Spring Stock-Risers: 2026 LB Report

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This rankings update was a big one, so we've spread it across two weeks. We focused on the offensive players last week, so this week we're breaking down the defenders. Ironically, we only recently separated edge rushers from interior linemen. Still, we have plenty of ranked interior defensive linemen, including six who moved up our 2026 rankings in this spring update. Monday, I looked at the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/spring-stock-risers-2026-edge-rusher-report/">edge rusher stock-risers</a> and Tuesday I looked at the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/spring-stock-risers-2026-idl-report/">interior defensive linemen</a>. Now, I'm breaking down the linebackers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who moved up, and <em>why </em>did they make the jump? Find out in our 2026 LB stock-risers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 LB Stock-Risers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1246060"],"_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-682dd027f1578"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It took Gordon's recruitment a bit more time to take off, but in recent months he's soaring on the trail. Clemson, Virginia, and other ACC teams have made the 6', 215-pound linebacker a priority and it's easy to see how that transition might work for Gordon. He can run and he can hit. He has more untapped coverage potential and is already and elite run defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["825499"],"_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-682dd027f15cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A long-coming position change has bumped Griffin-Haynes in our eyes. Originally a receiver, he's always won off athleticism. As he's added more weight to his frame he's switched sides of the ball to an off-ball outside linebacker role that seems best suited for his unique athletic abilities. He has length, speed, and a high football I.Q., three things that make him an excellent linebacker prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1600424"],"_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-682dd027f1611"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">King rocketed up our board after a dominant performance at our Prep Redzone NC combine and colleges have since caught on. King has earned recent Ivy League scholarships to go with an Army offer, and the type of schools offering him is a testament to his character and work ethic. Personally, I think with some more weight he's a true Group of Five prospect. Expect a huge senior year from a guy who is just hitting his stride as a prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["403556"],"_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-682dd027f164f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our biggest single riser in this linebacker class, Simmons plays a different role than a lot of the guys on this list, as an outside linebacker with some edge rushing abilities. App State jumped in with an offer just after our last rankings update and we've since been impressed with him in camp settings. He can rush the passer or drop in coverage, with solid athletic abilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["854270"],"_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-682dd027f168c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Manson plays a hybrid linebacker/nickel role for Franklinton, but he also calls the plays, something you rarely see from a prospect at his position. He's a sound tackler and big hitter, while flashing coverage skills and the versatility to play at multiple spots on the defense. I'm looking for him to add about 10-15 more pounds and drop his 40 just slightly. If he can do those two things, Ivy League and other high-academic FCS and D2 schools should be falling over themselves to sign him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["205617"],"_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-682dd027f16c7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's amazing to us that Faulkner hasn't blown up on the recruiting trail yet because he's one of the most technically-sound linebackers in the class. He has prototypical size and moves well. His bread and butter is his run defense, where his gap integrity and ability to sort through the muck in the middle are among the best in the class. He also has an alpha mentality, with the ability to deliver huge hits without forgetting to wrap up and secure the tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->