Scouting Report: Top 2026 Linebackers & Running Backs in GA

Georgia has long been a powerhouse for producing top-tier football talent, and the latest wave of athletes is no exception. [player_tooltip player_id='212311' first='Tyler' last='Atkinson'], [player_tooltip player_id='422543' first='Jonaz' last='Walton'], [player_tooltip player_id='910346' first='Amari' last='Latimer'], [player_tooltip player_id='401475' first='Brayden' last='Rouse'] and [player_tooltip player_id='283779' first='Anthony' last='Davis Jr.'] are some of the most dominant linebackers and explosive running backs in the Peach State. These athletes aren't just excelling on film—they're proving themselves under the lights, showcasing the skills, athleticism, and football IQ that set them apart from the competition.   With dozens of Division, I offers already in hand, these rising stars are drawing the attention of major programs across the country. Some are looking to defend their championship titles; others are seeking redemption. As the season unfolds, expect these athletes to continue dominating and proving why they are among the best in Georgia high school football.    Watching [player_tooltip player_id='212311' first='Tyler' last='Atkinson'], the #1 linebacker in the state of Georgia on film is impressive enough but seeing him in person takes it to an entirely different level. His film jumps off the screen—sideline-to-sideline speed, violent hands, and an instinctive ability to diagnose plays before they even develop. But under the lights, he's even more dominant. He moves like a safety but hits like a defensive lineman, flying around the field and making plays that most high school linebackers simply can't. Whether it's stuffing the run, dropping into coverage, or coming off the edge as a pass rusher, he does it all at an elite level. The hype surrounding him is real, and it's no surprise that he now holds over 50 Division I offers from the biggest programs in the country.   What sets him apart isn't just his athleticism—it's his motor, intelligence, and sheer physicality. On film, you can see his ability to shed blocks with ease and explode into ball carriers, but in person, you feel the impact of every hit. He commands the defense, reading the offense pre-snap and adjusting to whatever is thrown his way. His presence alone changes games, forcing offenses to game plan around him, yet he still finds ways to disrupt and dominate. Simply put, he is exactly as advertised—one of the most complete linebackers to come through Georgia in years, and with over 50 offers in hand, the entire country knows it too.     Watching [player_tooltip player_id='422543' first='Jonaz' last='Walton'] on film is one thing but seeing him in person confirms just how special he truly is. His tape is electric—explosive cuts, breakaway speed, and an uncanny ability to shed tacklers like they aren't even there. Whether he's taking a handoff between the tackles or bouncing outside to create space, he makes defenders miss with ease. His balance through contact is elite, and his ability to turn a routine play into a highlight-reel moment is what separates him from the rest. It's no surprise that he now holds over 30 Division I offers, as his film alone proves he's one of the most dynamic backs in the state.   What stood out even more in person was his vision and patience—two traits that can't be taught. He reads the field like a seasoned veteran, setting up blocks and exploding through running lanes at just the right moment. Defenders who think they have an angle quickly realize they don't, as he accelerates through the second level with elite burst. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield only adds another dimension to his game, making him a true three-down back at the next level. Just like his film shows, he is the real deal—one of the most complete running backs in Georgia, and with over 30 offers, the rest of the country is taking notice.     [player_tooltip player_id='910346' first='Amari' last='Latimer'] is special, turn the film on and you'll see exactly what the hype is about. His highlights showcase his explosiveness, elite footwork, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, but live action reveals just how dominant he truly is. He runs with a rare combination of power and finesse, slipping through tackles and turning small gains into huge plays. His ability to shift gears instantly makes him a nightmare for defenses, and once he hits the open field, there's no catching him. With over 30 Division I offers now in hand, it's clear that college programs recognize his game-changing ability.   What stood out the most in person was his field awareness and natural playmaking instinct. He doesn't just rely on his speed—he sets up defenders, waits for blocks to develop, and knows exactly when to burst through the hole. He's just as dangerous catching passes out of the backfield, adding versatility that makes him a complete offensive weapon. His balance through contact is next level, allowing him to absorb hits and keep moving forward. Everything that makes him special on film was on full display in person, proving that he's every bit as good as advertised. With the way he dominates on the field, it's no wonder top programs are lining up to secure his commitment.     [player_tooltip player_id='401475' first='Brayden' last='Rouse'] has more than earned his spot among the best. His film tells the full story—explosive off the snap, relentless in pursuit, and a natural playmaker who thrives in both run defense and coverage. Whether he's meeting a ball carrier in the hole with force or dropping back to disrupt passing lanes, his instincts and versatility make him a nightmare for offenses. His speed allows him to cover sideline to sideline with ease, and his physicality at the point of attack separates him from the rest. College programs have taken notice, and with over 40 Division I offers, he has cemented himself as one of the most sought-after defenders in the country.   What truly sets [player_tooltip player_id='401475' first='Brayden' last='Rouse'] apart is his ability to change the momentum of a game with a single play. He diagnoses offenses quickly, rarely falling for fakes, and consistently puts himself in a position to make an impact. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ allows him to be effective in any defensive scheme, making him a valuable asset at the next level. His film backs up all the hype, showing a linebacker who not only dominates but elevates the entire defense around him. With so many top programs vying for his commitment, the future is bright for this elite Georgia linebacker.                     [player_tooltip player_id='283779' first='Anthony' last='Davis Jr.'] is proving why he's one of the most sought-after defensive players in his class. His film showcases a relentless motor, elite tackling ability, and the versatility to play both inside and outside linebacker at a high level. He moves with great instincts, reading plays before they develop and attacking the ball with precision. Whether he's stuffing the run, blitzing off the edge, or dropping into coverage, he plays with the intensity and discipline that college coaches love. With over 30 Division I offers, it's clear that major programs see his potential and believe he can be a difference-maker at the next level.   What stands out most about [player_tooltip player_id='283779' first='Anthony' last='Davis Jr.'] is his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He has the speed to track down ball carriers from sideline to sideline and the strength to shed blocks and make tackles in the backfield. His explosiveness off the snap allows him to pressure quarterbacks effectively, while his awareness in coverage makes him a valuable asset in passing situations. His film is packed with game-changing plays that highlight his athleticism, football IQ, and leadership on the field. With his skill set and work ethic, he's only going to continue rising in the ranks as one of the top defensive prospects in Georgia.

Georgia has long been a powerhouse for producing top-tier football talent, and the latest wave of athletes is no exception. Tyler Atkinson Tyler Atkinson 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Grayson | 2026 State GA , Jonaz Walton Jonaz Walton 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Central | 2026 State GA , Amari Latimer Amari Latimer 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB Sandy Creek | 2026 State GA , Brayden Rouse Brayden Rouse 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Kell | 2026 State GA and Anthony Davis Jr. Anthony Davis Jr. 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Grayson | 2026 State GA are some of the most dominant linebackers and explosive running backs in the Peach State. These athletes aren't just excelling on film—they're proving themselves under the lights, showcasing the skills, athleticism, and football IQ that set them apart from the competition.