Scouting The Class: #TN2026 Linebackers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Going in-depth w/ our senior linebacking class, here you find a large group full of long term payoff prospects that may not have the star power but could turn out to be solid starters down the road. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Standout Backers At The Top&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One position group for our #TN2026 class that has some top level talent but has room for others to jump and take top spots are the linebackers. The collection of backers we have this cycle shows solid depth but may be lacking a ton of top end abilities, however we have plenty of time in this process for prospects to develop further and put themselves in the mix for big time college opportunities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at the top of the linebacker board, we have several guys fighting for that top spot. As of right now, it looks like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103031' first='Elijah' last='Fernandez'] </strong>(BGA), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1610497' first='Omeiza' last='Daniyan'] </strong>(Green Hill) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212335' first='Easton' last='Jointer'] </strong>from Brentwood Academy are competing to be the top linebacker prospect for our #TN2026 class with each three bringing different traits to the playing field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fernandez is an explosive guy that has a versatile skill set. He can work off the edge and rush the backfield or play the middle, stuffing the run. He is also a really good athlete with long arms and a great physique that shows upside to play in pass coverage as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daniyan is a headhunter that will lay out whoever has the ball in their hands. A true middle backer, the Hawks senior runs well and attacks without hesitation, showing excellent instincts finding the ball. Jointer could be the best pass coverage linebacker in this class. A lot of his experience in high school has been at safety but his upside works best at linebacker where he can use his athleticism to play in space while also having the speed to chase down the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three linebackers that bring versatility to the field where they can play in the middle or work the edge are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617369' first='Darius' last='Brooks'] </strong>(Haywood), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402569' first='Zach' last='Gilbert'] </strong>(Boyd Buchanan) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543020' first='Joey' last='Galazin'] </strong>from Sevier County. All three are highly talented but still need time to develop either their bodies or their overall games.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1658747,"width":"276px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/zgilbert.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1658747" style="width:276px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brooks is an outstanding athlete with a high ceiling that can chase the ball down from sideline to sideline. His height, length and speed allow him to rush off the edge while also stopping the run, so the Tomcats backer has a lot of tools that translate very well to the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gilbert is coming off a season ending injury, so that's mainly why he sits under the radar at the moment but has the talent to flourish in college. He too can work off the edge or slide in the middle, stuffing the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A key piece on the Smoky Bears state title team, Galazin had a breakout junior year where he produced a ton of tackles, including a lot in the opponent's backfield. This 6'4 backer has the physical traits to play off the edge but could move to the middle as well and become an outstanding run stuffer. Galazin may have as much versatility as anybody from our senior linebacking class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If any college coaches want some run stuffers that play with outstanding intensity, CPA senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566274' first='Preston' last='Patterson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212419' first='Cooper' last='Gentle'] </strong>from McCallie may be your guys. Both of these linebackers have championship pedigrees with both coming off title runs last year. Patterson is a tad bigger and faster with great instincts for the ball while Gentle has an excellent motor with a great feel for stopping the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest risers this spring from this linebacker group has been Gibbs senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1527611' first='Chase' last='Norman']</strong>. Standing 6 '4 210 pounds, the Eagles backer had a standout junior year but has capitalized on it this off-season by showing out during camps. He has displayed excellent athleticism that allows him to play in coverage while also providing the occasional pass rush. Ton of upside resides here with Norman!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At one point throughout the scouting process, Mt. Pleasant linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611995' first='Jayden' last='McClure'] </strong>was a top name to know but things have quieted down of late but that doesn't mean this Mid-TN talent can't play. Sporting a great physical look with arm length, McClure has a versatile skill set that allows him to work off the edge or play the middle versus the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1321064,"width":"290px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/jmcclure.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1321064" style="width:290px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two true middle backers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646596' first='Chris' last='Moore'] </strong>from Bartlett and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206237' first='Arkez' last='Fontenot'] </strong>out of Glencliff are athletic guys that have the upside to potentially play on the D1 level. Moore is a hidden gem that many may not know about now but don't be surprised to see him as one of the better middle linebacker prospects by the end of the 2025 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fontenot, who is transferring to Glencliff from Brentwood Academy for his senior season, is a natural athlete that is still filling into his body but has the look as a potential college middle backer that could be one of the better pass coverage guys we have in this class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D1, FCS Caliber Talent&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Just beyond that top group are several linebackers that need a little more time to develop on the field or the weight room but show potential for the college game and even maybe down the road, a shot at competing on the D1 playing stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bearden senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281467' first='Marcus' last='Brown'] </strong>competes with