Scouting The Class: #TN2025 Linebackers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This year's collections of backers looks to be one of the deepest of all time with a large group of prospects destined for the college ranks and others sitting under the radar, waiting to be found. Here we provide a great look at the top linebacker prospects from each region within the #TN2025 class. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East TN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eastern part of the state provides a nice crop of linebackers in this year's class with the middle linebacker position being the most prominent. That middle role is critical within many defense's on the next level with it being asked to make calls and run the show. I think we have a few guys from East Tennessee that fit that mold.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baylor has a quartet of linebackers that all scream college potential with the possibility of reaching the D1 playing field. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206015' first='Joel' last='Lowenberg']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923598' first='Bradley' last='Ilunga-Bisselele']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1110937' first='Davis' last='Garrett'] </strong>are all physical specimens with the size and skill set to be considered college level prospects. Lowenberg is a true middle backer with range, who plays with controlled violence.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ilunga-Bisselele is a versatile prospect that looks the part of a middle backer but shows enough athleticism to contribute on the edge as well. Garrett has the size (6'3 220) to excel on the inside or off the edge but it's his instincts and range that has me and college coaches interested.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1263921,"width":"353px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/bib.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1263921" style="width:353px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying in the Chattanooga area, McCallie senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1221869' first='Bear' last='Cortes'] </strong>and Chatt. Christian defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219422' first='Malik' last='Lee'] </strong>are two middle backer prospects that bring different skill sets to the table with both being physical competitors.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cortes is a good athlete that can run, showing the sideline to sideline range to compete on a high level in college. He also has enough versatility to play the edge if needed as well. Lee is a true middle backer that is a thumper versus the run. If he can increase his athleticism and speed this off-season, Lee could see a big increase with his recruitment.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Science Hill linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='842802' first='Baylor' last='Necessary'] </strong>returns for the Fall season as one of the top tacklers in the state based on production and someone that still sits under the radar, even with a strong profile. The Hilltoppers senior backer brings good size to the field (6'3 225) along with strong instincts and a violent approach to the game that would play up well on the collegiate gridiron.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you want a middle backer that will hit hard and can run, Maryville senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137205' first='Matthew' last='Covert'] </strong>is your guy. If this East TN product was sitting in the 6 '1 to 6' 3 range, Covert would be a much more highly recruited prospect but sitting at 6 '0, the Rebels senior backer makes up for his size with outstanding recognition skills and controlled violence.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greeneville senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390715' first='Drew' last='Armbrister'] </strong>is as steady as they come in this state. A multi year starter for his Green Devils team, Armbrister is a smart guy that can make all the calls from his middle linebacker role as well as bring the physicality to the field needed for his position. If he can increase his speed over these off-season months, Armbrister should see an expansion with his recruiting.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Headed into the summer camp season, these three under the radar linebackers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='783318' first='Cody' last='Miller'] </strong>(Anderson Co.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102519' first='Eli' last='Harrison'] </strong>(Lenoir City) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1100693' first='Ben' last='Reece'] </strong>from Gatlinburg-Pittman have a big opportunity in front of them to make some headway with their recruitments as well as boost their overall stocks. Miller is an active ball player that shows a quick first step and the range to make tackles sideline to sideline.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harrison is an intriguing linebacker that brings good size to the table (6'2 205) along with position versatility. His upside may reside best on the inside but Harrison could play snaps on the edge, using his athleticism to get upfield. Reece is a tad undersized at 6'0 195 but he is a fierce tackler that shows good quickness on film along with the frame to pack on more size.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two middle backers in Bearden senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800752' first='Kai' last='Ironside'] </strong>and Sevier Co. defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='983418' first='Tyler' last='Mann'] </strong>round out our look at the East Tennessee linebackers and both are key components to the team's defense's headed into the 2024 season. Ironside is an active guy that plays much bigger than his 5'11 size. He is an aggressive tackler that has no problem sticking his nose into the mesh.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mann is a multi year starter for his Smoky Bears team that is their heart and soul on defense that can make all the calls. Biggest thing holding him back with his recruitment is his overall speed and explosion. If he can increase those traits, Mann will certainly see an uptick of interest from collegiate coaches.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1155228,"width":"406px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Matthew-Covert.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1155228" style="width:406px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mid TN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of the top talent from the #TN2025 linebacker class resides right here in the Middle Tennessee region with maybe being the deepest it has ever been. You can find 20 plus guys in this area that have the potential to reach the D1, FCS level with the potential to possibly take their games past the collegiate platform.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a tough call to say who is the best linebacker in this state and in this region with top options like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390716' first='Brenden' last='Anes'] </strong>(Page), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219426' first='Sam' last='Haley'] </strong>(Ensworth), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219450' first='Ethan' last='Carson'] </strong>(Blackman) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219367' first='Kris' last='Thompson'] </strong>(Lipscomb Acad.) sitting at the top of the charts but all four are legit prospects with big time abilities, worthy of top honors.