Evaluating the ranked 2026 MD linebackers in the Top 10

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Several linebackers in the 2026 recruiting class are already on college coaches' radars, and some are still trying to make their presence known. My evaluation of some of the linebackers in the Top 10 of the PRZ Maryland recruit rankings features prospects on both sides. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402018"],"_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-67d349eccaee6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had to settle for watching Medley's mid-season highlights. They were impressive, showcasing his ability to make plays at the line of scrimmage. Despite it being a small sample size, his dominance is hard to ignore. He's both physically imposing and technically skilled. Meley sets the edge well consistently. It doesn't matter if he's facing a blocker or crashing down the line on a run play after being unblocked. Medley's ability to disengage from blockers stands out as he quickly sheds and moves toward the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Medley's closing speed is evident. He eliminates angles and cuts off ball carriers, giving them little room to run. Medley's a true disruptor. There's not much of him in pass coverage, but that's not the focus of his highlights. Until his highlights are updated, I can't evaluate his ability to cover in space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nevertheless, he is explosive and has a lot of range. His combination of length, speed, and physicality makes him one of the top linebackers in Maryland. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212350"],"_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-67d349eccaf52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Teel is one of the more explosive linebackers I've seen on film. His quickness off the edge, ability to shed blockers, and relentless pursuit make him a problem for opposing offenses. He plays fast, aggressively, and with an edge. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Teel's first step immediately jumped out to me. He wastes no time getting up the field, whether rushing off the edge or shooting an inside gap. Once Teel sees an opening, he accelerates so quickly that the offensive linemen or person holding the football can hardly react. Not only is Teel fast, he's decisive. That burst off the ball is excellent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of his film focuses on his pass-rushing and run-stopping ability. I'd like to see more of him in pass coverage before I give detailed thoughts on that area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Otherwise, his upside as a pass rusher is undeniable. It's worth noting that he's also a solid offensive player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1313462"],"_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-67d34bb2d1663"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Saunders may not have the traditional build of a college linebacker, but his skill set suggests he could be a natural fit as a strong safety at the next level. The highlights of him that I watched show his biggest strengths: his coverage skills and versatility. Saunders seems to have a natural feel for reading quarterbacks, which allows him to make plays on the ball and disrupt passing lanes. His football IQ is high when it comes to pass coverage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Against the run, Saunders shows that he can be physical and is a sure tackler. He plays bigger than his frame and often recognizes the run early. Saunders may not overpower offensive linemen, but he counters with good technique and quickness. He doesn't shy away from contact and contains the edge when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest question for Saunders is his size and how it will translate at the next level. If he stays as a linebacker, he must keep developing physically. If he goes to safety, he must acclimate to the position full-time. Either way, he's a solid football player and returns as one of the top linebackers in the state for the 2025 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["711666"],"_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-67d3730d47d52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kubah-Taylor's game is built on speed, instincts, and toughness. His ability to time blitzes makes him a disruptive presence. Once he sees an opening, he wastes no time closing the gap. Kubah-Taylor is also a physical tackler who almost always finishes plays near or behind the line of scrimmage. You can see his versatility in his highlights. Kubah-Taylor can play both inside and outside linebacker, making him a potential fit at either MIKE or WILL linebacker as the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There aren't many highlights of him in pass coverage, so a few more reps in that area would provide a clear picture of his pass-coverage skill set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kubah-Taylor's combination of athleticism, physicality, and football instincts is one reason he's a top-five linebacker in Maryland. His ability to disrupt the backfield, fight through traffic, and cover ground quickly makes him one of the more disruptive backers in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314169"],"_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-67d377d27182e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Davis seems to constantly be around the football, whether reading the quarterback's eyes for an interception, forcing a fumble in the run game, or blowing up a screen before it can develop. His highlights are filled with effort plays. He may not have the prototypical size for an outside linebacker, but Davis makes up for it with his play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Davis' standout traits is his ability to diagnose plays quickly. In multiple highlights, he drops into his Cover 2 zone, anticipates the throw, and positions himself for an interception or a pass breakup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis is just as aggressive against the run. He doesn't hesitate to attack the ball carrier, and I like his open-field tackling ability as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis is on the smaller side as a linebacker, so his transition to safety might have to happen at the next level. I'd like to see more evidence of his ability to cover tight ends and wide receivers in one-on-one situations before I can make a true evaluation of his coverage skills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think Davis is the type of kid that coaches love: high-motor, has good football instincts, and is always making plays near the football. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-souther-maryland-skills-players-to-know-part-1/">Southern Maryland&nbsp; 2025 Season Players to Know - Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/meet-some-of-the-iacs-offensive-stars-in-the-2026-class-pt-1/">Meet some of the IAC's offensive stars in the 2026 Class – Pt . 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/meet-some-of-the-iacs-playmakers-at-the-skill-positions-pt-2/">Meet some of the IAC's playmakers at the skill positions – Pt . 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/scouting-the-iac-skill-position-players-part-3/">Scouting the IAC Skill Position Players - Part 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-1/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar – Pt. 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-2/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar - Pt. 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-3/"><strong>Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar – Pt. 3</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-western-maryland-skill-players-to-know-part-1/">2025 Season: Western Maryland Skill Players to Know – Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-1/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations – Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-2/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations – Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-3/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations - Part 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-next-wave-scouting-md-dcs-2026-class-film-review-pt-1/">The Next Wave: Scouting MD/DC's 2026 class: Film Review Pt. 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-next-wave-scouting-md-dcs-2026-class-film-review-pt-2/">The Next Wave: Scouting MD/DC's 2026 class: Film Review Pt. 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/scouting-the-ranked-2026-maryland-prospects-running-backs/">Scouting the ranked 2026 Maryland prospects: Running Backs</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-marylands-top-2026-running-back-prospects-part-2/">Evaluating the ranked 2026 running backs: Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/the-new-editions-evaluating-wrs-in-the-md-2026-rankings/">The New Editions: Evaluating WR's in the MD 2026 Rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/the-new-editions-new-edge-defenders-in-the-md-2026-rankings/"><strong>The New Editions: New edge defenders in the MD 2026 rankings</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-the-newcomers-to-the-md-2026-rankings-quarterbacks/">Evaluating Quarterbacks in the updated Maryland 2026 rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-tight-ends-in-the-updated-maryland-2026-rankings/">Evaluating Tight Ends in the updated Maryland 2026 rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-prospects-from-the-first-state-3a-standouts-pt-1/"><strong>Evaluating prospects from The First State: 3A standouts – Pt. 1</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-prospects-from-the-first-state-2a-standouts-pt-1/"><strong>Evaluating prospects from The First State: 2A standouts – Pt. 1</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-prospects-from-the-first-state-1a-standouts-pt-1/"><strong>Evaluating prospects from The First State: 1A standouts – Pt. 1</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/dmv-off-season-live-evalations-part-1/"><strong>DMV off-season live evaluations: Part 1</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/dmv-off-season-live-evalations-part-2/">DMV off-season live evaluations: Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/marylands-class-of-2027-in-depth-analysis-of-the-top-5/">Maryland's Class of 2027: In-Depth Analysis of the Top 5</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="Newcomers to the Maryland 2027 rankings Pt. -1">Stock-Risers: Newcomers to the Maryland 2027 rankings Pt. -1 </a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->