Top Returning 2026 Linebackers In 2A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some top returning 2026 linebackers in 2A?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone takes a look...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tailen Sampson – Northeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough, physical linebacker in Macon, Sampson played like an upperclassmen last fall as a sophomore and brought great effort every time he put the pads on. An instinctive player for his age, Sampson is versatile enough to play outside or inside over the next two seasons. He's already a dependable, playmaking defender and had an incredibly productive 2023 season where he made 112 total tackles and six TFLs while forcing two fumbles. He hit the 10+ tackle mark in seven games last fall, proving to be one of the better and most productive sophomore linebackers across Macon and Middle Georgia. He's a tackling machine, and he'll likely light up the stat sheet again as a junior. If he does, don't be surprised to see some D1 offers come his way. He's a 2026 linebacker on the rise who could see a new ranking come his way in the next Prep Redzone update. At 5-foot-11 195-pounds, he may not be the biggest or faster, but he plays hard and has a true nose for the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ga/decatur/columbia-eagles/athletes/charles-harris/football/stats/?careerid=qf1f1ta6q47bb">Charles Harris</a>&nbsp;– Columbia</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another sure-tackling defender with a natural feel for the position, Harris is a quick-reacting linebacker who can play in space and deliver a sound hit on the ball-carrier. This Atlanta-area defender is coming off a very productive sophomore season where he made 106 total tackles and six TFLs. He's a tad on the shorter end, but he brings a muscular, compact frame. He brings a physical style of play and has no problem stuffing the running lanes in the trenches. He comes down-hill and strikes with authority. He doesn't miss a lot of tackles, and he consistently got the back to the ground all year long. He's made at least six tackles in every game this season and has made 10+ tackles twice, along with one forced fumble. He shows good instincts and is starting to emerge as one of the better 2026 linebackers on that side of Atlanta.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1253865' first='CJ' last='Reece'] - Fannin County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A stout, physical linebacker who plays the run as well as any 2026 linebacker in the area, Reece is an instinctive defender with a high motor. He plays fast and has a knack for sliding through blocks on his way into the backfield. He reads the run and knows how to attack when meeting the ball-carrier in the trenches. An active defender and strong tackler, Reece is coming off a strong 2023 season as a sophomore where he made 94 tackles and 10 TFLs. He always found his way around the play and showed last year that he was among the best of the best in the 2A class. He does his job every Friday night and should only get better and better over the next few months. Look for Reece to have a giant 2024 season this year as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->