a high octane motor that is shown within his junior film, where he does a lot of his work off the edge but his build and potential fits best in the middle. The Bulldogs backer may not have the ideal size right now but shows explosive flashes that could stand out in college stopping the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854393' first='Jayden' last='Pyant'] </strong>from Ensworth and Arlington senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583134' first='Carson' last='Kelly'] </strong>are two athletic backers that have great size and length that could work well both off the edge or in the middle. Pyant has played a lot for his Tigers defense at safety but with his size and skill set, linebacker looks to be his future in college. Kelly is a hidden gem that I feel has his best football days ahead of him. Tall and long (6'4 210 lbs), the Tigers backer shows the range and speed to become a major disruptor on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two East Tennessee backers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='206141' first='Gabe' last='Abercrombie'] </strong>(McCallie) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646496' first='Brayden' last='Austin'] </strong>from Science Hill are versatile guys that provide the ability to play off the edge, rushing the passer or work the middle against the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1658755,"width":"308px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/baustin.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1658755" style="width:308px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abercrombie is a high motor guy that works well in space, showing pass coverage upside but also shows the burst to get after the quarterback as well. Austin has good size with room for added weight. He plays hard and fast, bringing the physicality coaches like to see while having upside to play several roles on defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212420' first='Kyrin' last='Coleman'] </strong>from Pope Prep, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1540917' first='John' last='Rex Dockery'] </strong>from Christian Brothers and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1132842' first='Blake' last='Surratt'] </strong>out of Ensworth are three middle linebacker prospects that have different skill sets but show potential to develop very nicely on the next level. Coleman is a versatile guy that can play the edge but may fit best on the interior. This is a smart, heady ball player that tends to put himself in the right positions to make plays on the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dockery is a highly active backer that plays hard and fast, showing the sideline to sideline speed that college coaches would enjoy developing much further. Surratt is still developing and forming into his body but has the look and upside of a middle linebacker that works very well versus the run but has the athleticism to play in coverage as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1301880,"width":"260px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/kycoleman.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1301880" style="width:260px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Next Tier: High Producing Backers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This next group of linebackers have not seen their stocks grow at this point but are very productive ball players that could shine during college camp season while putting forth strong senior campaigns that allow them opportunities to compete on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lot of the prospects listed in this section are pure middle linebackers that do excellent work versus the run while showing some athleticism to provide the occasional pass rush. Some of these guys may be limited with size but have active motors and instincts for finding the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Those middle linebacker prospects include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432227' first='Ean' last='Jones'] </strong>(White Station), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1246806' first='Jayden' last='Majors'] </strong>(Collierville), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1286224' first='Jaylen' last='Jackson'] </strong>(West Creek), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1655483' first='Dominic' last='Daddabbo'] </strong>(Knox. Catholic), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1151463' first='Ayden' last='Emmons'] </strong>(Riverdale), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598498' first='Braylon' last='Green'] </strong>(Melrose), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103033' first='Jayden' last='Jennings'] </strong>(Peabody), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651742' first='Hayden' last='Parker'] </strong>(Briarcrest Chrst.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1657203' first='K'Leb' last='Crowder'] </strong>(Boyd Buchanan), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1584109' first='Garret' last='Risner'] </strong>(Briarcrest Chrst.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603958' first='Justis' last='Haggard'] </strong>(Columbia Cent.) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1280293' first='Andy' last='Brock'] </strong>from Gallatin. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones is undersized but the dude plays with an active motor and is a physical thumper that finds his way into the backfield on a consistent basis. Majors may have the most upside of all these middle backers. He has good size and arm length along with athleticism to do a variety of things from the defensive second level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson is a sideline to sideline tackler with range and a nose for the football. He runs well too, so he is a definite watch list member during college camp season to pay attention to. Daddabbo is a long term, big payoff prospect that needs more weight to his frame but the Fighting Irish senior is an explosive ball player that shows excellent burst with a nice physical approach to the game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1658756,"width":"274px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/jayjackson.