IL Rising Stars: Class of 2026 Linebackers
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As we search for rising stars throughout the Land of Lincoln, Prep Redzone IL will be taking a look at Class of 2026 prospects who burst onto the scene during their sophomore campaigns. Moving on to Linebackers, below are some…
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Continue ReadingAs we search for rising stars throughout the Land of Lincoln, Prep Redzone IL will be taking a look at Class of 2026 prospects who burst onto the scene during their sophomore campaigns. Moving on to Linebackers, below are some of the Class of 2026 rising stars who balled out last fall.
Howard is a 6’2, 220 lbs sophomore who played all over the field last season for one of Illinois’ top programs in East St. Louis. Early on in the year, Howard shined on special teams for the flyers, showing off his athleticism, speed, and physicality on every unit. He was also a jack of all trades on defense, as Howard played off the ball, on the edge, and even had his hand in the dirt. No matter where he lined up, Howard’s tremendous physicality and athleticism stood out. Whether setting the edge in the run game, scraping to shed pullers and make tackles, or rushing the passer, Howard is a rising star who will boost the Flyers defense from a variety of positions next season.
Anderson is a Mike linebacker out of Kenwood Academy. The Class of 2026 rising star is a true sideline-to-sideline interior backer who plays with a high motor. He measures in at 5’11, 195 lbs and plays with a powerful base that allows him to knock opposing ball carriers backwards at the point of contact. Anderson is as sure-handed a tackler was one will find and can shed blocks in a variety of ways. He is powerful enough to shock offensive linemen, yet athletic enough to stick his foot in the group and slip blocks. As he will patrol the middle of the Bronco’s defense for the next 2 seasons, keep an eye out for Anderson as a rising star in the Land of Lincoln.
Highlights
Drake burst onto the scene during his sophomore campaign, as the Geneva stand out tallied 92 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles while splitting time at both the sophomore and varsity level. The 6’1, 200 lbs linebacker and special teams stand out always brings one thing to gameday – the ability to tackle. Drake plays with his feet under control and a strong base that allows him to make some impressive solo tackles in the open field. He also possesses plus speed and physicality, allowing him to stop ball carriers in their tracks and get them down in a hurry. As he continues to develop his craft, Drake’s stock is on the rise heading into his junior season.
Dunagan is a physical linebacker out of Joliet Catholic Academy. The 6’0, 205 lbs playmaker can play both on the edge and in box. Regardless of where he lines up, Dunagan’s elite physicality shines. He plays with passion and a high motor that jumps out on tape. With a strong lower half, Dunagan can shed blocks using low pad level and stop opposing running backs in their tracks. When playing on the edge, Dunagan isn’t afraid to stick his face in the fire and take on bigger offensive tackles. And when pass rushing, Dunagan shows off his athleticism and bend. As he heads towards his junior campaign, keep an eye on Dunagan as he is poised for a breakout season.
Highlights
Kozub is a 6’0, 213 lbs linebacker out of Stagg. He is a true two-way player, who shined throughout his sophomore campaign at both mike linebacker and running back. Kozub’s athleticism translates to both sides of the ball, as he displays plus speed and quick agility in short area. Kozub is a highly instinctual player, who has a nose for the ball on defense. He plays with low pad level and explodes from the hips when making tackles at the line of scrimmage. As he heads into his junior year, Kozub’s stock is soaring.