FILM REVIEW: Impressive 2026 LBs On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some promising 2026 linebackers on the rise?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone has the details...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='682106' first='Chad' last='Fairchild'] - Lovejoy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough, hard-hitting linebacker with decent size and good instincts at 6-foot-2 210-pounds, Fairchild plays bigger than his size who knows how to make a big impact against the run. He shows a natural feel for the position and proved last year that he's a strong, dependable tackler. He brings a physical presence and was a consistent defender for Lovejoy all season long as a sophomore. If he continues to work hard and develop properly over the next few months, this playmaking defender could have a massive junior season this fall. If he does, look for more offers to come his way. He already holds D1 offers from Georgia State, Troy, Georgia Southern, Indiana, UCF, and Pitt, with more likely on the way. He's a football magnet who consistently finds his way to the ball-carrier. He sheds blocks, shows a good motor, and can make plays in the backfield. He can make a drive-killing play and stalks the back like a lion. He's a force, and his best football is way ahead of him. Now, Fairchild is ranked as the No. 29 overall prospect in the state according to Prep Redzone. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noah Lavallee - Walton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A versatile linebacker with strong, natural instincts, Lavalee made a big impact as a sophomore last year for one of the very best teams not only in Georgia but across the South last fall. Playing on a very loaded and talented Raider defense, Lavallee still found a way to stand out, making a respectable 43 tackles and four TFLs. With multiple starting linebackers heading to college, look for Lavallee to take a big step forward and be one of the team's leading tacklers next year as a junior. He's tough, physical, and can run to the perimeter in hopes of running down the ball carrier. He's fundamentally sound, wraps up, and will only get better this off-season. He works hard, loves to compete, and should see some offers come his way down the road. This 6-foot-2 220-pounder has a big opportunity in front of him to lead a promising Walton defense next year. He's one of the top returning defenders in the area, and he's currently ranked by Prep Redzone as the No. 59 overall prospect in the state for the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='908944' first='Brysen' last='Davies'] - Northgate</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An up-and-coming linebacker on the rise in the 2026 class, this Newnan native can help his Northgate squad in several different ways. He's dependable against the run, he can attack the quarterback, make plays on the ball in coverage, and can make plays on special teams. He was a tackling machine last year, bringing the ball-carrier to the ground an eye-opening 96 times while making eight tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He has a true nose for the football and was a consistent defender all season long for the Vikings last year. He takes on blocks, plays with physicality, and shows good tackling form. He's a ball player who loves the game and wants to get better. If he continues to improve over the next few months and has a giant 2024 season as a junior, look for some D1 programs to start coming in with an offer. He's a sleeper 2026 linebacker on the rise, but his time is certainly coming.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->