PRZ Film Session: A Look At Five ’26 KS Linebackers

PRZ Scouts anaylze athlete’s film.

Jeremy Deckard March 15, 2025 @ 11:56 AM

Taking a break from writing scouting reports about State Basketball, preparing for new Prep Dig Rankings, and watching some hockey, I decided to watch some linebacker film.   Here is a look at five ranked Kansas linebackers from the Class of 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1585171' first='Ja'Mari' last='Bland'], LB, 5'10”, 215, Wichita Northwest   Bland is ranked No. 77 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026 Prep Redzone Rankings. He is the fourth-highest ranked linebacker. He is a fast, low linebacker who can also play solid coverage. When he stalks ball carriers, he has evil intentions in his mind. He is a hard-hitter who wraps up and finishes tackles. He recorded 77 tackles, two interceptions, and seven tackles-for-loss during his junior season. Bland has an invite to Missouri Western's prospect camp.   [player_tooltip player_id='1431941' first='Camron' last='Wetter'], LB, 5'10”, 185, Marysville   Wetter is ranked No. 96 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026. He is the eighth-ranked linebacker. He is super quick and also plays running back. He has a special explosion when he hits ball carriers. He plays outside linebacker for the Bulldogs. He could easily be moved to the edge on the line or moved inside as a backer. Wetter is strong, but his quickness is what separates him from his peers. I think he is a Division II or JUCO-level prospect. Wetter also wrestles and has an invite to Baker University's prospect camp.   [player_tooltip player_id='780105' first='Xavier' last='Tafoya'], LB, 6'2”, 230, Liberal   Tafoya is ranked No. 126 overall and is ranked No. 16 at the linebacker position. He was recently featured by Prep Redzone scout Ben Mitchum. So, I checked out his film to see what the hub-bub was all about. He plays on both sides of the ball for the Redskins. His lateral movement is what impresses me the most. Whether he is dodging tacklers or flowing to tackle them, he moves well side-to-side. I am willing to be he runs a solid shuttle drill. He will bring the wood when he tackles. He recorded 90 tackles and seven TFLs in his junior campaign.  He rushed for 360 yards and five touchdowns, but I think his future is on the defensive side of the ball. He has camp invites from multiple programs, including Brown, Penn, Southern Nazarene, and Peru State.   [player_tooltip player_id='1115789' first='Cael' last='Frazier'], LB, 6'0”, 180, Holton   Frazier is ranked No. 184 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026. The first thing to know about him is, like all other Holton prospects, you know you are getting a well-coached and disciplined athlete. He can play on both sides of the ball and could immediately play on special teams for college programs. He can play outside or inside linebacker or fullback or tailback. He recorded 75 tackles last season and 61 the year before. His speed makes him dangerous as a blitzer and in pass coverage.   [player_tooltip player_id='1261286' first='Talon' last='Conrad'], LB, 6'1”, 205, Wamego   Wamego's Conrad is ranked No. 185 overall by Prep Redzone Kansas.  He is a football player. He is versatile and line up just about anywhere in a defensive scheme. He has a nice combination of speed and physicality. He gets off the ball well and is most dangerous when you use him as a blitzer. I can see him playing outside linebacker or strong safety at the next level. However, a program that wants to add some muscle and weight to his frame could turn him into a dangerous edge rusher with his speed. He has a high football IQ and is a leader on the field. Like Frazier, he could be an all-conference special teams player his freshman season for a JUCO or NAIA program.

Taking a break from writing scouting reports about State Basketball, preparing for new Prep Dig Rankings, and watching some hockey, I decided to watch some linebacker film.