3 Potentially Special Linebackers In The 2026 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're stopping and looking solely at a few young Linebackers in Indiana who are quickly rising in the recruiting world.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1080776"],"_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":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnIt doesn't take much time to figure out why Ranes may be special down the road. Whether you're talking about his frame, ability to rush the passer, or strength at the point of attack, he's ahead of the 8-ball here. He's had an incredibly impressive Sophomore season and put himself on the map as one of the state's top recruits in the 2026 class. 90 tackles, 60 of which were solos, 15.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 2 hurries, 1 interception, and 1 pass deflected his first year starting for one of the top programs in the state says quite a bit. He's got such a good feel for the game and is fairly explosive for a guy his size. I could see him being moved to DE at the collegiate level, but that's just because he's got the tools to become a premier pass rusher. Ranes was still learning this year, yet helped lead that defense all year long. The name [player_tooltip player_id='1080776' first='Garrett' last='Ranes'] isn't going anywhere for the foreseeable future, except a potentially a backfield near you.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnTwitter: u003cstrongu003e@Garrett_Ranesu003c/strongu003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:heading u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["320277"],"_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":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnBallart is a young LB we've had our eyes on since he was in Middle School. He's done nothing but come through and develop while playing at a high level for 2 years. In both his freshman and sophomore seasons, he was an immediate starter. Not just a starter, but the leader of that defense. Through 20 HS games, he's put up 162 tackles and 13 TFLs while flying around the field. His frame is thick and he's able to come downhill and play the run, yet has the ability to drop back into pass coverage. He uses his hands nicely and does a good job getting off of blocks with them. He's got some wiggle to him as well, so he's not stiff and can bend which always helps. His range and ability to cover side to side is what helps set Ballart apart. The length combined with his range and instincts always puts him right by the ball. Some guys just have a great feel for the game with all the tools you could ask for, and Ballart appears to be one of those rare ones.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnTwitter: u003cstrongu003e@BradyBallartu003c/strongu003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["283942"],"_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":"Maiers is fun to watch because of course, he checks quite a few boxes, but there are times it feels like he's 1 step ahead of the offense and will diagnose and sniff out a play before it has the chance to develop. 1 of his next best attributes is his length. He chews up yardage in a hurry and has great closing speed. He tackles with good form and wraps his head to the side which helps protect both parties. There are little things littered all over Maiers tape that make you fairly excited about what he could turn into. To put up 152 tackles, 96 of the solos, 7.5 TFLs, 2/5 sacks, 2 hurries, 2 passes deflected, and 1 forced fumble you have to be doing something right. He's one of those guys you can see that schools try to snag early because it's his long-term potential that is the most intriguing. I'm a big fan of Maiers and how he moves and plays the position so he should be highly regarded sooner than later.rnrnu003cstrongu003e@ParkerMaiersu003c/strongu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654a687147001"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@ParkerMaiers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->