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1658756" style="width:274px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emmons is a run stuffer that works well close to the line as he shows good work at diagnosing the play, shedding blocks and attacking the ball with physicality. The Golden Cats could have a stud in Green, especially if he fully embraces the linebacker role this Fall. A good chunk of his junior film shows Green working at safety but his long term position will be linebacker. He is a good athlete that fits well in the middle but has the speed to provide a pass rush as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Jennings played somewhere bigger, he could have more college interest to this point. The Golden Tide senior is an active run stuffer with long arms and great instincts. He plays fast and hard and could be another college camp guy to watch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parker and Risner give the Saints a pair of talented middle backers that provide different traits. Parker is a good athlete that shows explosive flashes on film that works equally well against the run while providing the occasional pass rush. Risner is a true run stuffer that works well through physicality as he finds the ball. He is an instinctive ball player that makes a lot of plays near the line of scrimmage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Upside is the key word for Haggard as most of his junior work is seen at running back for the college level, his game fits best on defense at middle linebacker. Crowder is a good athlete that has college size (6'2 215) but if he could increase his speed, he would see his stock rise. Brock is a gritty ball player that plays hard and fast, consistently finding himself near the ball. He has some upside to work in coverage but his money is made stopping the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three East Tennessee linebackers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432214' first='Craig' last='Huskey'] </strong>(Gatlinburg-Pittman), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432221' first='Kaleb' last='Johnson'] </strong>(Knox. Catholic) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1657165' first='Dom' last='Culp'] </strong>from Knox. Halls have a skill set that allow them to both work the edge and play in the middle. Huskey had a breakout junior season where he produced a lot of tackles. He showed excellent instincts versus the run but I feel he has upside to provide more pass rush as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1658757,"width":"270px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/dculp.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1658757" style="width:270px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of the work done last year by Johnson was off the edge but I feel his best potential comes from the middle. He is a physical competitor that has the frame and overall size to receive a shot on the next level. Culp returns this Fall as one of the top pass rushers in the state and his film shows that. The Red Devils senior is undersized (5'10 190 lbs) but is a fearless ball player that has a great first step and instincts for the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1629250' first='Jacob' last='Gilles'] </strong>from Franklin-Grace and BGA senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206233' first='Jack' last='Gregg'] </strong>are two high motor middle backers that play well versus the run but also bring that kind of leadership and physicality that defensive coordinators would enjoy having in their room.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding out things in this section is a group of guys that may not be on the radar now but could be by the end of the regular season. Lausanne senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853122' first='Colton' last='Nabors'] </strong>is underdeveloped physically right now but is an athletic guy that has room to grow into his body over time. If he can pack on more weight before the Fall, Nabors could turn into a standout player with a college future.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walker Valley senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834616' first='Tyler' last='Goldman'] </strong>is an intriguing backer to follow over the next few months as I see college upside within his 6'2 205 pound body. This Chattanooga area defender brings an active motor to the table along with good speed and initial burst that plays well versus the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1658758,"width":"287px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/tygoldman2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1658758" style="width:287px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four developmental linebackers to keep an eye on this Fall include Hillsboro teammates <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1636973' first='Brayden' last='Hightower'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1636972' first='Justin' last='Carrethers'] </strong>along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606259' first='Brandon' last='Mitchell'] </strong>from Wooddale and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1186125' first='Charlie' last='Goss'] </strong>out of First Assembly. All four of these guys bring good size and physicality to the field but need time to enhance their bodies and increase their speed before they tap into their full capabilities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our senior class may not be the most talented compared to year's past but it's still a deep and solid crop of guys that have potential to become better after continued off-season development. I do expect several names mentioned above to have breakout senior year's that will push their stocks forward that will eventually land themselves on the college playing stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other LB's to Know ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1373099' first='Matthew' last='Anderson'] </strong>- Ravenwood, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1657182' first='Sean' last='Young'] </strong>- Jefferson Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1449768' first='Jaxson' last='Rutledge'] </strong>- Maryville, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941605' first='Connor' last='Parris'] </strong>- Farragut, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543010' first='Reece' last='Adams'] </strong>- Clay Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125289' first='Benjamin' last='Buckhold'] </strong>- Chrst. Brothers, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103499' first='Drew' last='Ray'] </strong>- Lewis Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='855566' first='Karreon' last='Woodruff'] </strong>- Hillsboro, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1049318' first='Hank' last='Miller'] </strong>- TCA, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103036' first='Will' last='Hyden'] </strong>- Tullahoma, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580783' first='Kylen' last='Burks'] </strong>- Southwind, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1657186' first='Zarius' last='Brown'] </strong>- J.C. Merry, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480882' first='Hudson' last='Husak'] </strong>- Ravenwood, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104269' first='Park' last='Ballash'] </strong>- BGA, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1004582' first='Silvio' last='Rizzo'] </strong>- Sycamore, <strong>Demingo Mauphins </strong>- Jackson NS, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646479' first='Ahsan' last='Ewing'] </strong>- Science Hill, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1554229' first='Walter' last='Caine'] </strong>- Upperman, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588863' first='Trea' last='Wampler'] </strong>- Arlington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1658759,"width":"268px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/ppatterson2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1658759" style="width:268px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->