2027 Rankings Update: LB Class Full Of Game-Changers

The linebacker rankings in the 2027 class are absolutely loaded. Across the Palmetto State, guys at the second level are flying to the ball and wrecking offensive plans along the way. The production some of them have put up in their first two years, even alongside older and more experienced teammates, is staggering. And there are even more who are ready to step into even bigger roles for their teams. Here's a look at some of the standout LBs in the class.    BREAKING DOWN THE TOP 5   [player_tooltip player_id='1271263' first='KJ' last='Burg'], South Pointe   The Stallions are among the most athletic teams in the state. Burg is maybe the most athletic player on their defense. Do the numbers bear that out? How about 134 total tackles last season, with 90 of those stops as solos. That comes with 11 tackles for loss, the athleticism to play pretty much anywhere, and a huge boost of interest from recruiters. Burg is the real deal.   [player_tooltip player_id='1172360' first='Kelvion' last='Manning'], Dillon   Manning isn't Dillon's most "jump off the stat sheet" defender. He's probably their most "jump off the film" guy. That's because if you watch those stat-stuffers, you'll invariably see Manning. He forces things to happen, he draws attention, often double-teams, and he makes plays anyway.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036755' first='Kendaris' last='Bailey'], Gaffney   [player_tooltip player_id='1036755' first='Kendaris' last='Bailey'] might be the most physical player on Gaffney's team. Read that again, and contemplate what we're really talking about. Bailey is a violent, physical defender, and he's a menace for the Indians. Last season he came up with 13.5 tackles, he recorded eight sacks, and he did it all while being one of the most highly-regarded LBs in a group that included some off-the-charts talented seniors. Now he's back for more.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036769' first='Maleek' last='Dukes'], Kingstree   The thing that jumps out about Dukes is that he covers a LOT of ground in a hurry. He plays sideline-to-sideline as well as anyone in the class, and that sets him apart. He's also a standout on special teams, and his motor and work ethic are outstanding. You plug Dukes in, and you know what you're going to get. That's a game-changing LB who's coming to play every snap.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036752' first='Owen' last='Bex'], Trinity Collegiate   As is the case with guys at small private schools, Bex is asked to do a lot. Last year, that included a breakout showing at WR. But Bex is at home - and the Titans need him the most - on the defensive side. There, he's a rocket into the opposing backfield, notching 17.5 TFL last year, and adding three sacks. He also knocked down four passes and picked off another. Bex' versatility will serve him well.   TEN TO WATCH   There are ten more guys in the class ranked in the Top 100 of the overall rankings. We told you the class was loaded. There are guys at this level who do a little bit of everything. Let's look at Hammond's [player_tooltip player_id='262172' first='Bubba' last='Alexander'] (pictured), Aiken's [player_tooltip player_id='1054957' first='Gray' last='Kitchings'], Florence Christian's [player_tooltip player_id='1127312' first='Hayden' last='Schwab'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1640504' first='Luke' last='Russell'] from Bishop England. They're all listed at a position alongside LB, proving their versatility and athleticism. Schwab and Russell are both also listed at Edge, and they've shown proficiency there. Schwab led the Eagles in sacks last season and has a nose for the ball in the backfield, while Russell had a sack and 12 stops behind the line. Both show the instincts of a LB along with the explosiveness you need off the edge. Kitchings is also listed at ATH, and he had more than 200 all-purpose yards as a runner, receiver, and returner last season, to go with 48 tackles and four tackles for loss on the defensive side of the ball. Alexander, meanwhile, lives part of his life upside-down, as he serves as the Skyhawks' long-snapper. When he's upright as a LB, he's a guy who can play both outside and in the middle, and he flies all over the field.    Then there are the tackle machines. Guys who just travel the field from LB wreaking havoc. AC Flora's [player_tooltip player_id='1603712' first='Jordan' last='Davis'] is a prime example. He absolutely stuffed the stat sheet in his 10th-grade year, with 112 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two hurries, an interception, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and a blocked punt. He's part of what was a young Falcons' defense that has the potential to be TROUBLE.    Hilton Head's [player_tooltip player_id='1172368' first='Andrew' last='Massey'] had 68 stops as a sophomore, to go with 10 tackles for loss, three hurries, an interception, a couple fumble recoveries, and a blocked field goal. [player_tooltip player_id='1603691' first='Jackson' last='Ross'] led Hammond in tackles, added 11.5 sacks and 14 TFL. [player_tooltip player_id='1172365' first='Crawford' last='Poole'] had 16 tackles for loss to go with his 48 total stops, and led Cheraw with 11 tackles for loss. He also blocked a punt.   Indian Land's [player_tooltip player_id='1422617' first='Jackson' last='Conner'] and Wade Hampton's [player_tooltip player_id='1172362' first='Angel' last='Gomez'] are two guys who just continue to make plays. Gomez has been in the middle of the Generals' lineup for two years now, and is plays LB in just about the simplest way you can: wait for the snap, find the ball, go get that guy. He makes that routine process look simple, and that's what makes him so good. Conner flies around making triple-digit tackles, jumping in passing lanes in the flat, and creating mayhem in the backfield, with 22 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks last season.   FIVE GUYS WHO COULD BLOW UP   There's not a position on defense where a good year can boost your stock more. These guys look like they have all the tools to put together a good year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1274260' first='Bryson' last='Bowers'], James Island   Bowers is strong, fast enough to play some RB, and he's bouncing back from an injury that saw him miss part of last season. All those factors, and a good year, could cause his performance to skyrocket.   [player_tooltip player_id='1604055' first='Shane' last='Hunter Dale'], Crescent   Dale is a rare guy who can impact a game from a bunch of positions. He can play in the middle, on the outside, off the edge, and back at safety. He'll pretty much be wherever the Tigers need him, and he'll play well wherever that is.   [player_tooltip player_id='1271256' first='Major' last='Workman'], JL Mann   Workman missed last season, one of the best in Patriots' history, with an injury. Now he's back, he's healthy, and he's got a new defense-first head coach in Bryce Smiley. You'll hear plenty about Workman this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664563' first='Nayshaun' last='Brown'], Sumter   Brown had a heck of a sophomore season with 67 tackles, and he did it in the shadow of a deep, talented group of seniors on the Sumter defense. Now he'll take a bigger role. That should worry opponents.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664575' first='Malachi' last='Peterson'], Westside   Peterson's another guy who's in a similar situation as Brown. He had a great sophomore year. He shined at a senior-heavy position. Now it's his time, and Westside has pieces around him that will allow Peterson to show his talent, and quickly.

The linebacker rankings in the 2027 class are absolutely loaded. Across the Palmetto State, guys at the second level are flying to the ball and wrecking offensive plans along the way. The production some of them have put up in their first two years, even alongside older and more experienced teammates, is staggering. And there are even more who are ready to step into even bigger roles for their teams. Here's a look at some of the standout LBs in the class.