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anes is a superb athlete that can play inside or out on defense, sporting the speed and range to make tackles sideline to sideline or rush the backfield. He has as much upside as any linebacker in the state and those talents will be displayed at Page this Fall and next year at Wisconsin.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haley has multiple Power Four programs hot on his trail and it's for good reason. The Tigers senior linebacker brings a lot of tools and traits like size, speed and instincts to the field that screams college starter. Much of the exact same things can be said about Thompson. The Mustangs linebacker plays a violent, explosive brand of football along with range to chase down the ball wherever he is placed on the gridiron.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carson is an intriguing backer that has plenty of college interest and offers but has yet to reach that Power Four status. This Murfreesboro area senior is someone I really like as Carson competes very hard with a non-stop motor and speed to chase down the ball from anywhere. I believe he would be a steal for whatever Power program decides to get on-board with him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ensworth senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390710' first='Micah' last='Smith'] </strong>has boosted his stock tremendously this off-season, positioning himself as a top talent at linebacker and someone on the fringe of reaching that Power status. Explosive with natural athletic abilities, Smith has great upside for the next level as either an inside or outside backer due to his quickness and strong instincts.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1263928,"width":"375px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/micsmith.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1263928" style="width:375px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beech senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='951112' first='Gunnar' last='Clary']</strong>, Centennial edge linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301403' first='Aidan' last='Wright'] </strong>and Kirkwood defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='976602' first='Perry' last='Cross-Snead'] </strong>are three of the more underrated #TN2025 talents we have in this year's cycle that have yet to really breakout on the recruiting scene. Clary is at the top of that list for me as this Hendersonville area linebacker has some of the best upside of all defenders in this state. This 6 '2 215 pound backer can run, showing excellent range and athleticism that translates well to the next level as well as the potential to develop into a multi year starter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright started coming on strong during the back half of his junior season last year, showing the potential to cause havoc off the edge within the college ranks. He has good burst along with athleticism and developing handwork off the edge along with a good body to take on more weight. Cross-Snead is a hidden gem with nice size (6'3 220) and the dude can run. He has picked up a few FCS offers thus far but could see an increase with his recruitment if he can work on his grades and overall development.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Station Camp senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841262' first='Kelton' last='Crisp'] </strong>is one of the more interesting defenders we have on defense in this class as I could see him developing at both defensive end and edge linebacker in the college game. Seeing him in person this off-season and watching his junior film, I like Crisp standing up on the edge where his ability to rush the passer while contributing in the run game could be on full display.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/prospect-database/?player_name=&amp;high_school_name=&amp;class%5B%5D=2025&amp;position%5B%5D=LB&amp;commitment=">#TN2025 Linebacker Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much of the above can be said about Brentwood linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850431' first='Mason' last='Ray']</strong>. The Bruins senior defender shows on film some explosive play off the edge along with an aggressive mindset and closing speed towards the ball. Right now this Mid-Tennessee product sits under the radar but could break out soon as I see some strong potential with Ray.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving into some talented middle linebackers, here we have three guys in Cookeville senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353388' first='Blake' last='Owen']</strong>, Clarksville two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1240386' first='Ahmoyre' last='Galbreath'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490634' first='Jomauri' last='Smith'] </strong>out of Riverdale that all show potential to reach the next level with big senior years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owen is a Mr. Football candidate at quarterback for his Cavs team but his future in college is at linebacker where he could be one of the best coverage middle backers in the state. Galbreath is a violent dude that can run! He is the team's star running back but his linebacker film shows excellent upside to become a headhunter in the middle. Smith is another hidden gem that I think can turn some heads this summer at camps. He is an athletic backer with good size (6'1 215), range and instincts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ravenwood has a pair of backers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219353' first='Lane' last='Sumerel'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153858' first='Austin' last='Mayfield'] </strong>that should be defensive leaders this Fall and two of the more productive defenders at their position within the Mid-TN region. Sumerel is a true middle backer that shows nice reactionary skills versus the run along with deceptive athleticism. Mayfield is a thumper, a violent competitor that seeks out contact. He fits best in college at middle backer but shows enough athleticism to get some work on the edge as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coffee County and Rossview both have a pair of linebackers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='250830' first='Jayden' last='Carter'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='656684' first='Kole' last='Phillips'] </strong>that sit under the radar but are multi year starting productive defenders that simply show up game in and game out, getting the job done. Carter is a good athlete that can drop in space against the pass. Phillips is a true middle backer that reads and reacts well versus the run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1138154,"width":"408px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/19-Jayden-Carter.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1138154" style="width:408px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joining Anes at Page for the 2024 season is a guy in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102509' first='Aiden' last='Merlin'] </strong>that many may not know about but sports the size and upside to reach the college level. He<strong> </strong>should provide a steady presence in the middle for the Pats defense this Fall as a key run stuffer and someone with the size and speed to provide a pass rush as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rutherford County area is full of good linebackers for the #TN2025 cycle. Along with several guys mentioned above, this area also has some prospects in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1261893' first='Adin' last='Augustine'] </strong>(Smyrna), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1261922' first='Evangelos' last='Brooks'] </strong>(Rockvale) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131019' first='Keilan' last='Harris'] </strong>from Stewarts Creek that show upside to play college ball but need a strong summer camp season and Fall football year to get there.