PRZIA 2026 Rankings Update | LB Prospect Profiles (Top 7)
In this article:
Linebacker might not be a position that pops into people’s minds when thinking about in-state prospects. If they thought about it more, maybe it would. Iowa’s Jack Campbell won the 2022 Butkus Award as the nation’s top college linebacker. Decorah’s…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingLinebacker might not be a position that pops into people’s minds when thinking about in-state prospects. If they thought about it more, maybe it would.
Iowa’s Jack Campbell won the 2022 Butkus Award as the nation’s top college linebacker. Decorah’s Josey Jewell claimed the Lambert Trophy while playing for the Hawkeyes in ’17. The state’s ’24 Class was linebacker heavy with Derek Weisskopf Derek Weisskopf 6'3" | 200 lbs | LB Williamsburg | 2024 State IA , Cam Buffington Cam Buffington 6'3" | 200 lbs | LB Winfield-Mt Union | 2024 State IA and Preston Ries Preston Ries 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Monticello | 2024 State IA , all of whom signed with the Hawkeyes.
The position is sound for the ’26 Class as well, as evidenced by the updated Prep Redzone Iowa Rankings this week. The group is led by Fort Dodge’s DreShaun Ross DreShaun Ross 6'3" | 195 lbs | LB Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA , who checks in at No. 3 overall. Here’s a closer look at the Top 7 linebackers in the cycle:
Ross (6-3, 215) became a more well-known prospect in February of ’23, when he won a state wrestling title as a freshman. You do that in Iowa, and people notice. Right after that, he hauled in football scholarship offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska by the end of May. Kansas State and Wisconsin have jumped in since then. He also pinned his way to another state title on the mat this winter. As a sophomore, he racked up 55 solo tackles and 11.0 tackles for loss. Ross added 729 yards (6.1 YPC) and eight touchdowns rushing, much of it produced out of the wildcat. While watching his sophomore highlight video, we see a dominant force on both sides of the ball. He possesses the size, speed and athleticism to be special. I’m not saying he’s the next Ben Kueter, but I’m not saying he’s not, either.
Thomas (6-1, 190) is receiving Power 5 interest after a sophomore season that saw him lead Heelan in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (17.0), ranking second with 41 solo stops. He added 422 yards and three touchdowns rushing. Thomas lists his positions as outside linebacker and running back on his 10th-grade film. His athleticism and explosiveness pop off of the highlights. The first clip shows him lining up on the edge and intercepting a pass during the state championship game. The Crusaders utilize Thomas as an outside linebacker in a 3-4, frequently sending him at the opposing quarterback. His power, speed and slick moves are advanced for his age. His recruiting stock could rise during a summer camp tour that likely will have him at Iowa, Kansas State, Iowa State, South Dakota State and North Dakota State.
It would be fair to say Claus (6-2, 195) produced as a sophomore. In fact, that would be an understatement. The Keokuk standout piled up 94.5 tackles (59 solo, 11.0 TFL) with a pair of sacks and two interceptions last fall. His 10th-grade highlight video matches up with the statistics. He moved around the second level, lining up on the weak side, in the middle and over the tight end in a 4-3. He does a really nice job diagnosing plays and quickly making his way to the ball in attacking the rush. He moves well in coverage and keeps his eyes on the quarterback.
Highlights
Demaray (6-0, 215) delivered 25 solo tackles as a sophomore on varsity last fall. His 10th-grade highlight video lists his position as inside/outside linebacker. That makes sense when watching the film. He moves around the formation. Demaray finds his way to the ball carrier from all of those spots, doing well in getting off of blocks. He shows good form in tackling and wraps up upon arrival. There aren’t many plays on video with him in coverage, but he looks nimble in the ones included.
Highlights
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Montgomery revealed his athleticism by returning seven kicks and punting once as a sophomore while mostly playing linebacker. You don’t see that a lot. He totaled 12 solo tackles, 3.0 stops for loss and a sack as a 10th-grader. During his most recent highlight video, Montgomery proves to be a violent tackler with noticeable strength for his age. His frame looks like it can add good weight that won’t impact the high-end athleticism with which he plays the position.
Dudley (6-3, 225) sticks out for the Class 1A Bulldogs in stature and in production. As a 10th-grader, he shined on both sides of the ball. He rushed for 508 yards and six touchdowns, both of which led the team. He led the squad in tackles for loss (9.5) and sacks (6.5), and ranked second with 36 solo stops. His motor and dogged pursuit of the football rise up when watching his sophomore highlight video. He lists his position as defensive end and that’s mostly where he lines up. Chasing down the quarterback and stopping the run are strengths of his.
Another talented Weisskopf is matriculating through Williamsburg after Class of 2024 standout, Derek Weisskopf Derek Weisskopf 6’3″ | 200 lbs | LB Williamsburg | 2024 State IA , led the Raiders to their first state championship last fall. Dylan contributed 20.5 tackles (14 solo, 2.0 TFL) and a sack to the cause. He’s announced summer camp invites from Nebraska and Houston. During his sophomore highlights, Dylan Weisskopf Dylan Weisskopf 6’0″ | 200 lbs | LB Williamsburg | 2026 State IA (6-0, 200) consistently finds the right path to the ball carrier, using proper form in tackling. He also runs well in space and moves fluidly laterally.