Fall Build Up: 2026 LB Tackling Machines

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368321' first='Elijah' last='Dias'] | LB | 2026 | Auburndale |<a href="https://twitter.com/twin_frmpolk"><strong> </strong><strong>@twin_frmpolk</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dias has become one of the most consistent defensive producers in Polk County. He's not chasing hype—he's chasing ball carriers. With back-to-back years of high production, he's proven he can carry a defense. Expect his tackle count to climb even higher this fall as he leads a physical Bloodhound front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trenton Curliss | LB | 2026 | Charlotte |<a href="https://twitter.com/trentoncurliss1"><strong> </strong><strong>@trentoncurliss1</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-3, 230 pounds, Curliss is a menace in the box. His 144 total tackles speak to his range and stamina, but it's the 34 TFLs that really pop. He lives behind the line of scrimmage, using his size and instincts to disrupt plays before they develop. A true downhill enforcer with big-time upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583358' first='Wyatt' last='Fleming'] | LB | 2026 | Mosley |<a href="https://twitter.com/wyattflemi45547"><strong> </strong><strong>@wyattflemi45547</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fleming has been a tone-setter for Mosley's defense, showing strong instincts and a physical presence at the point of attack. He tracks the ball well and doesn't hesitate to deliver a hit in the hole. With 76 total tackles last season, he's proven he can stay active from sideline to sideline. Expect him to build on that momentum as a trusted leader in the front seven.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noah Hodge | LB | 2026 | Nease |<a href="https://twitter.com/Noah_hodge22"><strong> </strong><strong>@Noah_hodge22</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hodge stepped up in a big way last fall, making his presence felt all over the field. He racked up 96 tackles and 8 TFLs, showing his ability to react quickly and finish plays. Whether it's chasing down outside runs or plugging gaps inside, Hodge plays fast and with purpose. He's a major component of what Nease does defensively and will be leaned on even more this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tayron Grant | LB | 2026 | Mulberry | @4pf__tayy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grant was one of Polk County's most active linebackers, regularly leading his defense in stops. He has a nose for the ball and plays with intensity—his sideline-to-sideline motor has helped Mulberry stay competitive. Expect even more production as he takes on a bigger leadership role this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1209050' first='Ronin' last='Dangler'] | LB | 2026 | Manatee |<a href="https://twitter.com/RoninDangler"><strong> </strong><strong>@RoninDangler</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>85 tackles (62 solo) | 27 tackles for loss | 4 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dangler is Manatee's tone-setter. The 62 solo tackles show his ability to win 1-on-1 situations, and the 27 TFLs are elite. He shoots gaps like a missile and doesn't miss once he locks on. A high-motor backer with real play-wrecking ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taye Dawson | LB | 2026 | Blountstown |<a href="https://twitter.com/TayeDawson28"><strong> </strong><strong>@TayeDawson28</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dawson brings a physical edge at 6-2, 220 pounds. His 84 tackles anchor Blountstown's defense, and his 10.5 TFLs show he's not waiting for the play to come to him. He's stepping into his own and could blow up this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1184993' first='Micah' last='Anderson'] | LB | 2026 | Bishop Verot |<a href="https://twitter.com/micahanderson_7"><strong> </strong><strong>@micahanderson_7</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>102 tackles | 9 tackles for loss | 5 sacks | 3 INT | 2 forced fumbles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson is everywhere. His stat line reads like a full defensive unit's—he covers, hits, and blitzes. He plays with an edge, but also with discipline, and his IQ allows him to make high-impact plays across the board. A true three-down linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581765' first='Mekhi' last='Berrien'] | LB | 2026 | Fort Meade |<a href="https://twitter.com/MekhiBerrien"><strong> </strong><strong>@MekhiBerrien</strong></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berrien finished as one of the top tacklers last season and his film says it all. He's physical, balanced, and brings intensity from snap to whistle. The Fort Meade standout has the foundation to be a breakout name this fall with more eyes on him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->