Midseason Reports: Top Underrated Performing Linebackers

As we have reached the midseason point, we would like to highlight some underrated defenders in the state. While these guys might not be leading or even top ten in a statistic category so far this year, it does not take away that they are having phenomenal seasons and deserve recognition. We will look at some of the most underrated linebackers halfway through the season.    2026 Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1682389' first='Cannon' last='Raban'] is fearless about hitting his opponents at any given moment. Through five games, he has 31 total tackles, 14 of those as solo tackles, 6 TFLs, and 1 pass deflections. His best game came against El Camino, where he had 3 of his total 6 TFLs and 10 total tackles. A true thumper on the outside, skill positions players must be cautious as they cross over into his zone. Running the ball to his side is a no-go, as he will shoot across the line of scrimmage and make sure the run play never gets out of the backfield. They will face Westwood this week before they get a well-needed bye week. A big time playmaker certainly contributing to Mountain View's success this season.      2025 Linebacker Jullien Jones is having a simple stellar season so far for the Padres. On the season through four games, he has 48 total tackles, 31 of those as solo tackles, 4 TFLs, and 2 sacks. He had a career high of 11 solo tackles in his second game of the season vs McClintock, and he had his best game against Fountain Hills, notching 2 TFLs and a few hurries. Jones's instincts and anticipation for the run direction are very keen. He is able to position himself excellently, scrapping over the top and coming downhill, packing a punch on the ball carrier with great power. He's able to rush the quarterback and be disruptive in the pocket, causing QBs to be incredibly uncomfortable. Jones is improving every week, and his game is also becoming more well-rounded. It will be exciting to see what he does coming off a bye playing at Apache Junction next week.      2025 Linebacker Tristun Brown is the definition of gritty when playing both ways for Thatcher. Recording 58 total tackles, 35 of those as solo tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble for the first five games is extraordinary. His best game came against Valley Christian, where he had 12 solo tackles out of his 14 total tackles on the game and those 2 pass deflections. Not many ball carriers will escape Brown's grip, as he will wrap up and do it with emphasis when he does. His agility and poise to work through traffic to locate the ball carrier working outside in are magnificent. It's evident that his toughness on the defensive side carries over to the offensive side of the ball to his fullback position, always sticking his nose in the play and seeking contact. Fresh off a bye, they will be heading to Show Low as we look forward to seeing what Brown does after a week off.      2026 Linebacker Rocky Warner is a technician at his position and one of Kellis's best defenders. Playing in five games, he has 29 total tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. His best game came recently against Browne as he recorded 7 total tackles, 4 of those as solo tackles, 2 TFLs and a sack. On film, you can tell this guy is just electric and brings a spark for his team to get them going. He has a textbook tackling technique followed by good power and strength when he delivers a hit. Currently on a bye week, they will head to North Canyon next week. With Warner's consistent improvement, his team is looking forward to seeing how he progresses as they head into the second half of their season.      2025 Linebacker Beau Caliendo is a multi-dimensional backer for his Horizon team. Racking up 31 total tackles, 24 of those as solo tackles, 5 TFLs, 2 sacks, and a few pressures on the year show that he is all over the field on defense. His best game was against Pinnacle, where he recorded a total of 10 tackles, 1 pass deflection, and 1 fumble recovery. He's a solo tackling artist who can wrap up ballcarriers any way he needs to get them on the ground. From his outside backer position, he can bring the heat on the quarterback if called upon with sound aggression and speed off the edge. His team is currently on a bye but they will see a formidable opponent in Notre Dame Prep next week. It should be exciting to see how Caliendo will produce against a great team in 5A.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Notable Players:</h2>   Ezekiel Estep, LB Mesa - 35 total tackles, 17 solo tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1 Pick Six, and 2 Fumble Recoveries   Johnathan Marley, ATH Casa Grande - 35 total tackles, 15 solo tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks   [player_tooltip player_id='1573398' first='Kody' last='Thorley'], ATH ALA-Gilbert North - 34 total tackles, 15 solo tackles, 5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 3 pass deflections

As we have reached the midseason point, we would like to highlight some underrated defenders in the state. While these guys might not be leading or even top ten in a statistic category so far this year, it does not take away that they are having phenomenal seasons and deserve recognition. We will look at some of the most underrated linebackers halfway through the season.