Linebackers Lighting it Up: Houston Class of 2027

<p>Approaching season end, there has been a lot to make note of coming out of the HTX region. While skill players and units in the trenches usually take control of the storylines, something else that must be recognized this year is the incredible play in the middle of the field. Linebackers around the area have stepped up their play this season, and there have been a number of juniors emerging as stars. Here are 5 standout 2027 linebackers from H-Town. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Haug is a hybrid linebacker that lives in the backfield and plays the run as well as anyone in the country. He showcases great field awareness and short-area quickness, allowing him to read, break, and finish plays around the line of scrimmage. Cade is intentional with his movement, displaying polished footwork, pad level, and tackling ability. Through 7 contests, Haug has totaled a remarkable 87 tackles, 17 TFLs (school record), and 3 sacks. And if you thought his dynamic versatility was only used on the defensive side, you'd be mistaken, as he's also contributed over a hundred yards and a couple TDs rushing. Cade has received offers from schools such as Kansas State, Arizona, and Nebraska, and he will look to help wheel his Mustangs to a final playoff push.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">A true inside backer, Zack showcases a unique combination of length and athleticism at the position. He is constantly making plays around the line of scrimmage with good sideline to sideline speed and the ability to fire out of his hips with violence and precision. Ruysenaars demonstrates both great play in space and downhill burst. He has proven he can play in coverage and also rush the passer. Zack is 12th in the entire state with an even 120 tackles this season, along with 9 TFLs, 1 sack, and 14 QB hurries. Look for him to continue leading the Panthers defense as they look to get hot into the playoffs and continue to elevate his college interest.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">James has been an electric breakout sensation for the Coogs this season, absolutely manning down the middle of the field and making plays in the backfield when asked. He displays a quick first step and explosiveness through the line of scrimmage, reaping havoc on opposing QBs and RBs. Anthony is an electric hard hitter, often lowering his shoulder and finishing ball carriers into the turf. He showcases great body balance control and a stellar ability to drop and raise his pads effectively to evade blockers. James has piled up nearly 100 tackles, 18 TFLs, and 6+ sacks. Recently visiting Oklahoma State, Anthony will look to have more moments in the playoffs for his (8-1) Cougars defense.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/anthony_ja25603/status/1977397716071166280 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Another run-stopping explosive inside backer, Gaviria is twitched up and flies around the field with a high motor and physicality. He plays with great instincts and short-area quickness around the line of scrimmage with great pad level and little wasted movement. Often, Tristan will get flexed outside to either hold the edge or rush the passer, showcasing his great versatility. He is also extremely intentional and sudden with his footwork which always puts him in position to make a play on the ball carrier. Gaviria has totaled 90 tackles, 11 TFLs, and a sack through 8 contests this season. Watch out for him to be a momentum swinger in the playoffs for his Knights and ramp up his recruitment.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/tristan_gav/status/1983373565865959729 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Exum is a green-dot backer that excels at defending the option, flashing stellar instincts and fluid footwork in the middle of the field. Though not the largest in size, Exum makes up for it with a high-motor and intense physicality at the point of attack. There are not many players that can meet him in the B-Gap and win. Caden also displays the ability to effectively play in space and be a valuable piece in zone coverage. He has produced 90 tackles, 8 TFLs, and 3 sacks, making plays sideline to sideline all season. The Eagles are 7-2 and primed for a playoff run, where Exum will likely continue to flourish and progress his name in recruiting ranks.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/cadenexum18/status/1981188264641122363 </div></figure>

Approaching season end, there has been a lot to make note of coming out of the HTX region. While skill players and units in the trenches usually take control of the storylines, something else that must be recognized this year is the incredible play in the middle of the field. Linebackers around the area have stepped up their play this season, and there have been a number of juniors emerging as stars. Here are 5 standout 2027 linebackers from H-Town.