a lot of exciting physical traits to the field that collegiate coaches would love to work with. He has an explosive first step, meaning he can work the edge, rushing the passer but could also move inside, using his instincts and speed against the run. He is a little lite on weight right now but sports the frame to tack on more size when he gets into a college weight room. Keep an eye out for Fauteux moving forward as I believe bigger schools will be getting involved sooner rather than later. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["228698"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAthletic and fast with an aggressive approach to the football field, Taylor comes in ranked 10th at his position as an inside backer that brings some versatility to the gridiron as someone that works well versus the run but can also rush the backfield. Taylor is an explosive guy who sports a quick first step and the range to chase down the ball from anywhere on the field. Looking over his film, this West Tennessee linebacker also shows the abilities with continued development to play in pass coverage. He does also need to keep packing on the weight to maintain in the college game but he definitely has the frame to put on more size. Power Five programs are all over Taylor and I expect several others to continue getting involved as the summer months go on. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-643fff1af1459"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2024-rankings/">Tennessee Top 150</a> </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Next Ten Linebackers ….</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='332217' first='Elijah' last='Groves'] - East Robertson (Ranked 52nd overall): </strong>Watch out for this guy moving forward as Groves is one of the hottest defensive prospects in the state right now. This dude is big, athletic and can run with his game fitting well on the outside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='149382' first='Jack' last='Alley'] - Farragut (Ranked 58th overall): </strong>Ranking just inside the Top 60, Alley is a sure tackler that knows how to be around the ball on a consistent basis. He can also run, so this East TN product brings a lot of skills, tools to his inside linebacker position.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='278377' first='Korey' last='Smith'] - Oakland (Ranked 68th overall): </strong>Smith is an intriguing talent that could play multiple linebacker roles on the next level due to his quick first step that works well off the edge and his ability to diagnose the run early and attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='400655' first='Grace'son' last='Beach'] - Pearl Cohn (Ranked 70th overall): </strong>Aggressive and fast, Beach is one of the more athletic backers from our #TN2024 class. He tracks the ball very well and shows the range and speed to chase down the ball wherever it is on the field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='240022' first='Jayden' last='Bachelor'] - Lausanne (Ranked 85th overall): </strong>Tall &amp; long with a wide upper radius, Bachelor has the physical traits and speed off the edge to develop into a feared pass rusher on the collegiate level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='306265' first='Eli' last='Myers'] - Collierville (Ranked 95th overall): </strong>One of the smartest backers in the #TN2024 class, Myers ranks just inside the Top 100 due to his FB knowledge, size and ability to diagnose the play as good as anyone at his position.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='149387' first='Jaylon' last='Sanderfer'] - Boyd Buchanan (Ranked 96th overall): </strong>Strong and well built with a nice frame for added weight, Sanderfer is a good looking prospect that fits the mold of an inside backer well but also has the athletic ability to work outside, rushing after the quarterback.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='308781' first='Philippe' last='Bouthot'] - McCallie (Ranked 103rd overall): </strong>A native Canadian with instincts and speed, Bouthot is a talented prospect that has enough athletic traits to play multiple roles throughout the linebacking corps with his biggest upside being inside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='372301' first='Landon' last='Feggins'] - McMinn Co. (Ranked 105th overall): </strong>This dude is a physical beast that is well put together but also has the quick feet and athleticism that translates well to the college game. Feggins is a true middle backer that sits under the radar momentarily but has the talents that warrant more interest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='150287' first='Caden' last='Marshall'] - Henry Co. (Ranked 109th overall): </strong>A raw but athletic backer with size and length, Marshall has nice upside as someone that could work the edge but might fit best inside where he can lock down an opponent's run game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":661390,"width":453,"height":301,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/FcsyJcNWYAAgeEl.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-661390" width="453" height="301" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->