Linebackers Up Next in 19-6A

Listed below are some underclassmen at the linebacker position who have demonstrated their talents in the past season and are poised for even greater success in the future. These players exhibit hunger, speed, and physicality on the field, consistently displaying a knack for getting to the ball. With their exceptional playmaking abilities, they are expected to be among the top names in their respective classes and will undoubtedly be players to watch as they continue to develop and make their mark on the game.     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     [player_tooltip player_id='947690' first='Kosi' last='Okpala'] | OLB | Mayde Creek | 2026   Okpala emerged as a dominant force off the edge, demonstrating relentless determination to make an impact on the game. His exceptional quickness and hand technique off the snap allowed him to penetrate the backfield swiftly, disrupting opposing plays before they could develop. Okpala exhibited impressive physicality when shedding blocks, utilizing his elusiveness to evade blockers and leveraging his speed to pursue plays from the backside. Finishing his sophomore season with impressive stats including 66 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, Okpala has firmly established himself as a standout player at his position. With his talent and performance, he is poised to be recognized among the top players in his position for the seasons to come.      <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     [player_tooltip player_id='1652943' first='Jeremiah' last='Smith'] | OLB | Katy | 2026   Smith brought a combination of speed and physicality to the Tiger defense, displaying both determination and a great feel for the game. He exhibited comfort in space, seamlessly transitioning into coverage and effectively defending against the pass. In the run game, Smith proved to be disruptive, consistently shedding blocks and making impactful plays in the backfield. His ability to overpower opponents and secure tackles in space was notable, contributing to his effectiveness on the field. Smith's standout performances earned him the title of Newcomer of the Year in the district, signaling the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career. As he continues his journey, Smith is undoubtedly a name to watch closely.      <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     Jeremy Alo-Perry | MLB | Jordan | 2026   Alo-Perry demonstrated his versatility on the Warriors' defense, excelling as a reliable defender in the run game. He showcased adeptness at filling running lanes correctly and executing impressive tackles in the phone booth. Alo-Perry's ability to read blocks effectively allowed him to make decisive moves in pursuit of the ball, highlighting his quickness and tackling prowess. His range extended from sideline to sideline, making him a vital component of the defense's success. As he continues to develop and contribute to his team's efforts, Alo-Perry is undoubtedly a player worth keeping a close eye on in the upcoming season.      <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     Carleil Beard | MLB | Mayde Creek | 2026   Beard emerged as a highly active linebacker, skillful at reading plays and reacting swiftly on the field. With his head on a swivel, he made life difficult for opposing quarterbacks by consistently disrupting passing lanes and applying pressure. Beard showcased physicality at the point of attack, effectively shedding blocks and delivering crucial stops when necessary. His presence was felt in nearly every tackle, demonstrating his commitment and impact on the defensive side of the ball. With valuable experience gained from the past season, Beard is poised to continue leading from the mike position and play a pivotal role for his team in the upcoming season.      <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     Ryan Machado | OLB | Tompkins | 2026   Machado played his position to perfection in setting the edge and keeping containment. He used his arms to keep blockers at bay while keeping his eyes in the backfield, and not allowing anything outside of him. When unblocked, Machado caused havoc in the backfield, running through quarterbacks and making momentum shifting plays. He showed great lateral quickness in his play and stepped up when it was needed.

Listed below are some underclassmen at the linebacker position who have demonstrated their talents in the past season and are poised for even greater success in the future. These players exhibit hunger, speed, and physicality on the field, consistently displaying a knack for getting to the ball. With their exceptional playmaking abilities, they are expected to be among the top names in their respective classes and will undoubtedly be players to watch as they continue to develop and make their mark on the game.