#TN2025 Rankings Breakdown: Linebackers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some of the best talent from our in-state junior class resides right here with the linebackers! Our initial rankings have some top notch LB's listed below but the group will get bigger and deeper over the next year as more prospects jump on the map. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["219426"],"_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: 400u0022u003eBringing athleticism, size and versatility to the defensive side of the ball, Haley ranks as the current top linebacker from our #TN2025 class and someone that is quietly maneuvering himself into a national recruit. The Tigers junior linebacker had a bit of a coming out party last year as a sophomore then proceeded to take that momentum into the off-season where to me he was one of the more impressive talents I saw in person. Haley has good size along with a nice burst towards the backfield or the ball. He also has the athletic abilities to play in pass coverage as well as slide inside if needed. All the tools are there for this Mid-Tennessee talent and collegiate coaches, especially the Power Five has taken notice.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["219439"],"_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: 400u0022u003eA multi year starter and one of the most feared edge rushers returning this Fall, Hazzard is a beast off the edge that opposing offensive linemen have a hard time dealing with and he still has two more years of high school ball remaining! Highly intelligent with a mature approach to the field, the Patriots junior defender knows how to get into the backfield on a consistent basis and he already knows how to use his hands and leverage to get around blockers. This off-season, Hazzard has worked hard at developing his skill set further and I think he will yet again put up huge numbers this Fall and continue establishing himself as the top edge linebacker from the #TN2025 class.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aac37693cbd"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/SlashDashSports/status/1646282286780784640?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SlashDashSports/status/1646282286780784640?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["219450"],"_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: 400u0022u003eAthletic, explosive and fast are three immediate traits that stand out about Carson when you turn on his sophomore film and the great thing about that is the Blackman rising junior has two more years of high school ball to develop and grow. Still learning the linebacker position, Carson is a highly active guy who plays sideline to sideline with excellent range and closing speed along with the versatility to play the edge or work inside. He can also drop and play in space against the pass, so there is a lot of value residing with this Murfreesboro area linebacker. Carson still has some learning to go but the potential is definitely there to become a Power Five, D1 player.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["390716"],"_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: 400u0022u003eComing over from Colorado for his sophomore season, Anes made a statement last year, putting himself on the map as a legit, D1, Power Five prospect and now headed into his junior year, this Mid-Tennessee talent has placed himself among the best of the best at his position for the #TN2025 class. Tall and long with a wide radius and big frame for more weight, Anes immediately looks the part when stepping off the bus then proceeds to play like an animal when he is on the field. The Patriots rising junior is a good athlete that sports excellent range and closing speed along with the physical abilities to cause damage in the backfield. Anes holds five D1 offers at the moment with one of them coming from Indiana and I feel many other top level programs will be getting involved with his recruitment sooner than later. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["848818"],"_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: 400u0022u003ePeople better start getting to know this West Tennessee linebacker because Lovorn is legit, sporting the physical abilities and size to not only obtain tons of college offers but push himself higher into our in-state positional rankings. This is an athletic, explosive and violent competitor that can do a variety of things on defense from stopping the run or working the edge to rush the backfield. Lovorn shows excellent burst, get-off along with active hands and a tenacious approach that the opposition have a hard time dealing with. Continued development and work must be done by the Hornets junior linebacker but I see tons of potential with Lovorn and someone who's best football is certainly ahead of him.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aac37693d97"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GabeLovorn/status/1660087508242243584?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GabeLovorn/status/1660087508242243584?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["390710"],"_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: 400u0022u003ePlaying a supporting role last year as a sophomore, Smith is a prime candidate for a breakout junior season this Fall as this 6'3 edge linebacker has the physical traits and game play to turn himself into a Power Five, D1 recruited prospect. The Tigers junior prospect is one of the smartest, technique sound prospects from his linebacker position and he still has two years left of high school ball remaining. Smith is broad shouldered with a strong upper body along with good hips that can bend around the edge. He sports strong upside as a potential college pass rusher along with the versatility to slide inside if needed. I fully expect more schools to get involved with this Nashville area backer after an expected breakout junior year. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["219367"],"_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: 400u0022u003eA thick, physically well built inside linebacker that will take on a bigger role this Fall, Thompson has seen his recruitment take off this off-season by obtaining several P5, D1 offers but I feel he is still far from a finished product. The Mustangs rising junior looks the part while providing physical game play and an active motor but Thompson must continue shaping his body while adding more explosion and speed. Right now, this Mid-Tennessee prospect fits best at inside linebacker where he can use his physicality and size against the run while having the upside to make plays outside the tackles. This coming junior season will be a strong indication at where Thompson is with his progression and how high up the college football chain he can take his talents.