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Augustine is someone to watch moving forward. This is an athletic middle backer that may be one of the better coverage linebackers in the entire state. Brooks is a highly instinctive tackler that reads and reacts very well while playing a physical brand of football game in and game out. Harris is a true middle backer that plays well against the run. He shows flashes of excellent play but will need to continue developing his athleticism further to boost his stock much higher.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williamson County is heavy with linebackers as well. Several have already been mentioned above but a few others to mention are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='939778' first='Gavin' last='Schaffer'] </strong>from Brentwood Academy, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='942774' first='Wesley' last='Ritzen'] </strong>out of BGA and Brentwood senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='864309' first='William' last='Stockhoff']</strong>. All three of these guys are steady performers for their teams that fit certain roles. Schaffer and Stockhoff are true middle backers that seek out the run while Ritzen is an edge rusher with untapped abilities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Antioch senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102518' first='Quortez' last='Gilbert'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1156741' first='Donovan' last='Pinkston'] </strong>out of Franklin Road Academy are two Nashville area linebackers to know about moving forward. Both these guys sport nice physical traits and athletic flashes that can develop well in the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few other guys to know about and pay attention to this Fall are Camden Central senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815333' first='Nate' last='Redman']</strong>, Cannon Co. coverage linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390619' first='Zae' last='Odom']</strong>, CPA middle backer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467262' first='Steele' last='Chance'] </strong>and Mt. Pleasant defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369060' first='Evan' last='Plunkett']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a very deep linebacker class coming out of the Mid-Tennessee region that sports a variety of guys that fit multiple roles that are destined for the Power Four, D1 and FCS ranks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1263941,"width":"352px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/donpinkston.jpg?w=655" alt="" class="wp-image-1263941" style="width:352px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West TN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our West Tennessee crop isn't as deep this year as some years past but it does have a few guys that bring some upside to the playing field that college coaches would enjoy developing. Everything out in this region begins and ends with the clear cut top talent out West in Bartlett senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='795560' first='Austin' last='Howard']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers 6'3 225 pound linebacker and future Vanderbilt Commodore has some of the best upside of all defensive prospects within the #TN2025 class. Howard is well built physically with outstanding burst and speed off the edge to potentially develop into a feared pass rusher inside the Southeastern Conference.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adamsville senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='560460' first='Avery' last='McCormick'] </strong>is another West Tennessee linebacker that has received some buzz on the recruiting trail up to this point. Holding several FCS offers in hand, McCormick could certainly boost his stock further this summer with good work during camp season then following up with a monster senior year. Playing on the level this West TN talent does, McCormick should dominate his opponents and if he does, watch his recruiting take-off.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an ear out for Briarcrest Christian edge linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213954' first='Jordan' last='Brown'] </strong>over the coming months as this could be one of the big breakout stars from the #TN2025 class. Sporting great size (6'3 215 lbs) with a frame to pack on more size, Brown is an athletic and twitchy edge guy that shows nice burst on film along with the ability to drop into pass coverage. This Memphis area product is dripping with potential, so watch out for this Saints defender moving forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest hitters coming out West is Hamilton hybrid backer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1170987' first='Kavion' last='Yancey']</strong>. Slowly moving his way up the recruiting charts this off-season, Yancey has mainly played safety throughout his high school career but as he continues to grow and mature the more and more he turns into a linebacker. His athleticism, range and violence plays well within the front seven where he can rush the backfield but also play in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1256869,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/kavyancey.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1256869" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christian Brothers senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353446' first='Ethan' last='Johnson'] </strong>has become a name to follow this Fall after a strong off-season campaign where he has proved on the 7v7 circuit that he can play in pass coverage as well as stay stout versus the run. The Purple Wave senior fits best inside at middle backer but brings the athleticism to the field that allows him to do a variety of things on defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finishing up our look at the West Tennessee linebackers, here we have three guys in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1110709' first='Sammie' last='Smith'] </strong>(Ripley), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1246567' first='A.J.' last='Greene']</strong> (Collierville) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219363' first='Owen' last='Waggener'] </strong>(Houston) that sit under the radar but show on film potential and the ability to play their way into the college ranks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is an intriguing guy due to his size and natural athletic abilities. He handles the quarterback role for his Tigers offense but shows flashes of defensive upside on film that translate well to college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greene is a fast, quick burst backer that fits the middle role due to his size but he plays a fearless brand of football that is exciting to watch. He should step into a bigger role this Fall and turn into a prospect college coaches need to follow up on. Waggener has a ways to go with his development but plays a versatile role for his Mustangs team as their tight end but also middle backer on defense. He is a consistent, tough ball player that brings value to a college locker room.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I expect several others to step to the spotlight out of this region over the coming months and establish themselves as college prospects. Development is key and seems to take a long time to harness these days, so look for new names to pop up onto the radar as the Fall football season inches closer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1263943,"width":"349px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/samsmith.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1263943" style="width:349px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->