2026 Rankings Update: Top Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The latest edition of the Prep Redzone Illinois Class of 2026 has been unveiled.&nbsp; Here we dive into the top players at each position.&nbsp; Today we look at <strong>2026 Rankings Update: Top Linebackers</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401621' first='Leon' last='Howard'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Howard is one of the premier linebackers in the state.&nbsp; The 6'2" 220 pound linebacker has a ton of speed and burst to the ball.&nbsp; He absolutely lays the hammer when tackling coming downhill.&nbsp; Lines up mostly at middle linebacker, but does have some edge potential as well.&nbsp; Gets off blocks well and fills the hole in the run game making tackles in the box. Big time athlete!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801877' first='Lesroy' last='Tittle'] (Nazareth)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tittle plays both running back and linebacker, but projects best at the next level as a linebacker.&nbsp; Runs well sideline to sideline.&nbsp; Good hitter in the hole.&nbsp; Can rush a little off the edge.&nbsp; Like the instincts he plays with taking good angles and closing strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='682480' first='Diesel' last='McFadden'] (Taft)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Taft linebacker racked up 69 tackles, 15 TFL, 7 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.&nbsp; Plays mostly on the edge with his good length and bend.&nbsp; Wins with quickness off the edge getting after the QB. Pursues the ball.&nbsp; Takes on blockers while still being able to make the tackle.&nbsp; Sets the edge well with his strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1397302' first='Tyler' last='Hvorcik'] (Glenbard North)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'2" 220 pound middle linebacker jumps off the film.&nbsp; Technically sound plyer that knifes through the line of scrimmage living in the backfied making plays.&nbsp; Very instinctual player that has a feel especially in the run game. Flies to the ball and uses his hands well to get off blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401622' first='Logan' last='Abrams'] (Cary Grove)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abrams is a TANK at 6'3" 230 pounds.&nbsp; In an old school game he would have been a tremendous fullback, but with those not in much demand anymore we see him as a linebacker at the next level.&nbsp; Super physical and gets off blocks extremely well. Physical at point of attack taking on blocks and getting off them. Wraps up down low when bringing down his man. Tough as nails.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1561670' first='Ben' last='Schelp'] (Quincy)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schelp is a 6'2" 215 pound linebacker from Quincy that tallied 91 tackles, 16 TFL, and 6 sacks.&nbsp; Brings a long and lanky frame to the table. The outside linebacker takes good angles while accelerating toward the ball knifing through the defense. Wraps up well.&nbsp; Flashes in zone coverage.&nbsp; Good bend coming around the edge as a pass rusher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1524594' first='Stephen' last='Winkler'] (Mt. Carmel)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winkler is an excellent outside linebacker at 5'11" 210 pounds.&nbsp; Very good in coverage being able to cover in space and flip his hips.&nbsp; Good speed and long arms makes up for lack of ideal height.&nbsp; Runs extremely well and does a nice job getting off blocks to make plays.&nbsp; Contributes on special teams coverage and is a solid tight end on the offensive side.&nbsp; Good overall athlete that makes winning plays.&nbsp; Not out of realm he could even play some safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801988' first='Ian' last='Irps'] (Bradley Bourbonnais)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Irps is a 6'1" 225 pound outside linebacker.&nbsp; Thick body and is stout agains the run. Takes on blocks and makes tackles in traffic.&nbsp; Great instincts overall as an impact linebacker.&nbsp; Physical as a pass rusher with a nice swim move.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585247' first='Gavin' last='Dobbs'] (Triad)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We came as impressed with Dobbs in person this season.&nbsp; The 6'0" 210 pound middle linebacker is a thumper in the middle of the defense. Pursues the ball and hits hard making the tackle. Technically sound plays that has instincts flying to the ball. Tackling machine whether in the run or running after short passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->