TN2027 Linebacker Watch List

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Diving deep into the defensive backers for our in-state junior class, we see a solid group here that is still under development but shows signs of being a solid position down the line with plenty of college level talent. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Putting some in-depth scouting into our junior linebacker class, what I see is a solid group of tacklers here that shows some productive guys with college potential but it's lacking overall top talent and depth. That could change over the next several months and year as new guys jump on the scene and establish themselves as next level prospects.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at our junior backers, I think it will be a continuous battle for the top overall spot until this class is signed, sealed and delivered but right now, the top guy appears to be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders']</strong>. The Panthers defender has mainly played safety throughout his career but has grown out of that position with college coaches liking him for linebacker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sanders is a versatile guy that could be looked at for that college “Star” position as he can play in coverage. I also think he has potential as a run stuffer in the middle or someone that can rush the backfield. That's how talented and skilled this Nashville based prospect is and how good he could be on the collegiate playing stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1674317,"width":"275px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/osanders2.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1674317" style="width:275px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently competing with Sanders for that top spot is Knox. West junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305810' first='J.P.' last='Peace']</strong>. Recently committing to Tennessee, the Rebels linebacker brings a lot of upside to the field due to his athleticism, intelligence, size and versatility. Peace is an active guy that plays sideline to sideline, doing good work versus the run while also providing the occasional pass rush.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the fastest, most aggressive backers we have from this class is MASE junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1666967' first='Akeem' last='Hunt']</strong>. This Memphis area prospect flies to the ball, showing a great first step and the closing speed to make plays all over the field. Hunt is a tad undersized (6'0 200) but more than makes up for it with his physical and violent playing style.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alcoa backer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1366543' first='Darius' last='Sudderth'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'] </strong>from Brentwood Academy are two guys that I could see rising up the linebacker charts in the coming months with strong junior seasons. Sudderth is way under the radar right now as I see D1 capabilities with him. The Tornadoes junior moves well with a nose for the ball. He can play the run or get into the backfield with his physicality and speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jennings brings great size to the field (6'2 220) along with the ability to read the play, react quickly and finish with violence. He does well at getting off blocks and getting into position to make plays on the ball. The Eagles junior also shows upside as someone that could play in pass coverage while also rushing the backfield on occasions.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we get beyond those top five, we have a large grouping of linebackers that have talent and upside but are in need of further development. Possibly the top guy right now that can scratch their way into that possible top five is Upperman junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679806' first='Colton' last='Johnson']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing 6 '4 220 pounds, Johnson has the college size coaches look for but also has a versatile skill set that could allow him to handle several roles on the next level. Some coaches may like the Bees junior as a tight end but I like his potential best on defense where he can use his athleticism, length and size to be disruptive both against the pass and the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A true middle backer that flies to the ball fast, Bartlett junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906615' first='Shelvy' last='Clark'] </strong>is an aggressive attacker that reads and reacts quickly then finishes with violence. Last year was a good start to his high school career but I foresee a breakout season upcoming for this Memphis area prospect that could play his way into the top five ranked backers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two guys with versatility to keep an eye on are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588087' first='Gael' last='Lara'] </strong>from Riverdale and BGA junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902961' first='Jayden' last='Cannon']</strong>. The Warriors junior is still in developmental mode but shows flashes of college potential due to his ability to track the ball and close fast. Cannon worked both the edge and the middle last year for his Wildcats defense. He displays on film the ability to run sideline to sideline while also having the bend and length to cause havoc rushing the backfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1694937,"width":"293px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/jaycannon.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1694937" style="width:293px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Houston junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams'] </strong>from Beech are two prospects that fit the role of middle linebacker for the college level but are still transitioning into those positions. Faulkner is a former safety that should play much more in the middle this year while Williams goes both ways at running back and linebacker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Faulkner is an athletic guy that could develop into one of the better coverage linebackers in this class. The Buccaneers junior could be recruited for either side of the ball but I personally like his upside best on defense as a run stuffing middle linebacker that can also rush the quarterback.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maryville linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1694317' first='Wyatt' last='Wilber']</strong>, MASE junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588871' first='Marcellus' last='Miller'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662943' first='Arkavion' last='Hawkins'] </strong>from Memp. Central are three intriguing talents that have athleticism, good size and the potential to see college interest float their way. There is a lot of experience needed for Wilber but I like the upside with him as an edge guy that could also work the middle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller is an explosive guy that tends to get in the backfield on a consistent basis. Watching his film, the Phoenix junior shows the ability to get into the backfield and chase down the quarterback but also presents upside as a run stuffer as well. Hawkins is a long term, possible big payoff prospect that brings good size and natural athleticism to the field that could be used in a variety of ways.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We now go into an area of the junior linebackers where you have guys that may be lacking the prototypical size, might not have the athletic traits as others above but still have the potential to play their way into the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin Road Academy junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] </strong>could be the best of this grouping. A multi-year contributor for his Panthers defense, Fletcher is starting to fully transition into linebacker where his future fits best as a run stuffer and potential leader that could make all the calls on defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1687302,"width":"204px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/43-Kwadir-Fletcher-rotated.jpg?w=684" alt="" class="wp-image-1687302" style="width:204px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying with guys who fit middle linebacker on the college level, juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey'] </strong>(GCA), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904934' first='Kason' last='Hicks'] </strong>(Sequatchie Co.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588275' first='Dricus' last='Williams'] </strong>(White House-Heritage) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570553' first='Jayden' last='Shannon'] </strong>from Cannon Co. are four guys that may have some limitations in certain areas but bring a high competitive edge to the field that shows up on film.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coffey is a true run stuffer that reads running lanes well then uses his deceptive burst and speed to consistently place himself around the ball. Hicks has been a starter since his freshman season. This guy has more athleticism than his physical traits may show along with flashes with being able to play sideline to sideline.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots could have a stud on their hands with Williams, especially if he adds in the proper weight while enhancing his speed. So far this off-season, the Pats junior has packed on more size (6'1 200), so it will be interesting to see how he performs this Fall. Shannon is a small town middle backer that is undersized but packs a big punch as he brings nice physicality to the field along with strong instincts in reading the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding things out at linebacker are two guys in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378869' first='Ahvare' last='Galbreath'] </strong>from Clarksville and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='966034' first='Noah' last='Gaylor'] </strong>out of Clinton that bring a versatile skill set to the field that may allow them to work both the middle and the edge on the college level. Galbreath stands only 6'1 210 pounds but is well built physically along with a mental approach to attack everything in his path. Gaylor is still forming into body but has nice physical traits (6'3 195) that could help him do a variety of things on the playing field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a position that may not have a lot of depth at the moment but the opportunity is there for those written about above to grow into themselves and become suitable for the college game. Others will jump on the radar as well as the months roll along as I expect new names to emerge after the coming season, which will help this position grow with depth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other LB's on the Radar: <strong>Braxton Del Aguaro </strong>- Hardin Valley, <strong>Jayden Gowin </strong>- Blackman, <strong>Jude Fitzpatrick </strong>- Upperman, <strong>Myles Baker </strong>- Munford, <strong>Nahzire Carter </strong>- Mt. Pleasant, <strong>Nigel Clark </strong>- Lake Co., <strong>Tyreke Boykin </strong>- Humboldt, <strong>Xodrick Mitchell, Jr </strong>- Southwind</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1694942,"width":"289px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/ngaylor.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1694942" style="width:289px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->