4A Linebackers To Know In 2024

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some top 4A linebackers to keep an eye on in 2024?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone has the details...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Donald - Perry</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Perry Panthers won their first 4A state championship this past season, and Donald, a tackling machine at linebacker, is a big reason why. One of the top returning linebackers not only in the 4A class, but across Middle Georgia heading into next season, Donald is a sure-tackling defender with good size and a high motor at 6-foot-2 190-pounds. A 1st-team all-region selection last year, Donald is a quick, instinctive defender who locates the football and knows how to tackle. He shows good form and knows how to make a sure tackle in the open field. He can run, he can hit, and he lit up the stat sheet last year as a junior as he made an impressive 123 tackles, seven TFLs, three sacks, two INTs, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He made plays consistently all season long and should be even better as a senior in 2024. He's active, talented, and has a true nose for the football. He's recently earned offers from South Florida, Western Kentucky, Georgia State, among others. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cayden Gross - Chestatee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A true under-the-radar linebacker, Gross' size and speed may not stand out immediately, but his play on the field sure does. A consistent, dependable defender who doesn't mind contact, Gross understands the position and gets the ball-carrier to the ground. He's as dependable as it gets as a tackler and put up some really impressive numbers as a junior last year. He still brings decent size at 6-foot-1 195-pounds, and he brings a physical aspect as well. He's tough, instinctual, and can make tackle after tackle. Last season, this sleeper linebacker from Gainesville was named 1st team all-region after making 119 total tackles, nine TFLs, and two sacks. He made at least 10 tackles in seven games last year and should be even better next season as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570073' first='Nate' last='Horsley'] - Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more underrated linebackers across West Georgia, Horsley is an instinctive, playmaking linebacker who can do a little bit of everything. He can run down the ball carrier, rush the quarterback, and make plays in coverage. He consistently does his job and was constantly around the football. He was one of the more productive linebackers across the 4A class last year after making an eye-opening 105 tackles along with 8 TFLs, two sacks, one INT, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble. He understands his role, has a strong feel for the game, and knows how to tackle. He played better and better as the year went on and ended the 2023 season on a strong note as he made 12, 14, and 11 tackles in each of his final three games of the season. He's a linebacker on the rise and will only get better over the next several months. IF he does, expect a giant senior season out of him this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->