2026 Linebackers to Watch in 2024
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Linebackers are players that can completely disrupt both the run and the pass plays from the opposing offense. The class of 2026 is deep with talented linebackers that are going to open plenty of eyes this upcoming season. In this…
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Continue ReadingLinebackers are players that can completely disrupt both the run and the pass plays from the opposing offense. The class of 2026 is deep with talented linebackers that are going to open plenty of eyes this upcoming season. In this article, we are going to highlight several 2026 linebackers to watch out for over the next couple of months.
Jakore Smith Jakore Smith 6'1" | 190 lbs | LB Little Rock Parkview | 2026 State AR -Linebacker-Little Rock Parkview-6’1” 190-Pounds
Jakore Smith Jakore Smith 6'1" | 190 lbs | LB Little Rock Parkview | 2026 State AR is one of the most impressive linebackers in the state. He does a great job of getting away from blocks and hauling down the ball carrier. Smith uses his speed well and can get into the opposing offensive backfield to disrupt the play. Meanwhile, he has the instinct to read the quarterback and drop back into pass coverage. Smith is a linebacker that rarely has to come off of the field and he is a player to watch out for in 2024.
Braxton Lindsey Braxton Lindsey 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Rogers | 2026 State AR -Athlete-Rogers-6’3” 205-Pounds
Braxton Lindsey Braxton Lindsey 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Rogers | 2026 State AR has been one of the most versatile players in the state of Arkansas over the past couple of seasons. On the defensive side of the ball, he uses a mix of power and speed to separate from blocks and haul down the ball carrier. He is a player that is always around the ball carrier and looks to make a big play. Lindsey is a prospect to watch on both sides of the ball for the Rogers Mounties as we approach the 2024 season.
Keon Chaffin Keon Chaffin 5'11" | 210 lbs | LB Dumas | 2026 State AR -Linebacker-Dumas-5’11” 210-Pounds
The Dumas linebacker is a defensive player that can completely disrupt an opposing offensive game plan if unaccounted for on the field. Chaffin has impressive speed and uses it well to get away from blockers. He does a nice job of pursuing and hauling down the ball carrier. Chaffin has the speed to drop back into pass coverage and disrupt the opposing offensive passing attack. He is a player that I am expecting to have a big 2024 season for Dumas.
Kevin Pope Kevin Pope 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Pine Bluff | 2026 State AR -Linebacker-Pine Bluff-6’1” 225-Pounds
Kevin Pope Kevin Pope 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Pine Bluff | 2026 State AR is a player that can shift from the defensive end position to the linebacker spot with no trouble at all. Pope uses his speed well to get away from blocks and pressure the opposing quarterback. He does a nice job of defending the run by clogging up rushing lanes and bringing down the running back. Pope can surprise opposing offenses with his ability to drop back into pass coverage and cause problems for the opposing passing attack. Pope is a prospect to watch out for this upcoming season.
Rylan Mcnamee Rylan Mcnamee 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Valley View | 2026 State AR -Linebacker-Valley View-6’2” 195-Pounds
Rylan Mcnamee Rylan Mcnamee 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Valley View | 2026 State AR is another dynamic athlete that can play all over the field for Valley View. He has the speed and the ability to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball. Mcnamee does a nice job of defeating blocks and getting to the opposing ball carrier. He has the hands that can pick off passes and take it the opposite direction. Mcnamee is a player to watch out for over the next couple of seasons for Valley View.