Sleeper 2026 Atlanta-Area Linebackers To Know This Fall

These underrated 2026 linebackers are still flying under the radar..    A quick and instinctive middle linebacker who shined defensively for one of the top teams across the state, Griggs may not be the biggest or fastest linebacker in the 2026 class, but he was certainly one of the most productive. He brings natural instincts and he's a sure tackler, making 149 total stops last year as a junior. He has a nose for the football and gave everything he had on every play. He holds two offers from Florida Atlantic and Florida International, but he's deserving of a lot more after a massive 2024 season last fall.     A strong, quick-reacting linebacker from Gwinnett County who lit up the stat sheet last fall, this sleeper linebacker from Suwanee recorded an eye-opening 122 tackles, five TFLs, and one pick-six. He plays hard, runs well side to side, and never gives up on a play. He made 10+ tackles six different times with his biggest game coming against Hillgrove where he made 18 tackles. He was one of the more productive linebackers across the state in the 2026 class last year and will be added to the next Prep Redzone rankings next month.     A versatile linebacker south of Atlanta who was one of the more impactful defenders on a loaded Jonesboro team, Farley is a max-effort defender who can rush the quarterback and make plays on the line of scrimmage. He's a physical tackler who made an impressive 119 tackles, 19 TFLs and two sacks to go along with two forced fumbles. He's a sleeper defender who can play at the next level who will see a new ranking come his way in the next Prep Redzone rankings.     An explosive defender out of Collin Hill still flying under the radar, Barjolo was a consistent playmaker on a talented Eagles defense who can make plays in all aspects defensively. He's strong in coverage and knows how to deliver a big, physical hit on the ball-carrier. He can run plays down, he's a weapon on the blitz, and found a way to make a big impact on a defense littered with D1 talent. He's one of the more slept-on linebackers in Gwinnett County who made 96 tackles last fall with seven TFLs, seven sacks, and five forced fumbles. He's a prospect to keep a close eye on in 2025.     A promising, hard-hitting linebacker with a strong feel for the game, this active, sure-tackling defender from Lilburn was one of the more productive and dependable middle linebackers in the area last season as a junior, making 84 tackles and 11 TFLs in 10 games. He was also a giant weapon on special teams as he blocked three field goals on the season. He's flying under the radar, but he flashed D1-caliber talent last season with the potential to have an even bigger 2025 season as a senior next fall. He's a linebacker on the rise who will be added to the next Prep Redzone rankings next month.

These underrated 2026 linebackers are still flying under the radar..