2026 Rankings: Linebacker Stock Risers/New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Prep Redzone Illinois 2026 Rankings being expanded to 375 prospects there are a ton of new names that have emerged along with prospects that elevated their stock.&nbsp; Here we look at those prospects in <strong>2026 Rankings: Linebacker Stock Risers/New Names</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651580' first='Jake' last='Cantal'] (Maine South)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tough as nails 6'1" 210 pound middle linebacker.&nbsp; The Maine South product hits very hard and is instinctual with the way he plays.&nbsp; Changes directions and does a nice job of using his hands.&nbsp; Sets the edge well.&nbsp; Impacts in coverage over the middle in zone along with making plays on the ball for picks.&nbsp; Can cover in the slot a little as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1268657' first='Darrieon' last='Beck'] (Prosser)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beck is a 6'1" linebacker that pops off the table with his speed to the ball carrier and explosiveness.&nbsp; Wraps up very well consistently making plays in the backfield.&nbsp; Really liked what we saw of his coverage skills especially when playing on the outside covering in the slot along with being effective in zone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1524501' first='Aeneas' last='Allen'] (Homewood Flossmoor)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allen goes 6'1" and 210 pounds.&nbsp; This is a middle linebacker that can really run.&nbsp; Goes sideline to sideline chasing down ball carriers.&nbsp; Fills the hole and can bring down man in run game.&nbsp; Diagnoses plays and makes tackle.&nbsp; Good athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1423732' first='Khamryn' last='Beaver'] (Homewood Flossmoor)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beaver is a 6'2" 230 pound outside linebacker/edge player that has a thick frame.&nbsp; He explodes to the ball and blockers just seem to bounce off him.&nbsp; Very good blitzer that could be a really nice edge rusher at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583119' first='Timas' last='Marchertas'] (Hinsdale Central)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hinsdale Central 6'0" 205 pound linebacker is aggressive knifing through the line of scrimmage making plays in the backfield.&nbsp; Excellent closing speed and plays with physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632871' first='Muayyad' last='Masri'] (Plainfield Central)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Masri is a well built 6'2" 200 pound middle linebacker that brings versatility to the table.&nbsp; Can line up in the middle along with edge playing both with his hand in the dirt and standing up.&nbsp; Explosive cuts to the ball and hits really hard.&nbsp; When playing in the middle like how his eyes read the play very well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607066' first='Malik' last='Mazyun'] (Cahokia)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mazyun is a 5'11" 165 pound linebacker that had 145 total tackles and 4 sacks on the season as a junior.&nbsp; The middle linebacker has good length and is a little light. Slices through the defense taking good angles diagnosing well vs the run. Pursues and wraps up well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='802037' first='Tyler' last='Drake'] (Geneva)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Drake is a 6'0" 190 pound outside linebacker that has good closing speed.&nbsp; He hits really hard closing fast.&nbsp; Physical tackler that is also a solid pass rusher off his EDGE spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1575307' first='Nick' last='Hachigian'] (Maine South)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hachigian is a thick 6'2" 205 pound linebacker from Maine South that changes directions well.&nbsp; The first play on tape he goes back 15 yards in coverage then closes on the QB for a tackle.&nbsp; Outside linebacker that is technically sound, hits hard, and is strong enough to take on blocks while getting off them. Solid in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='840005' first='Axel' last='Boecker'] (Wheaton Warrenville South)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boecker is a 6'0" 220 pound linebacker that racked up 86 tackles and 3 picks.&nbsp; Good instincts as a coverage guy dropping back over the middle. Stuffs vs the run and wraps up well. Also contributes as a long snapper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->