Best Of The Best: Top 2027 Linebackers in Georgia

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone breaks down the top 2027 linebackers in Georgia...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1214548' first='Max' last='Brown'] - Jefferson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big-time linebacker with toughness, quickness, and natural instincts, Brown is already a nationally known prospect in the 2027 class who saw major offers come his way this off-season. A two-way standout who should help the Dragons this fall at running back as well, Brown showed last year as a freshman that he's one of he top young linebackers not only in Georgia, but across the South for his class. He made a big impact last year as a freshman on a talented Jefferson team, making 43 tackles, one forced fumble, and one blocked punt. He plays hard, loves to compete, and will only get better over the next three years. He has good size already at 6-foot-1 210-pounds and will continue to add good weight and muscle over time. He's a natural athlete who will be tough to keep off the field, and he's ranked by Prep Redzone as the No. 1 linebacker and the No. 7 overall prospect in Georgia for the 2027 class. Look for him to have a giant 2024 season on both sides of the ball this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378967' first='Cole' last='Crawford'] - Cartersville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top multi-sport prospects across the state, Crawford has a chance to be one of the top baseball prospects in the state, but it's clear he has a promising future on the gridiron as well. An impactful tight end, Crawford's potential at linebacker was easy to see last season. As a freshman, playing for one of the top programs in North Georgia, Crawford made an immediate impact defensively with 33 tackles, five TFLs and two sacks. He brings easy size at 6-foot-3 220-pounds, natural athleticism, and did a great job of reading the run and attacking the ball-carrier. He holds offers from Alabama, Ohio State, USC, among other top college football programs. He's smart, loves to compete, and has a chance to become one of the top defenders in the area this fall as a sophomore. He's a big-time prospect in multiple sports and is bound for a giant 2024 season. He's ranked as the No. 2 LB prospect and the No. 8 overall prospect in Georgia for the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1096397' first='Jake' last='Godfree'] - North Gwinnett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another incredibly talented linebacker who saw his recruitment take off after just one season, Godfree can really run and brings good size at 6-foot-0 200-pounds. He has a nose for the football and more than held his own in 7A last season as a freshman, making an eye-opening 78 tackles, seven TFLs and three sacks. He's a sure-tackling defender who wraps up properly and takes good angles to the ball-carrier. He'll only get bigger and stronger over time and could be one of the best 2027 defenders across Gwinnett County this fall. As good as he was last year, look for this promising linebacker to take a big step forward in 2024. He holds early offers from Ohio State, North Carolina, Florida State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, among others. Now, he's ranked as the No. 3 LB prospect and the No. 13 overall prospect in the state for his class. Look for Godfree to light up the stat sheet and see more offers come his way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='416404' first='Josh' last='Echols'] - Buford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A breakout defender to know this fall for the Buford Wolves, Echols is a quick-reacting defender with natural playmaking ability. He has a great feel for the position and roams the field looking to run down the ball-carrier. He plays well in space, brings good size for his age at 6-foot-0 200-pounds, and has a chance to make a real impact this fall as a sophomore playing for one of the top programs in Georgia. His versatility and quickness allows him to play on the outside, attacking the quarterback off the edge in the backfield. He's also a sure run defender who knows how to wrap up correctly. His talent and potential is easy to see and it's led to an early offer from Ole Miss. He works hard, loves the weight room, and will continue adding good muscle over the next three years. His best football is still way ahead of him, and there's a good chance the Buford staff will be able to maximize his potential more and more over time. For now, this promising linebacker is ranked as the No. 4 LB and the No. 16 overall prospect in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->