Top Class of 2026 Linebackers in Region 1 this Season

Florida has long been a hotbed for high school football talent, annually producing some of the nation's top linebacker prospects.  Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism; these running backs have made names for themselves and caught the attention of college coaches and scouts.   These players are talented and have college-level ability. Some have a few offers, but all have the ability to play college football at some level.   There are some big-time, highly rated prospects and several sleeper prospects who should all be getting looks at the next level. This list is full of stud prospects.   Prep Redzone Florida will always promote every player, hoping they get the opportunity to play college football at the next      1. [player_tooltip player_id='1224572' first='Tommy' last='Barcinas'] Jr. – Palmer Trinity High   Height/Weight: 5'10", 165 lbs   Stats Summary: 111 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 1 sack   Evaluation: [player_tooltip player_id='1224572' first='Tommy' last='Barcinas'] Jr. may not have the prototypical size for a linebacker, but his production speaks volumes. With 111 tackles, he's a tackling machine who's constantly around the ball. His two interceptions show his ability to contribute in coverage which may allow him to project to play safety at the next level, and he's not afraid to mix it up near the line of scrimmage with four tackles for loss. Barcinas has the instincts and motor to overcome his smaller frame and could thrive in a system that prioritizes speed and awareness.     2. Reece French – Foundation Academy   Height/Weight: 5'10", 195 lbs   Stats Summary: 90 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks   Evaluation: French is a steady, physical linebacker who gets the job done in the trenches. With 90 tackles and eight tackles for loss, French shows the ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and clean up against the run. He has a strong lower body and good leverage, making him effective against bigger blockers. French's consistency and effort make him a valuable piece of any defensive unit.     3. Marcus Rosier – North Florida Christian   Height/Weight: 5'11", 200 lbs   Stats Summary: 88 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 sack   Evaluation: Rosier is a reliable presence in the middle of the defense. He's solid against the run, as evidenced by his 88 tackles, and his six tackles for loss show he can shoot gaps effectively. While his pass-rushing production is limited, Rosier has the instincts and toughness to make an impact against physical offenses. His game projects well as a run-stopping linebacker with upside.     4. Kendrick Smith – Avante Garde Academy   Height/Weight: 6'1", 205 lbs   Stats Summary: 84 tackles, 1 interception   Evaluation: Smith has the size and athleticism to play at the next level. His 84 tackles and interception highlight his ability to cover ground and contribute in coverage. Smith's versatility allows him to play in space or closer to the line of scrimmage.     5. Davin Sirmons Jr. – Lakeland Christian   Height/Weight: 6'1", 205 lbs   Stats Summary: 83 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks   Evaluation: Davin Sirmons Jr. brings a unique blend of pass-rushing and tackling ability to the linebacker position. His 5.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss show he thrives at creating chaos in the backfield, and his 83 tackles reflect his effort in tracking down ball carriers. Sirmons has the tools to develop into a key playmaker, especially in aggressive defensive scheme that lets him attack downhill.     6. [player_tooltip player_id='1142169' first='Tyrique' last='Harris'] – Clearwater Central Catholic   Height/Weight: 6'2", 205 lbs   Stats Summary: 79 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 8 sacks   Evaluation: [player_tooltip player_id='1142169' first='Tyrique' last='Harris'] is a pure disruptor. With eight sacks and six tackles for loss, he's a proven pass-rusher who knows how to get after the quarterback. At 6'2” and 205 pounds, Harris has the    frame and explosiveness to create mismatches against offensive linemen. He's got the potential to thrive in a hybrid linebacker/edge role at the next level, where he can maximize his pass-rushing skills.     7. Aiden Cubero – Foundation Academy   Height/Weight: 6'1", 190 lbs   Stats Summary: 75 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks   Evaluation: Cubero is an active linebacker with a knack for getting into the backfield. His 8 TFLs and 3.5 sacks show he can make impact plays when given the opportunity. Though he's slightly undersized at 190 pounds, Cubero's high motor and strong fundamentals allow him to stay effective in all phases of the game. He projects well as a player who could flourish with added size and strength.     This group of linebackers offers a mix of pure tacklers, versatile playmakers, and aggressive pass-rushers. Players like [player_tooltip player_id='1142169' first='Tyrique' last='Harris'] and Davin Sirmons Jr. stand out with their ability to disrupt opposing offenses, while steady contributors like [player_tooltip player_id='1224572' first='Tommy' last='Barcinas'] Jr. and Reece French bring reliability and effort every snap. Each of these players has the potential to make a strong impact in the right system.

Florida has long been a hotbed for high school football talent, annually producing some of the nation's top linebacker prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism; these running backs have made names for themselves and caught the attention of college coaches and scouts.