2027 Watch List: 15 Early LBs to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2027 Watch List has made its debut and 100 of some of the top freshmen in the state have been added. While there will be many more added through the next three years, it's important to recognize some of the 2027 prospects and start getting them on the radar. Here are some 2027 linebackers that have shown early signs of developing into future college prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["907920"],"_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":"The most productive freshman linebacker in the state this season was Mingo Central MLB [player_tooltip player_id='907920' first='Taegan' last='Hackney']. Hackney totaled 106 tackles, 17 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 sacks during his freshman campaign for the Miners. Listed at 5'9 175, Hackney may not be the biggest linebacker up to this point but he plays like he's 6'2 215. Early weight room development is apparent which gave him a great early boost at the high school level and prepared him for this level of competition. Hackney is an FBU alum which also put him ahead of most freshmen and further prepared him for the high school level. His smaller size helps, but Hackney plays with great leverage and showed very good hips through contact with the ability to knockback runners even with a size advantage on him. He showed good quickness and can shoot gaps or use his early strength to fight through traffic and blockers at the line of scrimmage to make a play on the ball leading to his high number of TFLs. Hackney has natural instincts for the position and is a high football IQ player who has been developed and prepared well for his age. If he can continue to get bigger he'll be one of the highest-ceiling linebackers in the 2027 class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1128467"],"_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":"Another productive freshman linebacker this season was Nitro's [player_tooltip player_id='1128467' first='Braylon' last='Price'] who was the fourth-leading tackler for the Wildcats. Price totaled 51 tackles this season and should see an even higher jump in production and a bigger role in 2024 as a sophomore. He was named the freshman of the year for Nitro by his coaches and started multiple games during his first year of high school. Limited film available right now to give a fair evaluation of his talent at this early stage, but the one thing that jumped out and is great to see for a young linebacker is his pursuit to the ball. Price will develop and improve on all of the nuances of the position over the next three years but showing the willingness to fight to get to the ball is a great early sign. This will be a big off-season for him for his strength and size development and should be in position for a breakout sophomore season in 2024.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["864954"],"_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":"Hurricane linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='864954' first='Devon' last='Short'] saw some varsity action for the Redskins during his freshman season and is a name to follow for the next three years. Short has early size for the position at 6'0 195 and totaled 18 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks this season. I liked the level of physicality he played with as a young linebacker with apparent athleticism to match it. Short gets downhill quickly while shooting gaps hard with bad intent. He's a sure tackler who can do so in space and behind or at the line of scrimmage. Short flashed quality pursuit speed and the ability to blitz from his middle linebacker position as well. Hurricane will return a stable of talented linebackers in 2024, but I believe Short has put himself in a position to see an increase in varsity action and a bigger role as a sophomore next season.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["652507"],"_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":"Yet another 2027 Cabell Midland Knight to watch for over the next three seasons is RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='652507' first='Brody' last='Simpkins']. The 6'2 195 two-way athlete could've been classified as either position, but I really like his potential and upside as a linebacker. Simpkins is a bruising power back on offense who was a handful for opposing defenses on the Knights' younger squad this season while seeing some varsity action as a freshman. He's going to be a real player for the varsity team in the future in their power run scheme either as a fullback or running back. There was a smaller sample of linebacker clips in his freshman highlight tape but size, power, and athleticism are all traits that will carry over to that position too. I expect Simpkins to develop into a top prospect in the 2027 class and one of the more exciting freshman prospects at this early stage.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1155296"],"_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":"Not far behind [player_tooltip player_id='907920' first='Taegan' last='Hackney'] as the most productive freshman linebacker in the state last year was Tug Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='1155296' first='Cane' last='Thompson']. Thompson led the Panthers in tackles with 106 along with 14 TFLs, 2 sacks, and an interception. He has quality size for a young linebacker at 6'0 170 and plays the position like an experienced player. The first two traits about his game that jumped out were his level of physicality and aggressive tackling ability. Thompson is a downhill thumper who will knock you back and prevent extra yards from being made. He showed good pursuit to the ball which led to his TFL production while having the speed to run ball carriers down. Thompson was also patient when in a spy or zone reading the quarterback before pursuing him with quick reaction. As he continues to get bigger and stronger he'll take his game to the next level, but Thompson has shown great early signs of developing into one of the higher-ranked linebackers in the 2027 class.