First 4 Games Tape Spotlight: LBs (Pt. 2)

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   The first three weeks of the season have passed, and we'll be highlighting prospects who have produced highlight tapes for their first few games. Colleges will evaluate prospect film from the first three games of the season to assess their progress from last year and the off-season, as they update their recruiting boards. Here are some LB prospects to check out from the first four weeks of the season with film!    2026 Greenbrier East LB [player_tooltip player_id='1324993' first='Brayden' last='Brown'] is playing some 3-4 OLB for the Spartans this season and is doing a nice job in that role. He's versatile in how he can be used on defense as an athletic linebacker who can edge rush or play in pass coverage lined up over the slot. Brown is a heady player who plays disciplined and controlled in knowing his keys and not to over extend himself. He'd be a great addition to a D3 program and has the potential to excel at that level.      [player_tooltip player_id='1905668' first='Jake' last='Moore'] is having a very good senior season for Wirt County through the first four weeks of the year. He's an under-the-radar player new to our radar this season and has done a great job on both sides of the ball for the Tigers. Moore projects as a LB prospect at the next level, where he has 37 tackles, 5 TFLs, and an interception in four games. He's also their leading receiver with over 200 yards and 3 scores, showing quality overall athleticism. Moore pursues the ball tenaciously and is physical between the tackles in the running game. He's someone for D3 programs to check out this year as he makes himself more known.      2027 Mingo Central LB [player_tooltip player_id='907920' first='Taegan' last='Hackney'] is producing at the same rate he did as a freshman this season for the Miners. He's elevated his game and is showing the potential we saw from him early in his career. Through the first four games, Hackney is leading the team in tackles with 62, including 9 for a loss. He's led a stingy defense the past three games, giving up an average of 9 points per game as a force in the middle of their defense. Hackney looks more athletic this season, on top of his usual physical prowess, and is on pace to earn some postseason accolades for his play.      Winfield has a strong linebacker corps this season, with 2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='865431' first='Carson' last='Samples'] being one of their top players there. He's totaled 36 tackles in four games this season for the Generals, while coming off a productive sophomore campaign, too. What he lacks in size, Samples makes up for with athleticism and tenacity at the position. He's fast to the ball and is as quick laterally as he is vertically, which translates to quick pursuit. Samples does a nice job of dipping under and evading blocks that lead to his high production numbers.      Another 2027 linebacker emerging this season is George Washington's [player_tooltip player_id='1616166' first='Derek' last='Valentine']. He's leading the Patriots in tackles as a junior through the first four games with 29 stops, and is a new name to add to your college recruiting boards. Valentine has quality size and an athletic frame that should allow him to develop well over the next year and a half. His athleticism allows him to play well in space at OLB and can pursue the ball quickly. Valentine's discipline and play recognition ability showed up against Wing offenses against Cabell Midland and Spring Valley, which are also great signs that he could emerge as one of the better linebacker prospects in the 2027 class in time.

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