The top 5 linebackers from Virginia Class of 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have some heavy hitters at linebacker for Virginia class of 2026 below. Yesterday I mentioned how deep the defensive back group was, well the linebackers may be even deeper, 23 of them are ranked in our top 100. I have a breakdown on the top 5 for now, but trust me when I tell you, you'll be hearing from this group very soon:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284211"],"_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":"Coming in as our number 1 linebacker and 5th overall is Huguenot's [player_tooltip player_id='284211' first='Markell' last='Dabney']. Where to start with this exciting ferocious linebacker for the Falcons, at 6'1 with great closing speed he has obtained over 15 FBS offers! Watching his tape you can see why as his closing speed on every play is outstanding, he is always the first one in on the tackle. Dabney defensively can hit you high, low and from all angles he is nightmare to have to block. Exceeding at multiple positions already for Huguenot, I wouldn't be surprised if he plays strong safety at power 5 school, he has the closing speed already to do it.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["369499"],"_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":"10th overall in the class of 2026 is Maury's fearless linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='369499' first='Isaiah' last='Simmons']. Ferocious, unblock able and playmaker are words I would use when describing Simmons game, he is one of the best in the state. The Commodores have a special one with this young man who has already received offers from Duke, Old Dominion and Virginia Tech to name a few. Another student of the game with a 3.6 GPA, he is still growing into his frame at 6'0 190 lbs.. Imagine him at 210/215 lbs. in what damager this young man will do at a big time institution, the possibilities are endless.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["212452"],"_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":"A heat seeking missile who knows how to finish a play, Green Run's [player_tooltip player_id='212452' first='De'Zhawn' last='Smith'] check in as our number 3 linebacker. Smith is a powerful force and when he is sent on a blitz he better be accounted for or else he will make you pay. Already with 1 FCS offer from Duke, Smith has excellent blocker awareness and is very nimble on his feet with his pass coverage. Also making plays as a bruiser running back, Smith should have the Stallions thinking deep playoff run for the next three years.rnrnhttp://www.hudl.com/v/2K1HmW","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["853071"],"_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":"The Class 2 State Champions Graham G-Men have some studs on both sides of the ball returning for the 2023 season, but the next big thing may be [player_tooltip player_id='853071' first='Daniel' last='Jennings']. Not even a sophomore yet and he is 6'3  and already having an impact for the reigning state champs. Jennings is a force at both outside linebacker and running back for the G-Men, but his future is best on the defensive side of the ball. He is listed as an athlete position wise which he most certainly is, watching him pursue ball carriers though, his future at linebacker is FBS level bright.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["853092"],"_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":"Rounding out our top 5 is Kings Fork [player_tooltip player_id='853092' first='Joshua' last='Pittman'] an honor student for the Bulldogs who puts fear into his opponents. Pittman is 6'2 with good size, speed and range especially for a soon to be sophomore, his overall game is very impressive. He rarely makes the wrong read and you not see him miss any (If not all) tackles, he  is a master of his craft.  While major FBS level schools are starting recognize his talent, the offers have yet to come through. It is a bit premature as he is only 15 for most offers, but if he has a sophomore season similar to last year, not too many schools will hesitate to pull the trigger.rnrnhttps://twitter.com/Jos8uaa/status/1598411908524163072?s=20","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648b41c05e517"} /-->