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The Best of the Best: Analyzing Alabama’s 2026 Top Linebacker’s for College Recruitment – Part II

The Best of the Best: Analyzing Alabama’s 2026 Top Linebacker’s for College Recruitment – Part II
CJ Marable
CJ Marable July 21, 2024 @ 10:59 PM
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In this article:

Cruz Boyd
Cruz Boyd 5'7" | 210 lbs | LB/DL | 2026
AL
Billy Neill
Billy Neill 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB | 2026
AL
Dylan Purter
Dylan Purter 6'2" | 175 lbs | DB | 2026
AL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alabama high school football has long been a breeding ground for elite talent, particularly at the linebacker position. With its rich history and competitive landscape, the state produces some of the best prospects that college programs across the nation covet. This scouting report aims to analyze Alabama's top linebackers for college recruitment, focusing on their skills, physical attributes, and overall impact on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1466430' first='Billy' last='Neill']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"200","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bayside Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669dda1de438c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1466430' first='Billy' last='Neill'] is a standout linebacker known for his explosive speed and agility, which allow him to cover ground quickly and make impactful tackles. Standing at 6'2” and weighing around 200 pounds, he possesses a solid frame that combines strength with athleticism, making him a formidable presence on the field. His ability to read plays and anticipate the movements of opposing players sets him apart from his peers, showcasing his high football IQ. Neill has been recognized for his leadership qualities, often rallying his teammates and setting the tone for defensive plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brayden Benbow","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"170","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Zion Chapel","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669dda1de4463"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brayden Benbow stands out not only for his physical attributes but also for his relentless work ethic and determination on the field. Measuring in at 5'10” and weighing around 170 pounds, he brings both size and strength that are essential for a linebacker tasked with stopping powerful running backs. Benbow showcases excellent tackling technique and has demonstrated an ability to shed blocks effectively while pursuing ball carriers. His leadership skills shine through as he often takes charge of defensive formations and communicates effectively with teammates during games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Cj Brown","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"200","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Corner High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669dda1de451c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cj Brown is widely regarded as one of Alabama's most promising linebackers due to his combination of speed, strength, and football intelligence. At 6'0” tall and weighing about 200 pounds, he possesses an ideal physique for a linebacker capable of playing multiple roles within a defense. Brown excels in pass-rushing situations but also demonstrates proficiency in coverage against tight ends and running backs alike. His high motor allows him to remain active throughout plays, often leading to game-changing tackles or turnovers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Cruz Boyd","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"195","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mortimer Jordan High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669dda1de45d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cruz Boyd has emerged as one of Alabama's top linebackers thanks to his athleticism that makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He possesses remarkable lateral quickness that allows him to navigate through traffic effectively while maintaining pursuit angles on ball carriers. Boyd's understanding of defensive schemes enables him to play various positions within the linebacker corps while still excelling in each role assigned to him by coaches. His tenacity on the field is matched by strong leadership qualities off it; he consistently motivates teammates during practices and games alike. As colleges continue to scout Boyd closely, he remains one of the most sought-after recruits in Alabama.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1337985"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-669dda1de4623"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dylan-purter/">[player_tooltip player_id='1337985' first='Dylan' last='Purter']</a> is another elite linebacker who has garnered attention for his versatility and playmaking ability. At 6'2” and approximately 175 pounds, he combines size with remarkable speed, allowing him to excel in both run defense and pass coverage. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dylan-purter/">Purter</a>'s instincts on the field are exceptional; he has an innate ability to diagnose plays quickly, enabling him to make crucial stops or interceptions when needed. His performance during his junior season earned him accolades as one of Alabama's top defensive players, further solidifying his reputation among college scouts. With several Division I offers already in hand, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dylan-purter/">Purter</a> is poised to make an immediate impact at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Alabama high school football has long been a breeding ground for elite talent, particularly at the linebacker position. With its rich history and competitive landscape, the state produces some of the best prospects that college programs across the nation covet. This scouting report aims to analyze Alabama's top linebackers for college recruitment, focusing on their skills, physical attributes, and overall impact on the field.

<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">The Best of the Best: Analyzing Alabama’s 2026 Top Linebacker’s for College Recruitment – Part II</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(193,25,32, 0.95) 0%,rgba(193,25,32, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/the-best-of-the-best-analyzing-alabamas-2026-top-linebackers-for-college-recruitment-part-ii/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Zion-Chapel-Goshen-1.webp?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="The Best of the Best: Analyzing Alabama’s 2026 Top Linebacker’s for College Recruitment – Part II"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">The</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Best of the Best: Analyzing Alabama’s 2026 Top Linebacker’s for College Recruitment – Part II</span>
                    <span class="measurables">
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                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

                    </span>
    </span>

Billy Neill Billy Neill 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB Bayside Academy | 2026 State AL

HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 200
POS LB
CLASS 2026

Billy Neill Billy Neill 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB Bayside Academy | 2026 State AL

School: Bayside Academy
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Brayden Benbow

Brayden Benbow

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 170
POS LB
CLASS 2026

Brayden Benbow

School: Zion Chapel
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Cj Brown

Cj Brown

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 200
POS LB
CLASS 2026

Cj Brown

School: Corner High School
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Cruz Boyd

Cruz Boyd

HEIGHT 5'7"
WEIGHT 195
POS LB
CLASS 2026

Cruz Boyd

School: Mortimer Jordan High School
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Dylan Purter

Dylan Purter

AL
DB
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 175
POS DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Dylan
Purter DB
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
Weight
175
HS
Booker T. Washington - Tuskegee
|
AL
The Best of the Best: Analyzing Alabama’s 2026 Top Linebacker’s for College Recruitment – Part II
Dylan Purter is another elite linebacker who has garnered attention for his versatility and playmaking ability. At 6’2”...
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Dylan Purter

State: Alabama
School: Booker T. Washington - Tuskegee
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