2026 Under the Radar: Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linebackers are the heart and soul of any defense—patrolling the field with a unique blend of toughness, speed, and football IQ. Whether stuffing the run, dropping into coverage, or bringing pressure off the edge, these players do it all. In this edition of our "Under the Radar" series, we're focusing on the Class of 2026 linebackers poised to step into senior leadership roles next season. While they may not have received the recognition they deserve just yet, these versatile defenders have the talent and drive to become impact players in the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1112394"],"_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-67bed40d04d92"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burks is one of my favorite sleepers in the class of 2026. His athleticism stands out immediately, as he is Roosevelt's ultimate weapon. Burks projects as a linebacker for me, as his speed is truly remarkable for the position. He is not afraid of contact and provides true sideline-to-sideline ability. His potential is through the roof, and I do not think it will be long before he blows up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1110919"],"_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-67bed40d04df0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tobin is another athletic linebacker out of one of the top programs in the state. I enjoyed watching him in coverage as he looks comfortable in zone and is athletic enough to play decent man to man. With an offseason of getting stronger, I could see Tobin rising up the boards as a lot of the question marks come from his run-stopping and block-shedding ability. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1112464"],"_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-67bed40d04e45"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jones is a very interesting linebacker for Thurston, as he was used a lot as a pass rusher for the Colts. I see a player who is athletic enough to play off the ball and may have to, as his size is not ideal for an EDGE rusher at the next level. The big question mark will be his coverage ability, as he is used to rushing the quarterback, but the ability is there with Jones. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1112461"],"_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-67bed40d04e90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Walker has all the traits to break onto the scene this next season. His size and athleticism should put him on the radar of college coaches, and I do not believe he is too far off ability-wise. He is an athletic outside linebacker who succeeds in coverage because of his athleticism. He can also come down to make a tackle on outside runs if needed. Another offseason of getting bigger and stronger while working on his technique will be vital for his development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["608187"],"_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-67bed40d04ed2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Larsson is a player who is just waiting for his turn in the loaded Lakeridge program and is, I believe, in line for a big senior year. He is an old-school MIKE linebacker, as he has a nice stout frame that can disrupt the run game in a big way. He is a bit stiff in coverage, but if you need a run-stopper who can blitz and fill gaps, Larsson may be one of the best in the state. Cash should be a priority recruit for the local D3/NAIA schools and may even end up at a bigger school with a stellar season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->