More #TN2024 Linebackers to Watch
In this article:
After an exciting season of high school football action in the Volunteer State, it’s time to look back at some of the most explosive standouts on both sides of the ball from last year. After breaking down some of the…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAfter an exciting season of high school football action in the Volunteer State, it’s time to look back at some of the most explosive standouts on both sides of the ball from last year. After breaking down some of the most impressive offensive talents, it’s time to revisit some senior defensive playmakers that are preparing to lock in this upcoming fall. Today, we will be looking at some high-level linebacker prospects that made a considerable impact on the field. Without any further ado, here’s my list of some more 2024 linebackers in Tennessee to keep an eye on this upcoming season.
Highlights
At the top of my list of notable performers is A.J. Barbat A.J. Barbat 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB Brentwood Acad. | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker at Brentwood Academy. Barbat was one of the more explosive defensive weapons on the Eagles’ roster during his junior stint of high school football. What stands out about Barbat is his size and physical edge as well as his dangerous speed. The rising senior out of Brentwood, TN. showcased his ability to use bursts of speed to quickly execute off the snap, blasting through the offense to create pressure and make significant stops. Barbat is definitely a high-level linebacker prospect in the state to watch out for this upcoming season.
Highlights
I was additionally impressed with Mason Curtis Mason Curtis 6'3" | 195 lbs | LB Ensworth | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-3, 195-pound linebacker at Ensworth High School. Curtis made his presence known on the defensive side of the ball during his junior season with the Tigers. In addition to outstanding size, speed and athleticism, what stands out about Curtis is his overall defensive awareness and ability to read the offense like a book. The rising senior out of Nashville, TN. also caught my attention with his footwork and strength in the backfield, consistently picking off the quarterback and forcing his way into the redzone. Curtis is an electric linebacker talent to keep an eye on next season as he’s committed to Michigan.
Highlights
In the number three spot on my list of standouts is Elijah Groves Elijah Groves 6'5" | 220 lbs | LB East Robertson | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-5, 220-pound linebacker at East Robertson High School. Groves was an efficient defensive weapon for the Indians during his junior campaign of high school football. With excellent size, speed, footwork and durability, Groves was a gamechanger on defense due to his ability to quickly apply pressure and limit offensive production. The rising senior out of Cross Plains, TN. additionally made a difference with his physicality and ability to pounce hard on offensive playmakers. Groves should not be slept on this upcoming fall as he’s committed to Kentucky.
Highlights
Another talented player to catch my attention is Jack Alley Jack Alley 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Farragut | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker at Farragut High School. Alley established himself as one of the Admirals’ strongest defensive playmakers during his junior stint of high school football. In addition to size, speed and quick execution off the snap, what stands out about Alley is his overall versatility, footwork and ability to control the pace of the game and strike when the time is right. The rising senior out of Knoxville, TN. also impressed with his awareness and ability to stun and shut down the offense with his blitz. Alley should be interesting to watch next season as he’s committed to Air Force.
Coming in at number five on my list is Korey Smith Korey Smith 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB Oakland | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-0, 225-pound linebacker at Oakland High School. Smith was a highly explosive standout for the Patriots during his junior season of high school football. With great size, speed and awareness, Smith consistently proved his overwhelming strength, his ability to muscle past the offense and his efficiency in applying pressure on the quarterback. The rising senior out of Murfreesboro, TN. additionally caught my eye with his well-balanced movement, using solid footwork to maneuver the field, stun the offensive line and make stops. After a commanding performance last season, Smith is certainly worth keeping tabs on this upcoming fall.