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LB’s That Are Demanding Attention In The 2026 Rankings Update!

LB’s That Are Demanding Attention In The 2026 Rankings Update!
Robert Davis
Robert Davis February 20, 2025 @ 01:00 PM
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In this article:

Bowman Waldo
Bowman Waldo 5'11" | 195 lbs | LB | 2026
CO
Quillan Gulick
Quillan Gulick 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB | 2026
CO
Estevan Loya Jr
Estevan Loya Jr 5'11" | 205 lbs | LB/RB | 2026
CO
Sam Smith
Sam Smith 6'1" | 195 lbs | LB/ATH | 2026
CO
Isaiah Cronk
Isaiah Cronk 6'1" | 185 lbs | LB/WR | 2026
CO
Connor Craver
Connor Craver 6'1" | 180 lbs | LB | 2026
CO
Tyler Chadwick
Tyler Chadwick 6'1" | 180 lbs | LB | 2026
CO
Strasi Sparaco
Strasi Sparaco 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB/ATH | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you are a new subscriber use CODE: Davis30 for a discount. Today we will be looking at some backers who need to be on the radar and who are stock-risers to know. These are the players that will be looking to turn heads and make an even bigger jump in the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1575639"],"_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-67b77bcceda87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith is a linebacker with strong vision and anticipation, allowing him to break on passes and create turnovers. His ability to drop into coverage and eliminate his match-up makes him a key player in this linebacking group in the passing game. Smith also showcases his instincts in run defense, quickly reading and reacting to close the gap and bring down the ball carrier. His skill set he will be able to turn some heads making him an under the radar prospect who could surprise scouts this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1620510"],"_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-67b77bccedaf7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Waldo is a linebacker who plays with speed and a relentless motor, consistently creating chaos at the line of scrimmage. He racked up 4.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, proving his ability to get into the backfield. Waldo is a hard hitter who excels at open field tackling, using his instincts to take good pursuit angles and shut down cutback lanes. He is able to shoot and fill gaps quickly cutting off running lanes. With 91 total tackles on the year his aggressive playing style and ability to avoid blockers will make him an impact player at the next level. Look for him to be a player that turns some heads this offseason as he hits the camp circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616818"],"_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-67b77bccedb43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Loya is a linebacker who thrives at shooting gaps and stopping ball carriers before they can gain momentum. His vision allows him to diagnose plays quickly, in the passing game he is able to avoid blocks and blow up screen plays. Loya's ability to support the run and drop into coverage makes him a versatile player that will thrive at the next level. His instincts and physicality will make him a player to watch closely as we head into the offseason and he figures to hit the camp circuit hard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1619015"],"_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-67b77bccedb93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gulick is a linebacker with a knack for getting to the quarterback, finishing last season with 8.5 sacks. He possesses excellent vision and instincts, allowing him to react quickly and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. His 88 total tackles and 13 tackles for loss showcase his ability to be a disruptive force against both the run and the pass. Gulick is a player that has the ability to set the edge and shed blocks quickly being able lay a big hit on ball carriers. With his combination of speed and aggressiveness, Gulick is expected to be a key defensive playmaker this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1352567"],"_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-67b77bccedbe3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Craver is a linebacker who plays with relentless energy, flying to the ball on every play. His high football IQ and instincts helped him rack up 113 total tackles and eight tackles for loss last season. Craver is a gap filler, consistently in the right position to stop the run. His tenacity allows him to shed blocks effectively and set the edge against outside runs. He is a player that is able to use his vision to read his keys and react quickly to shoot the gap and bring the ball carrier down. If he continues his dominant play, he will be a player that pops onto scouts' radars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1352564"],"_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-67b77bccedc32"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chadwick is a linebacker who relies on his speed to make plays all over the field. He finished last season with 69 total tackles and four tackles for loss, showing his ability to rally to the football. Chadwick is effective in pass coverage, using his athleticism to drop back and eliminate passing lanes. He also plays a crucial role in run defense, setting the edge and forcing ball carriers back into traffic. His ability to shed blocks and make open field tackles makes him a key player on this defense moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1420798"],"_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-67b77bccedc82"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cronk is a linebacker who excels in pass coverage, using his awareness and hands to create turnovers. He finished the season with two interceptions, showing his ability to track the ball and make plays. His read and react skills allow him to diagnose plays quickly, shooting the gap and stopping ball carriers in their tracks. Cronk racked up 83 total tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss, proving his effectiveness in both the run and pass game. With his skill set, he is a stock-watch player who could see his name rise on recruiting boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212254"],"_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-67b77bccedcc8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sparaco is a linebacker with impressive speed, allowing him to cover ground from sideline to sideline. His ability to fill gaps and scrape over the top makes him a force in the run game. When his number is called to blitz, he uses his burst of speed to get to the quarterback quickly and bring him down. Sparaco also displays strong instincts in coverage, reading screens and dropping back to take away passing lanes. His versatility allows him to be effective in multiple roles, making him a key player on defense. He will be a standout player that you will need to know this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

