New Additions: 2026 Debuting Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Creating and updating player rankings is a challenging task with no real ending.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This round of updates got tough at the end as Prep Network rolled out updated technology for the recording process, which caused some last-minute cliches, yet, Prep Redzone was able to release updates for the Class of 2026 as scheduled earlier this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone scouts are constantly searching for new talent to add. As the last 20 or so players were added to this round of updates which saw 75 new players added, many of the final additions play the linebacker position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is a position where younger players can get noticed a little easier, especially at smaller schools. An athlete skilled enough and tough enough to play the linebacker position tends to get noticed by coaches, which often leads to an earlier chance to play compared to a defensive lineman or quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1241209' first='Jackson' last='Reed']</strong>, LB, 6'0”, 180, Eisenhower</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reed made 59 tackles as a sophomore which is an impressive number for a young backer at a large school. He has a solid defensive platform and has been coached on how to properly make tackles. His motor runs at full throttle and I expect him to continue to improve. He debuts in the rankings at No. 182.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248298' first='Diego' last='Perez']</strong>, LB, 6'0”, 165, Golden Plains</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Golden Plains Bulldogs are an eight-man program. Perez was their leading tackler with 105 in nine games. He recorded 90 tackles as a freshman and will have a ton of experience by the time his high school career is over. Prep Redzone has him ranked No. 189 overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248330' first='Tanner' last='Bruna'],</strong> LB, 6'2”, 175, Hanover</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bruna is an eight-man linebacker who finished with 100 tackles in 11 games. During his sophomore season, he recorded seven tackle-for-loss and recovered four fumbles. He was also a threat in the passing game for the Wildcats making 28 receptions for 405 yards and five touchdowns. He debuts in the rankings in the No. 191 slot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248312' first='Cass' last='Smith']</strong>, LB, 5'10”, 160, Trego</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is undersized and will need to improve his strength moving forward. However, he parlayed a 105-tackle season into a spot in the rankings. He has plus speed which accounted for 10 tackles-for-loss during his sophomore campaign. In 10 games he also recorded one quarterback sack and recovered one fumble. Offensively he rushed for 162 yards and gained 124 yards receiving. He enters the rankings at No. 190.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1264072' first='Colton' last='Bannister']</strong>, LB, 5'9”, 175, Wellington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bannister is a three-sport prospect for the Crusaders. He finished his sophomore season with 111 tackles. His speed is what makes him a difference-maker. The Crusader linebacker had 21 tackles for loss last season and made one quarterback sack. He was also solid in pass coverage finishing with one interception and two pass breakups. He was a last-minute addition to the rankings and is arguably under-ranked at No. 194 overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->