Top 2027 Linebackers in Kentucky to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to continue to highlight some of the most impactful prospects that made their presence known on the field last season. Following my breakdown of some intriguing freshman offensive linemen, it's time to look at the defensive side of the ball. Without any further ado, here's my list of the top 2027 linebackers in Kentucky to watch for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378839"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"In the first place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='378839' first='Garyon' last='Hobbs'], a linebacker at Christian Academy of Louisville. What impresses me about Hobbs is his ability to read the offense and shut down the running game. Another facet of Hobbs that makes a considerable difference is his ability to punch through openings in the offensive line to both apply pressure on and sack the quarterback.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MpTc3u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660ef234292a6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["415771"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='415771' first='Jeremiah' last='Anderson'], a linebacker at Pikeville High School. Anderson stands out with his ability to read the offense like a book and quickly shut down the ground game with his defensive execution in the pocket. I also like Anderson's ability to spot the handoff, utilize bursts of speed to blast past the offense and use his size to make crucial stops.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2N2QHyu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660ef2342934f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["871920"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='871920' first='Austyn' last='Lawless'], a linebacker at Somerset High School. What makes Lawless so efficient defensively is his ability to use his size and electric speed to his advantage in the pocket, proving his ability to both catch and stop the rush. I also like how Lawless can breach the offensive line and quickly drop the quarterback to the ground.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/19334892/650638e7ab925303fccd127cu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660ef234293a7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378834"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another skilled prospect to watch for is [player_tooltip player_id='378834' first='Jayden' last='Justice'], a linebacker at Pikeville High School. In addition to great size and speed, Justice impresses me with his ability to read the quarterback, quickly shut down the ground game and his ability to stop receivers after the catch. I also like how Justice can breach the pocket with ease, disrupt the short pass and apply heavy pressure on the gunslinger.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2N3GUKu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660ef23429434"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["482999"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='482999' first='Gage' last='Chapman'], a linebacker at Murray High School. What makes Chapman so impactful is his defensive explosiveness and his ability to force the occasional loose ball with his stopping power. I also like Chapman's ability to corner the rush from along the edge, proving his ability to make crucials stops and protect the backfield.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MfAwmu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660ef23429484"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200572"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='1200572' first='DJ' last='Hightower'], a linebacker at John Hardin High School. Hightower impresses me with his versatile edge and wingspan, showcasing his ability to read the long pass and pick off the quarterback with his ability to attack the ball in the air. I also like how Hightower can force the loose ball, easily punch through the offensive line and use his speed to sack the gunslinger.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2NE7FMu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660ef234294ce"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200568"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another playmaker to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='1200568' first='Brody' last='Calhoun'], a linebacker at Trigg County High School. Calhoun stands out with his ability to read the quick handoff and utilize his speed to catch the rush. Another aspect of Calhoun's playstyle that impresses is his solid footwork and his ability to wrap up the running back from along the edge. I also like how Calhoun can apply pressure on the quarterback.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19702005/65332e345caaa9106cbfdba9u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660ef23429518"} /-->