1A/2A LBs To Know

As we approach the season, realignment is at the top of my mind. For the first time, North Carolina is going to an 8A system, which will further stratify the schools. So, over the next couple of months, I'm going through the lower classifications to highlight the players fans will need to know.   We're approaching the end of our series, and we're hitting the second level of the defense. Off-ball linebacker is an interesting position to play at the 1A/2A level, given how diverse the rushing schemes can be at those classifications. Here are some of the best 1A/2A linebackers in the state.   Other 1A/2A Positions:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-qbs-to-know/">QBs</a></li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-rbs-to-know/">RBs</a></li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-wrs-to-know/">WRs</a></li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-3a-4a-tes-to-know/">TEs</a></li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-ol-to-know/">OL</a></li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-idls-to-know/">IDL</a></li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-edge-rushers-to-know/">Edge Rushers</a></li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1A/2A LBs</h2>    Johnson's size and athleticism are well above average at the 1A level and he lives around the ball. He's a big hitter who puts himself in position to make plays on both sides of the ball. The Southeast Prep (Formerly Southeast Halifax) product has a college athletic profile and the production to back it up.     While he plays an outside linebacker role for Tarboro, Bridgers could better be described as a box safety because of the way he's able to run with receivers and make plays against the pass. Since Tarboro is usually winning, he often gets to play more coverage snaps than the average 2A player. Don't discount his abilities inside the box though, as he can deliver the boom against the run.     Summers lives around the ball and his instincts were on full display as a junior. He's a guy who continues to impress as he gets older and becomes more of a leader defensively. He's getting faster and has become savvy at taking on blockers and blowing up plays in the running game and we're interested to see what kind of senior season he can have.     Hernandez has been on our radar for a long time, though we'd initially ranked him as a running back. He'll still get a few touches a game on offense, but make no mistake, he's a defender at the next level. He had a breakout sophomore season, with nearly 70 tackles and three takeaways. We loved seeing his hard work off the field pay off and now the pressure has shifted. It's not about whether he'll make an impact, but what kind of impact he can make.     Previl can really move and that's one of the first things that stands out on film. He's patient because he knows that if he takes the correct angle he can get to the ball with ease. He's gained weight and strength over the last few years and that's helped him in the running game. If he can add a bit more weight, he'll be one of the more well-rounded linebackers in the state.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other 1A/2A LBs To Know</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1647668' first='Elijah' last='Fulton'], American Leadership Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='1678636' first='Caden' last='Fritz'], Christ the King   [player_tooltip player_id='1616161' first='Grady' last='Mahaffey'], Lejeune   Here on a free trial and want to save money on a subscription? Promo Code Helms30 will get your 30% off your first billing cycle.

As we approach the season, realignment is at the top of my mind. For the first time, North Carolina is going to an 8A system, which will further stratify the schools. So, over the next couple of months, I'm going through the lower classifications to highlight the players fans will need to know.