Under The Radar 2026 Linebackers To Know In 3A
Who are some 2026 linebackers bound for a strong junior season in 3A? Prep Redzone has the details… Malachi Character Malachi Character 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Upson-Lee | 2026 State GA – Upson-Lee A small-town defender who flashed…
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Continue ReadingWho are some 2026 linebackers bound for a strong junior season in 3A?
Prep Redzone has the details…
Malachi Character Malachi Character 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Upson-Lee | 2026 State GA – Upson-Lee
A small-town defender who flashed D1 potential last year as a sophomore, Character is a tough defender with above-average speed who roams the middle of the field, looking to attack the ball carrier. He reacts quickly and knows how to get sideline to sideline to help defend the perimeter. He knows how to deliver a sound tackle behind his pads and made a big impact week after week last year as a sophomore. He’s coming off a promising 2023 season where he made 104 tackles and nine TFLs. He consistently found his way into the backfield and made drive-ending plays behind the line of scrimmage. He shows a good motor and his best football is still years ahead of him. If he continues to improve and develop over the next few months, this 6-foot-1 185-pounder could absolutely see some possible D1 offers head his way with a big junior season.
Heath Gregg – Ridgeland
One of the more productive linebackers across the 3A classification last year among sophomores, Gregg’s size may not blow anyone away, but his natural instincts and max-effort style of play led to a very strong 2023 season last year. He’s not afraid to take on blocks from bigger linemen and does a good job of getting himself in a good position to find the ball carrier. He’s a strong, fundamentally sound defender who wraps up properly and makes an impact every night. Just a sophomore, Gregg was one of the more productive linebackers across Northwest Georgia as he made 96 tackles. He’s smart, instinctive, and should be even better as a junior next season.
Zach Weeks – Oconee County
A new Athens-area linebacker to know for the 2024 season, Weeks is the next D1-caliber linebacker from the impressive Weeks family who should see some offers come his way at some point in the future. A quick, instinctive linebacker with a promising frame at 6-foot-2 210-pounds, Weeks is a tough, hard-hitting defender who has a knack for avoiding blocks and getting after the ball-carrier. He brings a physical style of play along with a high football IQ that should allow him to have a giant 2024 season as a junior. Last fall in year two, Weeks was one of the more productive 2026 linebackers in the area and across the 3A classification, making 102 tackles in less than 11 games with one sack and one forced fumble. His stock is on the rise and he’ll likely see a rankings boost in the next Prep Redzone update. He has the physical tools for his age and has a true nose for the football. Look for Weeks to be one of the leading 3A linebackers once again in 2024.