2026 Rankings Risers/Newcomers: LB

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of the 2026 LB prospects in the PRZ state rankings.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Risers:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212233"],"_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":"At 6'4” 225 lbs. Scott is developing into one of the top 2026 LB's in the western region. His natural athleticism and versatility make him highly effective from the hybrid OLB/Edge spot. At his size, he's got elite level body control and great command of a variety of moves to beat blockers and get to the ball carrier. Shows a high football IQ and great awareness/understanding of his assignment whether he's a force player maintaining his outside contain or rushing the QB. Love his short area speed off the edge but also does a great job getting his hands up to knock down balls at the LOS when he doesn't get to the QB. Strong/powerful at the POA he's able to lockout opponents to maintain separation and then shed to free himself up to make a tackler. He's a national recruit that already holds 18 offers and will continue to rise up national rankings and recruiting boards.rnrn18 Offers: Arizona, California, Charlotte, Colorado, Kansas, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, UNLV, USC, Washington, Washington State, Western Kentucky, Miami","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["283614"],"_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":"u003cstrongu003eEzaya Tokio, LB, St. Augustineu003c/strongu003ernrnThe 6'4” 200 lb. LB out of St. Augustine made a huge jump in the recent 2026 PRZ state rankings. He's got ideal length and growth potential to add weight to his frame without sacrificing any of his high-level athleticism and movement skills. With the combination to be both a run stopper and drop back in coverage he has the ability to be a three down LB at the elite college level. He's got great range, change of direction, and game speed to close space and chase the ball carrier sideline to sideline. He understands down and distance and is quick to diagnose plays to put himself in position to be a difference maker. Strong tackler that can break down in space while playing with good pad level/leverage to explode through contact and finish to the ground. Has picked up a variety of western region P5 and G5 offers but has all the traits to be a national recruit when all is said and done.rnrn7 Offers: Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon State, San Diego State, Washington, Washington State","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6566d0f3dda61"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Newcomers:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1000902"],"_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":"Johnson is a violent and attacking defender that plays fast and downhill. At 6'1” 185 lbs. he moves well and shows good all-around speed to redirect and pursue. Really like his short area acceleration to break on the ball and close space in a hurry. He plays well with his eyes to read and react while possessing a quick trigger once he reads run/pass. His ability to make quick decisive reads allows him to fill gaps and makes plays as they are developing at or behind the LOS. Uses his speed well to slip blocks and weave his way through traffic on the way to the ball carrier. He's an aggressive tackler that delivers strong contact with good leverage at the POA. Finished the regular season with 70 total tackles, 10 TFL, and three sacks. He's a two-way athlete that picked up his first offer from Oregon State last June. Look for his recruiting stock to rise as we head into the off season.rnrn1 Offer: Oregon Staternrnhttps://twitter.com/TaylorJohnson_J/status/1728957698342105143","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6566d0f3ddad7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1000925"],"_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":"Strong well-built frame at 6'3” 230 lbs. He's a plus athlete that is relentless in pursuit using his lateral agility and acceleration. He's a violent finisher at the POA flying up to attack ball carriers with good angles and burst to close. Flashes great instincts and awareness for a young LB. He's got good eye discipline to diagnose and locate the ball. Against the run he's quick to fill and does a good job taking on and defeating blockers at the POA with good hand usage. Shows he can drop back into zone coverage and use his range to make a play on the ball at the catch point. Strong tackler both in the box and in space. Can break down in space, wrap up, and drive his legs through contact to finish the ball carrier to the ground. Received his first offer from Colorado during his freshman season but has a ton of upside and potential to add more as the recruiting cycle continues.rnrn1 Offer: Colorado","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6566d0f3ddb35"} /-->