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2026 Rankings: New Addition LB’s That Dominated This Season!

2026 Rankings: New Addition LB’s That Dominated This Season!
Robert Davis
Robert Davis February 19, 2025 @ 02:11 PM
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In this article:

Maverick Powers
Maverick Powers 5'11" | 185 lbs | LB/RB | 2026
CO
Brody Flores
Brody Flores 6'3" | 200 lbs | LB/EDGE | 2026
CO
Connor Gilchrist
Connor Gilchrist 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB/TE | 2026
CO
Jared Ibarra
Jared Ibarra 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB | 2026
TX
Elian Oliva
Elian Oliva 6'1" | 180 lbs | LB/DB | 2026
CO
Levi Schield
Levi Schield 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB/DB | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you are looking to become a new subscriber use CODE: Davis30 for a discount. Today we will be taking a look at some new faces to the rankings in the linebacker group who were able to turn some heads and dominate this past season. These are the players that you will need to know as we move into camp season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1575627"],"_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-67b63adf20df1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Powers is a linebacker who plays with aggression and quickness, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He is a hard hitter that at times can force fumbles with his physicality. Powers has a natural instinct for the game, quickly filling gaps and stopping runners in their tracks. His quickness allows him to shoot through lanes before blockers can react, and his ability to shed or evade linemen makes him a nuisance for offensive coordinators. He finished last season with an impressive 139 total tackles and three sacks, demonstrating his ability to contribute in both run defense and pass-rushing situations. If he continues to develop and hits the camp circuit this offseason, he could draw serious interest from college scouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1422257"],"_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-67b63adf20e50"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Oliva is a linebacker who plays with speed, physicality, and an unmatched motor. He flies around the field, getting into the backfield with ease and wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. His ability to bend the edge and get to the quarterback was on full display last season, as he finished with 9.5 sacks, an eye catching number for any defender. Oliva doesn't just rely on his speed; he also has the strength to fight through blocks and showcases quick hands to gain leverage on offensive linemen. His 106 total tackles prove that he's more than just a pass rusher, he's a complete linebacker who can stop the run just as effectively. Oliva is already making a name for himself, and another dominant season will put him firmly on the radar of college programs looking for a disruptive defensive presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1514976"],"_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-67b63adf20ebb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gilchrist is a linebacker known for his speed and ability to make plays all over the field. He uses his quickness to beat blocks, allowing him to fill gaps and shut down running lanes before they develop. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to make tackles in the open field, when he gets his hands on a ball carrier, they go down in a hurry. His instincts and sideline to sideline range make him a valuable asset for his defense, and his ability to read plays before they fully develop gives him an edge over slower opponents. A strong offseason on the camp circuit will only boost his stock, making him a player that scouts should start paying close attention to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1113008"],"_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-67b63adf20f4a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schield is a linebacker who excels at making open field tackles and disrupting offensive plays before they get going. He has a natural ability to get off blocks quickly or sidestep them entirely, allowing him to track down ball carriers. When his number is called, he attacks with aggression and quickness, often getting to the quarterback in an instant. Schield's versatility makes him a key player on a loaded defense, as he can both drop back in coverage and rush the passer when needed. I believe if he is able to get on a 7on7 team this summer he could refine his coverage skills, making him an even more complete linebacker. With his combination of speed, tackling ability, and football instincts, Schield is a stock-riser who should be on every scout's radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1509105"],"_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-67b63adf20fbc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ibarra has already been turning heads with his offseason performances, making a name for himself at the PrepRedzone event and other camps. He's proving to be one of the biggest stock-risers in the linebacker group, and it won't be long before he's on the radar of multiple college scouts. Ibarra finished last season with 92 total tackles and showcased his playmaking ability with a pick-six. His explosiveness allows him to create chaos near the line of scrimmage, where he's a constant threat to bring ball carriers down for a loss. When attacking the quarterback, he is relentless—his strip sack against Cherry Creek proved just how disruptive he can be. Ibarra's aggressive style of play, combined with his athleticism, makes him a must-know name for next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1539304"],"_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-67b63adf2101c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Flores is a linebacker who brings both strength and speed to the field, making him a well-rounded defensive weapon. His ability to set the edge and hold his ground against blockers is impressive, but he also has the speed to chase down plays from behind. Flores possesses excellent vision, reading plays quickly and filling gaps before the offense can react. His ability to get off blocks in a hurry allows him to make game-changing plays and disrupt an offense's rhythm. Heading into the offseason, Flores figures to hit the camp circuit hard, where his strength and athleticism should catch the attention of scouts. With his skill set and relentless playing style, expect him to turn some heads and solidify himself as one of the most impactful linebackers heading into the next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> `</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

If you are looking to become a new subscriber use CODE: Davis30 for a discount. Today we will be taking a look at some new faces to the rankings in the linebacker group who were able to turn some heads and dominate this past season. These are the players that you will need to know as we move into camp season.

Maverick Powers

Maverick Powers

CO
LB/RB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 185
POS LB/RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Maverick
Powers LB/RB
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
Weight
185
HS
Montrose
|
CO
2026 Rankings: New Addition LB’s That Dominated This Season!
Powers is a linebacker who plays with aggression and quickness, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Maverick Powers

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Montrose
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Elian Oliva

Elian Oliva

CO
LB/DB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 180
POS LB/DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Elian
Oliva LB/DB
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
180
HS
Northfield
|
CO
2026 Rankings: New Addition LB’s That Dominated This Season!
Oliva is a linebacker who plays with speed, physicality, and an unmatched motor. He flies around the field,...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Elian Oliva

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Northfield
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Connor Gilchrist

Connor Gilchrist

CO
LB/TE
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 200
POS LB/TE
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Connor
Gilchrist LB/TE
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
200
HS
Arapahoe
|
CO
2026 Rankings: New Addition LB’s That Dominated This Season!
Gilchrist is a linebacker known for his speed and ability to make plays all over the field. He...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Connor Gilchrist

State: Colorado
School: Arapahoe
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Levi Schield

Levi Schield

CO
LB/DB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 200
POS LB/DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Levi
Schield LB/DB
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
200
HS
Rock Canyon
|
CO
2026 Rankings: New Addition LB’s That Dominated This Season!
Schield is a linebacker who excels at making open field tackles and disrupting offensive plays before they get...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Levi Schield

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Rock Canyon
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jared Ibarra

Jared Ibarra

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 215
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jared
Ibarra LB
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
215
HS
Steele
|
TX
2026 Rankings: New Addition LB’s That Dominated This Season!
Ibarra has already been turning heads with his offseason performances, making a name for himself at the PrepRedzone...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jared Ibarra

Instagram Twitter
State: Texas
School: Steele
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Utah State
Brody Flores

Brody Flores

CO
LB/EDGE
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 200
POS LB/EDGE
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Brody
Flores LB/EDGE
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
Weight
200
HS
Grandview
|
CO
2026 Rankings: New Addition LB’s That Dominated This Season!
Flores is a linebacker who brings both strength and speed to the field, making him a well-rounded defensive...
Written by Robert Davis
Utah State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Brody Flores

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Grandview
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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