2027 Rankings: Top Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The latest edition of the Prep Redzone Illinois Class of 2027 has been unveiled and now sits at 250 prospects.&nbsp; Here we dive into the top players at each position with the premier players at each position.&nbsp; Today we look at&nbsp;<strong>2027 Rankings Update: Top Linebackers</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598821' first='Roman' last='Igwebuike'] (Mt. Carmel)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is such a projectable linebacker at 6'3" 220 pounds with long arms and off the charts athleticism.&nbsp; Fluid runner that flows to the ball.&nbsp; Hits with force and explodes to the ball carrier. Tackling machine that takes great angles and uses sudden side steps to put himself in better position to make plays. Runs sideline to sideline.&nbsp; Diagnoses plays and runs to the ball.&nbsp; Can also get after the QB as a blitzer.&nbsp; Big time prospect!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='498273' first='Phillip' last='White'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White is an impact linebacker at 6'1" 200 pounds.&nbsp; He is instinctual and consistently makes game changing plays.&nbsp; Gets interceptions and big hits.&nbsp; Speed to the ball and hits with force. Diagnoses and pursues in the run game.&nbsp; Flies to the ball. Has some potential as an edge rusher with nice bend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131012' first='James' last='Bryant'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bryant is a middle linebacker at 6'0" 200 pounds that transferred over from Missouri.&nbsp; He is a physical thumper up the middle that purses with speed.&nbsp; He is an absolute tackling machine especially in the run game while having upside vs the pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131020' first='Makhi' last='Walker'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walker is an outside linebacker that transferred over to ESL from Missouri.&nbsp; Long and rangy frame with speed flying to the ball. Hits really hard and attacks the ball with force. Physical tackler that explodes through his opponent. Tackles well in space attacking the ball. Also contributes on kick coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1334149' first='Drake' last='May'] (Macomb)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>May goes 5'11" 165 pounds.&nbsp; This linebacker from Macomb racked up an insane 153 tackles, 4 sacks, and 8 TFL as a sophomore on varsity last season.&nbsp; He is constantly moving pre snap making it difficult for opponents to know where he is coming from.&nbsp; Good feel for where to slice through the offensive line to make plays in the backfield where he has a permanent residence. Nose for the ball and runs really well.&nbsp; Stuffs up the middle.&nbsp; Will need to add some strength, but has time.&nbsp; Super productive!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1175327' first='Marquis' last='Steel'] (Marist)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steel is a 5'10" 190 pound linebacker that racked up 80 tackles including 19 TFL, and 5 sacks. Makes impactful plays on a consistent basis.&nbsp; Middle linebacker that can thump in the middle along with running sideline to sideline. Lives in the backfield putting pressure on the QB as a pass rusher along with making a ton of tackles for loss.&nbsp; Lights out hitter!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->