Under The Radar Small-Town 2026 Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some under the radar 2026 linebackers bound for a giant 2024 season?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone has all the details...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206144' first='Christian' last='Elam'] - Lincoln County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over in East Georgia is where you'll find one of the state's most underrated linebackers in the 2026 class. Just north of Augusta, Lincoln County sophomore linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1206144' first='Christian' last='Elam'] was a tackling machine. A true middle linebacker with an outstanding feel for the game, Elam is a hard-hitting defender who can get down-hill and close running lanes between the tackles. He's young, but even as a sophomore, Elam brought a physical style of play to the Lincoln County defenders. He reads the play well, can play close to the line of scrimmage, and has enough speed to chase down the ball-carrier trying to get to the perimeter. Last fall, Elam made an eye-opening 128 tackles and seven TFLs. He recorded at least 10 tackles in every game but two last year. He has a true nose for the ball and will likely light up the state sheet again as a junior next fall. He's a sleeper 2026 linebacker who could start seeing his recruitment pick up over the next several months. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283899' first='Reid' last='Voyles'] - Greater Atlanta Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new linebacker to know in Gwinnett County, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='283899' first='Reid' last='Voyles'] is not a stout defender that running backs don't want to see coming at them. A football magnet who consistently does his job on the field and doesn't mind contact, Voyles was one of the most productive linebackers not only in Norcross, but across the peach-state in the 2026 class. He takes on blocks, attacks the ball-carrier, and knows how to wrap up and make a big tackle. He's smart, tough, and instinctive. He plays with max effort and it led to a giant sophomore season last fall. The Rabun County linebacker was all over the field last year making 110 tackles, 10 TFLs, five sacks and one INT. He plays hard, plays with passion, and is one of the surest tacklers in the area. The 5-foot-10 200-pounder made at least 10 tackles in four of his last five games, ending the season on a high note. He's an impact defender to know and will only improve throughout this off-season. Look for him to be one of the state's leading tacklers in the 2026 class next year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ga/franklin/heard-county-braves/athletes/antonio-heath/football/stats/?careerid=lhvenhdqous11">[player_tooltip player_id='215857' first='Antonio' last='Heath']</a> - Heard County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A versatile player from West Georgia who can play both linebacker and running back, Heath is coming off a solid sophomore season for Heard County where he made 109 tackles, 13 TFLs, and two forced fumbles. He plays hard and brings a level of physicality that you don't see from many sophomores. A leader on the defender and one of the most productive linebackers in the area, Heath is quickly becoming one of the top linebackers in the area. It was a struggle for Heard County last fall as far as wins go, but Heath was certainly a bright spot for the team last year. He made at least 10 tackles in seven of his 11 games last year including his final three games of the season. He reacts quickly, hits behind his pads, and appeared to play better and better as the season went along. He's a name to keep an eye on in West Georgia next year as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->