2027 Rankings: Linebacker Stock Risers/New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Prep Redzone Illinois 2027 Rankings being expanded to 250 prospects there are a ton of new names that have emerged along with prospects that elevated their stock.&nbsp; Here we look at those prospects in&nbsp;<strong>2027 Rankings: Linebacker Risers/New Names</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1688932' first='Dylan' last='Wellner'] (Nazareth Academy)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wellner impresses on tape as a middle linebacker at 5'10" 195 pounds.&nbsp; Physical thumper up front that fills the hole and explodes through the back to make the tackle. Can rush off the edge and blitz up the middle putting pressure on QB.&nbsp; Attacks downhill with force. Takes good angles and lays the hammer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570769' first='Matthew' last='Schlenhardt'] (Maine South)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Maine South outside linebacker popped on tape. Like the size at 6'0" 205 pounds. Can rush the passer with strength along with bending the edge. Speed on straight line. Good in coverage making plays in space and wraps up as a tackler.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1690341' first='Evan' last='Steigleder'] (St. Ignatius)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steigleder is a 6'1" 215 pound middle linebacker that brings a good frame and plus athleticism to the table.&nbsp; Runs sideline to sideline and shuffles well in the middle before attacking. Thumper up the middle.&nbsp; Plays really hard, instinctual, and gets off blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1335446' first='Jackson' last='Little'] (Kaneland)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Little is an outside linebacker that goes 6'1" 205 pounds.&nbsp; He blitzes off the edge and is solid in coverage. Form tackler that wraps up down low.&nbsp; Love his burst to the ball and how well he tackles in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1344909' first='Noah' last='Swaw'] (Tinley Park)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past season Swaw racked up 46 tackles as a 6'0" 220 pound backer.&nbsp; The outside linebacker is a strong hitter in both the run and laying the hammer over the middle vs the pass.&nbsp; Tackles well in the open field and does a good job getting off blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1791961' first='Dawson' last='Deatherage'] (Triad)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Triad linebacker goes 6'0" 195 pounds.&nbsp; He has a thick frame and is a thumper in the middle of the defense. Wraps up down low very well.&nbsp; Technically sound player that is also above average in coverage making interceptions and plays overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1647085' first='Elijah' last='Reynolds'] (Marian Catholic)<br></strong><br>Reynolds is a 6'0" 214 pound middle linebacker that takes good angles.&nbsp; Wraps up down low.&nbsp; Run stuffer.&nbsp; Very good in coverage using his range to make interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->