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Inside The Tape: 2026 Linebackers Trending Toward the Top 100!

Inside The Tape: 2026 Linebackers Trending Toward the Top 100!
Robert Davis
Robert Davis May 28, 2025 @ 01:10 PM
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In this article:

Brayden Werth
Brayden Werth 5'9" | 180 lbs | LB/RB | 2026
CO
Jack Knackstedt
Jack Knackstedt 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB | 2026
CO
Oliver Michalec
Oliver Michalec 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB | 2026
CO
Jax Armstrong
Jax Armstrong 5'9" | 190 lbs | LB | 2026
CO
Aj Maroni
Aj Maroni 5'9" | LB | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be taking at look at some linebackers that have the ability to crack the top 100 and get their name on the radar for college scouts. These are the prospects with something to prove and will be looking to make a statement early in the season. If you are a new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a discount off of your first subscription.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1313388"],"_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-6837519d53f93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maroni is a physical, instinctive linebacker who thrives in the trenches. Known for his ability to stuff the run, he consistently finds and fills running lanes, delivering heavy contact at the point of attack. He posted 62 total tackles and 8 tackles for loss last season, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays behind the line. Maroni's agility allows him to slip past blockers and make open field stops. With the ability to rush the quarterback when called upon, he is a true three down linebacker. Expect him to play with a chip on his shoulder this year as he looks to elevate his stock and grab the attention of college scouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1313400"],"_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-6837519d5400e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Armstrong brings intelligence and intensity to the middle of the defense. He diagnoses plays quickly, consistently filling gaps and blowing up run plays before they develop. With 54 tackles and 6 tackles for loss, Armstrong proved his ability to shut down the running game. He also has the versatility to drop into coverage and rally to the football. With several key defenders moving on, Armstrong is in line to take on a larger role this season, and he's ready to break out as one of the top interior linebackers in his class at the 3A level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1648363"],"_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-6837519d5406e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A linebacker with track speed, Michalec clocked a 4.7 40 yard dash and uses that burst to wreak havoc in the backfield. He recorded 8 tackles for loss and routinely closes fast on ball carriers. Watching him shooting gaps or pursuing from the backside, Michalec plays fast and physical. He has the skill set of a true disruptor, capable of impacting both the run and pass game and he looks poised to make a big jump in the rankings if he continues to build on his physical tools and production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1681123"],"_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-6837519d540ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Knackstedt has a natural feel for the game and a nose for the football. He finished with 72 total tackles and 6 tackles for loss, proving his ability to shed blocks and make plays in all phases. His versatility allows him to contribute in coverage or on the edge, while his physical playing style makes him a tough matchup for opposing offenses. His ability to set the edge or filling running lanes inside, Knackstedt plays with great leverage and discipline, traits that make him a prime candidate to climb the rankings this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1681127"],"_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-6837519d54113"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Werth was a nightmare for offensive linemen last season, combining speed, motor, and explosiveness off the edge. He posted an impressive 15 tackles for loss and 71 total tackles, consistently winning with quickness and leverage. Werth excels at creating pressure and uses strong pursuit angles to finish plays in the backfield. His ability to stay low and explode through blockers gives him an edge as a pass rusher, and his open field tackling is reliable. If he builds on this momentum, Werth could crack the top 100 and become a sneaky name to know on the recruiting trail.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Today we will be taking at look at some linebackers that have the ability to crack the top 100 and get their name on the radar for college scouts. These are the prospects with something to prove and will be looking to make a statement early in the season. If you are a new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a discount off of your first subscription.

Aj Maroni

Aj Maroni

CO
LB
HEIGHT 5'9"
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Aj
Maroni LB
Class
2026
Height
5'9"
HS
Grandview
|
CO
Inside The Tape: 2026 Linebackers Trending Toward the Top 100!
Maroni is a physical, instinctive linebacker who thrives in the trenches. Known for his ability to stuff the...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Aj Maroni

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Grandview
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jax Armstrong

Jax Armstrong

CO
LB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 190
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jax
Armstrong LB
Class
2026
Height
5'9"
Weight
190
HS
Roosevelt
|
CO
Inside The Tape: 2026 Linebackers Trending Toward the Top 100!
Armstrong brings intelligence and intensity to the middle of the defense. He diagnoses plays quickly, consistently filling gaps...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jax Armstrong

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Roosevelt
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Oliver Michalec

Oliver Michalec

CO
LB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 190
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Oliver
Michalec LB
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
190
HS
Northfield
|
CO
Inside The Tape: 2026 Linebackers Trending Toward the Top 100!
A linebacker with track speed, Michalec clocked a 4.7 40 yard dash and uses that burst to wreak...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Oliver Michalec

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Northfield
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jack Knackstedt

Jack Knackstedt

CO
LB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 215
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jack
Knackstedt LB
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
215
HS
Timnath
|
CO
Inside The Tape: 2026 Linebackers Trending Toward the Top 100!
Knackstedt has a natural feel for the game and a nose for the football. He finished with 72...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jack Knackstedt

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Timnath
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Brayden Werth

Brayden Werth

CO
LB/RB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 180
POS LB/RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Brayden
Werth LB/RB
Class
2026
Height
5'9"
Weight
180
HS
Rampart
|
CO
Inside The Tape: 2026 Linebackers Trending Toward the Top 100!
Werth was a nightmare for offensive linemen last season, combining speed, motor, and explosiveness off the edge. He...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Brayden Werth

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Rampart
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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