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1052387"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Another linebacker name to know in Class A is East Hardy's [player_tooltip player_id='1052387' first='Garrett' last='VanMeter']. VanMeter was the 5th-leading tackler for the Cougars totaling 41 stops with 6 going for a loss. He's a big physical athlete for a freshman at 6'0 210 who doubles as a standout on the baseball field and will have options for which sports he plays in college. His early size and strength aided him in making plays at the line of scrimmage while being able to fight off blockers to get to the ball. That size and power translates to the offensive side of the ball where he got some reps at QB and RB and could be in line for more time at quarterback as a sophomore where East Hardy likes having physical runners for the position. Ultimately, I believe VanMeter's ceiling is highest at linebacker where he could develop into a serious college prospect if he doesn't lean towards baseball.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["897594"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='897594' first='Brayden' last='Miller'] was a starting middle linebacker for the Preston Knights this season and flashed some good things during his first season at the high school level. He's your classic downhill middle linebacker who isn't afraid to mix it up inside the traffic at the line of scrimmage. Further weight room development and physical growth will greatly benefit him in that aspect of his game, but Miller showing the willingness to be physical among the LOS was a great early sign to see in a young linebacker. His best football is ahead of him, but he flashed some early potential for the Knights and starting at linebacker as a freshman is something you shouldn't overlook at any level.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1155292"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"I'm going to put in a prediction that 2027 Martinsburg LB [player_tooltip player_id='1155292' first='Hiam' last='Alvira'] will be a big-time player for the Bulldogs in the future. Alvira flashed some real playmaking ability on their freshmen team this season in the limited highlights available. The available highlights showed him flying around making plays with a knack for the football on both sides of the field. He'll be able to help sooner rather than later on special teams for the varsity squad too possibly even as a sophomore. Alvira flashed physicality and a nasty streak while being a blocker on offense as a RB/FB too. As more highlights become available, we'll have a better idea of his future outlook but even with a limited amount Alvira still excites.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["1155294"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Wheeling Central has a pair of 2027 prospects in this article with promising futures who could excel at more than one position in the future. That begins with QB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1155294' first='Brady' last='Ernest'] who will have to wait his turn at quarterback but has a clearer path to more playing time at linebacker. He saw some varsity time as a freshman and totaled 2o tackles, 2 TFLs, and a forced fumble while being a quality special teams player for the Maroon Knights too. The athleticism Ernest flashed as a freshman was notable, especially flying down on kickoff coverage. Physicality was also apparent as he showed the willingness to come downhill with bad intentions and knock an opposing player on their backside on kick return. While I'm sure Ernest would love to be QB1 in the future for the storied Wheeling Central program, I think his outlook as a linebacker is bright, and may even get to do both one day.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1145833"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003ePrep Redzone Showcase Participantu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernThe second of Wheeling Central's promising 2027 prospects is [player_tooltip player_id='1145833' first='Dustin' last='Sanner'] who could see time at RB and LB in the future for the Maroon Knights. Sanner has good early size for the linebacker position at 6'1 180 and had a solid showing at the OVAC Wrestling Tournament where he's considered a Top 10 wrestler in the 175-pound weight class in that conference. Although he has a limited sample set of football highlights right now, Sanner's athleticism jumps out to you when you watch him. He can get to and turn the corner when he lines up at slotback with breakaway speed. Sanner's wrestling background paired with his natural athleticism gives him a great foundation to build on for the linebacker position and I foresee him developing into a very good player for Wheeling Central sooner rather than later.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["1155298"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Clay County's [player_tooltip player_id='1155298' first='Seth' last='Robinson'] was a defensive end for the Panthers this season but his size and athleticism better suits him for linebacker as a college prospect. The 5'10 190 freshman had big-time production for the 8-win Panthers this season from his DE position. Robinson was the 4th-leading tackler totaling 48 tackles and an incredible 19 TFLs and 7 sacks. While he's undersized for a traditional defensive end, Robinson is a nightmare for bigger offensive linemen to block with his quickness and twitch. He's quick off the ball with the agility to redirect mid-rush and can change direction better than most bigger defensive linemen can. That led to his high production behind the line of scrimmage and a tough block especially at the small school level. While Robinson is an unconventional player right now, he's highly intriguing and could make for a promising OLB/Edge-type prospect down the road depending on how much he grows.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b32f77ad431"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other 2027 LBs to Know:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155293' first='Colton' last='Petry'] - Poca</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155303' first='Gabriel' last='Burson'] - Martinsburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='863631' first='Ilias' last='King'] - Huntington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='895942' first='Kyree' last='Brooks'] - Washington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*Don't see your name on the Watch List or Rankings? Visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/"><strong>Prospect Index</strong></a>&nbsp;page and claim or create your&nbsp;<em><strong>FREE</strong></em>&nbsp;player profile to ensure you are on our radar!*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->