2026 NY Rankings: Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out the NY 2026 Rankings <a href="https://prepredzone.com/new-york/rankings/2026-rankings/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">HERE</span></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group of LBs has been the best LB group out of New York in a few seasons. Usually, there are 2-3 LBs in the top 50, but this year, I have nearly 8. There are a few MLBs and a few OLBs. There are a lot of different skillsets and body types on this list. There is a separate article coming out for EDGE/Pass Rushing prospects, where you will find those OLB/DE tweeners, but this article features strictly off-ball type guys. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Top Three</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1213835"],"_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-67ae99b3558b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To this point, Heininger is the best physically built LB prospect in the state. Combine that with the positional skills you see on tape, and he holds onto the #1 LB spot for the second consecutive season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heininger shows great hand use at the point of attack, the ability to get off blocks, and is a dynamic/explosive athlete. His defensive tape also shows some violent finishing. There are a few clips on tape, including an INT I saw live, that showcase Heininger's ball skills. He has good TE tape, but his best college position is clearly LB. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heininger checks the size box, is a good athlete on tape, and has positional skills that translate to the Division 1 level—one of the few LBs in this class who can check all those boxes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402262"],"_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-67ae99b355916"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith is an OLB who could also add some weight/strength by becoming a pass rush specialist EDGE. Smith is one of the most violent explosive defensive athletes in this class in New York.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His get-off is quick and very consistent across his tape. He is a great athlete who shows excellent lateral movement skills and some developed pass rush moves. Right now, he is too small to be on the LOS full-time, but there is a chance he develops into that. For now, I think he is the top OLB prospect in the class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1284356"],"_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-67ae99b35595a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Montgomery Jr. is one of the better overall athletes in the class. He showcases the ability to make tackles in space, which comes from his quickness and explosive movements when he changes direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Montgomery Jr., I have also seen in a 7v7 setting. He moves really well in space, can be an impact LB in coverage, and replicates the athleticism you see in 7v7 on tape coming downhill. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His measurables make him more of a fit at OLB, but he has the athleticism to cover, and he shows a great motor and violent finish all over his tape. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Two Names To Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806776"],"_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-67ae99b355999"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mbaiyo is one of the state's best tacklers; his tackling technique, pad level, and range from the LB position all stand out on tape. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Physically, Mbaiyo is one of the best-looking LB prospects in the class. At 6'1" 215, and with the straight-line speed he shows, he can be a sideline-to-sideline MIKE LB who, with his play style, could bring great special teams value to a team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mbaiyo is another player who stood out to me when I saw Canisius play this season. However, it was against the best team and offensive line in the state, and Mbaiyo made several standout plays, including an impressive INT.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1344737"],"_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-67ae99b3559d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller plays on both sides of the ball, I think he can play either at the next level, considering the RB as a secondary position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller is a physical, violent football player on both sides of the ball. He flashes some long speed at the RB position, which you don't see much coming downhill from the LB position. He does a great job shooting gaps with quickness. His athletic profile stands out most on film, and Miller is an intriguing prospect as his positional skill set continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Expect Big Senior Season From</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1570210"],"_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-67ae99b355a11"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burbridge was on my radar during the season, and I was able to see him live in a camp setting at PRZ camp. I thought Burbridge was a good-looking athlete and tested well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On tape, you see good burst and closing speed coming downhill. Burbridge is a consistent violent tackler and excels at avoiding blocks and making plays around the LOS.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burbridge has a good frame to build from. Like every high school LB, he will need to get bigger and stronger, but there is a lot to like from the Camp evaluation and the tape. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1364878"],"_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-67ae99b355a4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Garcia was one of the top performing Junior LBs in the CHSFL - I thought he stood out often when I saw Hayes play this fall - he shows on tape the ability to get off blocks and I thought he was one of the best tacklers I saw this season live. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garcia is a bit of a tweener, and he will likely play OLB, but I think he flashes the athleticism to play Rover or as a big box safety. There are not enough coverage reps on tape to be confident about that right now, but something to consider for the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After what he showed as a Junior, Garcia is one of the top returning defensive players in the CHSFL, the best league in NY. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->