Which 2026 Linebackers Could See Their Stock Rise This Fall?

Jake Lemming

May 28, 2024 @ 12:09 PM

After a long Memorial Day weekend, we're back in the swing of things and searching for some up-and-coming talent. Today, we're looking at which rising junior linebackers in Texas could see their stock rise this fall. These guys aren't heavily recruited right now, however, they performed well as sophomores at the varsity level and have a ton of upside. This fall will be pivotal for the future of their recruitment.   As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1481760' first='Landry' last='Hopkins'], 5'11" 205, Forney   Hopkins is a throwback inside linebacker that is physical at the point of attack when taking on blocks, has exceptional lateral quickness, and keeps his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage when flowing down the second level. He's tough, a violent tackler on contact, and plays much bigger than his listed size.   [player_tooltip player_id='1467577' first='Preston' last='Pitts'], 6'4" 205, Clear Falls   Pitts knows how to navigate his way through traffic, he's got a good feel for zone coverage and can open up his hips & drop to his curl responsibility with no issue. He's a skilled hand fighter as a pass rusher, he can detach & retrace in his rush lane if he finds himself too far up the field and can come to balance & make plays in space.   [player_tooltip player_id='1481501' first='Maxwell' last='Bland'], 6'3" 245, Argyle   Bland physically already looks the part of a high-level Division One inside linebacker prospect. He plays with disciplined eyes, reading his keys before bursting downhill, he's got a quality motor and can make tackles out of awkward body positions. He needs to work on his flexibility a bit, but the size, physicality, and strength are clearly evident.   Hudson Butchee, 6'1" 225, Stephenville   Hudson had ridiculous production in 2023, totaling 177 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. This kid is a pure hustler for four quarters, he's got a quick trigger and is extremely disruptive behind the line of scrimmage. He's twitchy, closes ground in a hurry, and can defeat second-level blocks with speed or power.   [player_tooltip player_id='1194213' first='Jesse' last='Richardson'] 6'2" 220, Parish Episcopal   Richardson has good instincts in coverage, can play inside the box or as an apex defender, and will speed his feet after initial contact is made. He's a good-sized kid with quickness, a high football IQ, and good bend as a rusher.   Caleb Mooring, 6'2" 215, Klein Cain   Mooring plays a patient/strategic brand of football and isn't fooled easily. He takes advantageous angles to the tackle, he's an intuitive rusher who knows how to let twists and stunts develop before accelerating through an opening and can line up on the ball & provide value as a standup edge.

After a long Memorial Day weekend, we're back in the swing of things and searching for some up-and-coming talent. Today, we're looking at which rising junior linebackers in Texas could see their stock rise this fall. These guys aren't heavily recruited right now, however, they performed well as sophomores at the varsity level and have a ton of upside. This fall will be pivotal for the future of their recruitment.