Breakout 2027 Linebackers To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These sleeper 2027 linebackers are starting to make a name for themselves....</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/athlete/19346767">[player_tooltip player_id='1586575' first='Cope' last='Durand']</a> - Jasper County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A two-way prospect in North Georgia having a really strong sophomore season, Durand may not blow anyone with his size or style of play, but he plays hard, shows a high football IQ, and consistently does his job. He has a nose for the football and knows how to wrap the ball carrier up properly. He reads the run well, plays with a high motor, and has been one of the more productive linebackers in the area to start the 2024 season. Just a sophomore, Durand has already made 48 tackles, nine TFLs, and four sacks. He runs well and can chase down the running back from behind. He made 13 tackles in week one, 13 more in week two, 10 in week three, and then 12 in week four. He's a tackling machine who has made several big plays in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Greg Batson - Lee County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An instinctive, quick-reacting linebacker on the rise in the 2027 class, Batson is a small-town linebacker who could be the next big Lee County defender to see offers come his way. Just a sophomore, this 6-foot-1 210-pound defender is a versatile linebacker who can play on the edge or line up inside. He reads the run well, reacts, and gets after the ball carrier. He brings a lengthy frame and knows how to wrap up and make a secure tackle. He's made 48 tackles through his first four games with an eye-opening 16 TFLs and two sacks. He's lived in the backfield and has been a true difference-maker for a very good Lee County squad. Batson's best game came in a week one win over Warner Robins where he made 16 tackles and six TFLs during a big 45-28 win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ja'bios Smith - Swainsboro</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big, jumbo athlete with a muscular 6-foot-3 200-pound frame, Smith is a two-way standout who can make an impact at both running back and linebacker. He's a physical defender who can naturally shed blocks and find the running back. He does his job, runs well for his size, and knows how to tackle. Just a sophomore, Smith is a big-time prospect on the rise who is lighting up the stat sheet early this season. Through four games, Smith has made 39 tackles, and four TFLs. He's recorded at least six tackles in every game with his best game coming in a 15-tackle performance against Dublin in week one. It's been a tough start for Swainsboro to start the season, but Smith has been a bright spot and is having an excellent start to his sophomore season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ga/jefferson/jackson-county-panthers/athletes/maher-magness/football/stats/?careerid=q2cubhlfdebk4">[player_tooltip player_id='1099330' first='Maher' last='Magness']</a> - Jackson County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A small-town defender whose play may not blow many away, Magness is an active, sure-tackling linebacker who knows his role and does his job. He may not be the biggest or fastest linebacker in the 2027 class, but he's been productive and has shown the ability to be a reliable run defender early in his sophomore season. The tough, instinctive, 5-foot-11 210-pounder has made 34 total tackles so far this season with one TFL and five QB hurries. He made seven tackles in week one in week two, then followed that up with eight tackles in week three and 12 more in week four. He's playing better and better and could be one of the area's leading tacklers in the 2027 class at the end of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='707456' first='Zion' last='Paul'] - Houston County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A versatile, explosive defender who can play standing up or with his hand in the ground, Paul is lightning-quick off the snap and does a good job of creating havoc in the backfield. He runs well, brings a solid 6-foot-1 185-pound frame, and shows impressive instincts for his age. He plays hard, gives really good effort, and is already making a name for himself early in his sophomore season. Through his first five games, Paul has made 32 tackles, two TFLs, and half a sack. He's active, disruptive, and has his best football way ahead of him. He's a sleeper linebacker in Middle Georgia to know about in the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->