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aac37693e2e"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Kristhompson25/status/1673779982898700290?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Kristhompson25/status/1673779982898700290?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["301403"],"_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: 400u0022u003eLow on experience but high with upside, Wright is one of the more intriguing linebackers for me to watch this coming season as he sports nice size and length along with the versatility to play a variety of roles on defense. Wright is built like a possible college edge linebacker but sports the potential to play inside as well. He has excellent range to chase down the ball to the sidelines along with the burst to get up field and pursue the quarterback. Wright does need to put on more weight while continuing to learn on the gridiron but the physical abilities and traits are there to develop into a possible P5 but definitely a D1 prospect. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["795560"],"_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: 400u0022u003eWatching his sophomore film, Howard looks and fits the bill of your prototypical edge linebacker and he is still far from a finished product, so the potential and upside is quite large! Sporting a great frame for added weight along with broad shoulders and long arms, Howard has the physical tools to excel on the next level but it's all about developing at the right rate to become the kind of prospect he can become. The Panthers junior defender shows excellent burst off the edge along with an active motor and closing speed. Howard has the kind of pass rushing upside and physical abilities to watch his stock rise tremendously over the next few months, establishing himself as one of the best at his position. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["842802"],"_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: 400u0022u003eNecessary is headed into his junior season as one of the top returning tacklers (126 total tackles) not just from the East TN region but the entire state and a prospect that can take his stock to another level this Fall. Sporting great size and a body to take on more size, Necessary is a hard nosed competitor thats brings a physical, violent approach to the football field along with the range to chase down the ball sideline to sideline. The Hilltoppers junior prospect fits best right now at inside linebacker but with his 6'3 size and long arms, Necessary could contribute on the edge as well. He also needs to keep enhancing his agility and speed but the physical tools and traits are there to eventually become a D1, FCS level recruit.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aac37693eee"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/NecessaryBaylor/status/1677495049674792960?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/NecessaryBaylor/status/1677495049674792960?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["560460"],"_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: 400u0022u003eComing from a small town and a Class 2A program, McCormick has to fight uphill a bit to make a name for himself but trust me, he won't have to try too hard because the physical tools and upside are there to become a top prospect from his linebacker position. Tall and long with a great frame for added weight, McCormick has a versatile skill set that allows him to work the edge or slide inside. He is a fluid mover that shows explosive flashes on film as well as the ability to drop and play in coverage. The Cardinals rising junior shows potential as a possible pass rusher on the edge due to his height, length and explosive first step. Plenty of tools are there to become a highly recruited prospect and I think a dominating junior season on the field could help propel his stock much further.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["250859"],"_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: 400u0022u003eThis 6'4 long and mobile edge rusher doesn't know how good he can be but Fiorita brings the size, length and natural athletic abilities to develop nicely this coming Fall, if the Golden Bears rising junior embraces his upside. Fiorita has the look and overall size you want in today's edge linebacker along with the burst to develop into a formidable pass rusher on the next level. He shows on film the ability to get low and get under the pad level of offensive linemen then use his speed to get around them and after the quarterback. He needs to remain in the weight room, adding more size along with forming his body better but the raw potential and upside is definitely there to develop into a legit college recruit. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64aac37693f7c"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/atticus_fiorita/status/1670193982893182976?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/atticus_fiorita/status/1670193982893182976?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Watch List …..</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402528' first='Caleb' last='Ellison'] </strong>- Oakland: A great worker who fits the bill of an inside linebacker, Ellison should be taking on a bigger role this Fall where he can begin to establish himself as a top prospect from the greater Murfreesboro area.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467259' first='Jaeden' last='Isbell'] </strong>- Tyner Acad.: An edge rusher with broad shoulders and long arms, Isbell is a raw but talented linebacker that could develop on the edge or slide inside at linebacker. A big junior season will take this guy's stock to another level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219422' first='Malik' last='Lee'] </strong>- Chatt. Christian: Lee is a true inside backer that enjoys hitting people and does so with an aggressive, physical approach. The Chargers junior product shows good range along with the vision and instincts to track the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='656684' first='Kole' last='Phillips'] </strong>- Rossview: The Hawks rising junior is one of the top producing tacklers returning this Fall from the greater Mid-Tennessee. Phillips is a true middle backer with physicality and a nose for the football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490634' first='Jomauri' last='Smith'] </strong>- Riverdale: Athletic and well built physically, Smith is primed for a breakout junior season as possibly the Warriors top linebacker and someone with the upside to make it to the D1, FCS level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":898842,"width":439,"height":440,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/jisbell.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-898842" width="439" height="440" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->