2026 Linebackers to Know in IL

<!-- 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":"Will Gray","_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":"215","_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":"West Aurora 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-67a82fe0936e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">West Aurora is anchored at middle linebacker by <strong>Will Gray</strong>, a standout junior who will be entering his final season looking to build on his past success. He is an active presence inside and excels at shutting down the run. Gray diagnoses plays quickly, gets downhill in a hurry, and delivers punishing tackles at the point of attack. His leadership and playmaking ability will be key for the Blackhawks' defense next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1399965"],"_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-67a82fe0937d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1399965' first='Munkh' last='Tsog']</strong> is a versatile defensive player who can line up on the edge or out in space, making him a valuable asset within the scheme. His ability to excel in multiple roles allows him to impact the game in various ways. He is a big, athletic defender who can rush the passer at a high level while also possessing the fluidity to drop into coverage when needed. Tsog's unique skill set makes him a prospect who could transition into several positions at the next level, which will only elevate his stock in the eyes of college recruiters searching for dynamic playmakers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1268657"],"_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-67a82fe093889"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1268657' first='Darrieon' last='Beck']</strong> is one of the most athletic linebackers in the state, possessing elite lateral speed and quickness that make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His exceptional quick-twitch ability allows him to evade blockers with ease, closing gaps in the run game before ball carriers have a chance to react. Beck isn't just fast—he's a physical enforcer, delivering punishing hits that set the tone for his defense. Whether he's stuffing the run or making a play in coverage, his explosiveness and instincts make him a game-changer on every snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1601685"],"_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-67a82fe093932"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1601685' first='Jack' last='Treutelaar']</strong>, a 6'1", 195-pound linebacker from Libertyville High School, is a high-motor player who brings relentless energy to the field. He is poised for a breakout senior season, making an impact on both defense and special teams. Not only does he excel as a linebacker, showcasing his physicality and instincts, but his long-snapping ability has also drawn significant attention from college coaches. With his versatility and work ethic, Treutelaar is proving to be a valuable asset at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->