Rankings Dive: 2027 LB's

[player_tooltip player_id='945033' first='Joel' last='Tillery']: Versatile Front-Seven Enforcer with Physical Edge Presence   [player_tooltip player_id='945033' first='Joel' last='Tillery'] made his presence felt in 2024, earning WCAC All-Conference honors for his consistent impact and versatility in the defensive front seven. A hybrid defender with the ability to line up at both linebacker and stand-up defensive end, Tillery brings a physical, instinctive style of play that allows him to thrive against the run.   Tillery excels at taking on blocks without losing sight of the ball, showing the strength to hold his ground and the awareness to shed and pursue. His lateral movement and quick first step make him a threat to disrupt plays off the edge, where he consistently sets a physical tone. Whether he's holding the perimeter or collapsing down the line, Tillery adds toughness and energy to any front.   Currently holding an offer from UNC-Charlotte, Tillery's versatility, motor, and physicality make him a rising name to watch as he continues to anchor one of the most competitive defenses in the region.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JoelTillery/status/1934273291440595138 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='1129105' first='Stephan' last='Mason']: High-Impact Linebacker with Explosiveness, Range, and Physicality   An All-IAC selection in 2024, Mason capped off a dominant season with 95 total tackles and 14 tackles for loss—cementing himself as one of the top interior linebackers in the region. He's an explosive, downhill defender who plays with a relentless motor and delivers serious stopping power behind his hits. In coverage, he's effective, dropping into zone with discipline while keeping his eyes on the quarterback. His presence helps collapse scrambling lanes and forces hurried throws thanks to his impressive closing burst.   With a rare combination of strength, range, and football IQ, Mason is the type of interior enforcer every defense needs, and a name to watch closely as recruiting interest continues to build.    <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22695081/Stephan-Mason/about">https://www.hudl.com/profile/22695081/Stephan-Mason/about</a>      [player_tooltip player_id='1349744' first='Theodore' last='Riley']: Two-Way Standout with Instincts, Physicality, and Next-Level Versatility   [player_tooltip player_id='1349744' first='Theodore' last='Riley'] made an impact on both sides of the ball this past season, emerging as one of Wise's versatile and athletic playmakers in this class. Defensively, he operates as an instinctive interior linebacker, capable of diagnosing plays quickly, closing gaps with burst, and delivering physical tackles between the hashes. His ability to read and react makes him a true enforcer in the run game.   On offense, Riley lines up as a reliable pass-catching tight end, where his route-running and sure hands make him a go-to option in critical situations. He thrives on seam routes and consistently moves the chains, showing a natural feel for space and coverage. He even found the end zone multiple times this past season, showcasing his red zone value from the TE position.   Riley's offensive awareness translates directly to his defensive game, he anticipates plays, flows sideline to sideline and attacks the ball with urgency. With his size, athleticism, and football IQ, Riley is the kind of two-way talent whose versatility and toughness will have college programs watching closely.      <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Theodore__Riley/status/1867960472869245085 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='1127089' first='Devan' last='Lassiter Jr'].: Hard-Hitting Defender with Instincts, Speed, and High Football IQ   [player_tooltip player_id='1127089' first='Devan' last='Lassiter Jr']. is a fast-trigger, high-impact defender who plays with a rare blend of speed, instincts, and physicality. At 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, Lassiter already has the frame of a next-level safety or hybrid linebacker, and he brings the mindset to match.   His read-and-react ability jumps off the film. Whether it's triggering downhill against the run or breaking on a route in coverage, Lassiter closes like a heat-seeking missile. One standout moment came at the goal line, where he perfectly diagnosed a quick slant and delivered a textbook hit to dislodge the ball, showcasing his awareness, timing, and ability to impact the passing game.   As he heads into his junior season, Lassiter is already showing traits of a college-ready defender. With continued development and production, he projects as a high-ceiling prospect who could make an immediate impact at the next level by the time the class of 2027 takes the field.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Devanlassiter8_/status/1837177370362663042 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='1705375' first='BJ' last='Dykes']: Lengthy, Versatile Defender with Hybrid Traits and All-Field Impact   [player_tooltip player_id='1705375' first='BJ' last='Dykes'] is a dynamic, hybrid defender who brings the size of a safety and the physicality of an outside linebacker. At 6-foot-2 with long arms and a rangy frame, Dykes is the kind of modern defensive weapon who can line up anywhere and make plays all over the field.   In coverage, his length is a major asset, disrupting passing lanes and using his reach to bat down throws. On film, he flashes impressive instincts, including a standout play where he closed on a receiver's route and rode him out of bounds with textbook physicality.   Against the run, Dykes is equally impactful. He plays the edge with purpose, showing the ability to set the perimeter, fight through blocks in the trenches, and rack up tackles for loss with his aggressive downhill style.   Dykes earned his first Division I offer from Syracuse this past May. As he continues to fly around the field for Frederick High School this season, expect more college programs to take notice of his versatility, motor, and potential.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/b7evennn/status/1934104007733350707 </div></figure>