If you are a new subscriber use CODE: Davis30 for a discount. Today we will be looking at some backers who need to be on the radar and who are stock-risers to know. These are the players that will be looking to turn heads and make an even bigger jump in the upcoming season.

Sam Smith

Sam Smith

CO
LB/ATH
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 195
POS LB/ATH
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Sam
Smith LB/ATH
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
195
HS
Berthoud
|
CO
LB’s That Are Demanding Attention In The 2026 Rankings Update!
Smith is a linebacker with strong vision and anticipation, allowing him to break on passes and create turnovers....
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Sam Smith

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

Highlights

Bowman Waldo

Bowman Waldo

CO
LB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 195
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Bowman
Waldo LB
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
Weight
195
HS
Fairview
|
CO
LB’s That Are Demanding Attention In The 2026 Rankings Update!
Waldo is a linebacker who plays with speed and a relentless motor, consistently creating chaos at the line...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Bowman Waldo

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

Highlights

Estevan Loya Jr

Estevan Loya Jr

CO
LB/RB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 205
POS LB/RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Estevan
Loya Jr LB/RB
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
Weight
205
HS
Mullen
|
CO
LB’s That Are Demanding Attention In The 2026 Rankings Update!
Loya is a linebacker who thrives at shooting gaps and stopping ball carriers before they can gain momentum....
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Estevan Loya Jr

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

Highlights

Quillan Gulick

Quillan Gulick

CO
LB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 190
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Quillan
Gulick LB
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
190
HS
Mountain Vista
|
CO
LB’s That Are Demanding Attention In The 2026 Rankings Update!
Gulick is a linebacker with a knack for getting to the quarterback, finishing last season with 8.5 sacks....
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Quillan Gulick

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

Highlights

Connor Craver

Connor Craver

CO
LB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 180
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Connor
Craver LB
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
180
HS
Pomona
|
CO
LB’s That Are Demanding Attention In The 2026 Rankings Update!
Craver is a linebacker who plays with relentless energy, flying to the ball on every play. His high...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Connor Craver

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

Highlights

Tyler Chadwick

Tyler Chadwick

CO
LB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 180
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Tyler
Chadwick LB
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
180
HS
Loveland
|
CO
LB’s That Are Demanding Attention In The 2026 Rankings Update!
Chadwick is a linebacker who relies on his speed to make plays all over the field. He finished...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Tyler Chadwick

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

Highlights

Isaiah Cronk

Isaiah Cronk

CO
LB/WR
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 185
POS LB/WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Isaiah
Cronk LB/WR
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
185
HS
Windsor
|
CO
LB’s That Are Demanding Attention In The 2026 Rankings Update!
Cronk is a linebacker who excels in pass coverage, using his awareness and hands to create turnovers. He...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Isaiah Cronk

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

Highlights

Strasi Sparaco

Strasi Sparaco

CO
LB/ATH
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 210
POS LB/ATH
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Strasi
Sparaco LB/ATH
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
Weight
210
HS
Cherry Creek
|
CO
LB’s That Are Demanding Attention In The 2026 Rankings Update!
Sparaco is a linebacker with impressive speed, allowing him to cover ground from sideline to sideline. His ability...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Strasi Sparaco

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Cherry Creek
Club: Cherry Creek Bruins Blue
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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Rankings

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