2029 Linebackers Who Will Take the Next Step in 2026

With there being so much young talent in the state of Tennessee, I'm continuing my series to highlight those student-athletes. This will be me breaking down five 2029 players at each position who will take the next step in 2026.   Next, we'll discuss the linebackers. Three of the names on this list have already established themselves as starters for their respective schools.   However, there are two more on the list who are talented and should see an increased role next season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Antonio-Huntsman-crop-395x260-1768246771.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2104128" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Lausanne LB [player_tooltip player_id='1698723' first='Antonio' last='Huntsman'] at the Tennessee Future Stars Game.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1698723' first='Antonio' last='Huntsman'] – Lausanne Collegiate School   [player_tooltip player_id='1698723' first='Antonio' last='Huntsman'] was one of the top freshmen linebackers in 2025, earning immediate playing time for Lausanne and being their most productive defender. He led the team with 57 tackles, while totaling seven TFLs and two sacks.   He offers good size at 5-foot-8 and 210 pounds with excellent skills and raw athleticism that allows him to be a nightmare for opposing teams. Huntsman is a highly physical player who moves well, plays with a high motor and tackles well.   The 2029 prospect is raw in certain areas, but has several years to develop. I expect him to take the next step as a sophomore, where he will enjoy a monster 2026 season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Tolly-Boczulak-crop-398x262-1768246838.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2104129" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Ravenwood LB [player_tooltip player_id='1684001' first='Tolly' last='Boczulak'] at the Tennessee Future Stars Showcase.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1684001' first='Tolly' last='Boczulak'] – Ravenwood High School   Ravenwood's [player_tooltip player_id='1684001' first='Tolly' last='Boczulak'] is one of the more intriguing players in his class. Although he saw very little playing time in 2025, he is an impressive player who is likely to become one of the top linebackers in the future.   He was stuck behind an elite group of linebackers in 2025, but was one of the best middle school defenders, earning Tennessee Future Stars honors.   Boczulak is an excellent pass rusher who can also stop the run effectively. The 2029 prospect is relentless and will not stop until he hears the echo of the whistle. He's very football smart and possesses good instincts for his position, making him a breakout candidate for the 2026 season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/40-Lee-Parris-rotated-e1736554854211-crop-1654x1087-1768246914.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2104130" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Meigs County LB [player_tooltip player_id='1294853' first='Lee' last='Parris'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1294853' first='Lee' last='Parris'] – Meigs County High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1294853' first='Lee' last='Parris'] of Meigs County saw a lot of playing time as a freshman, during which he showed some promising signs. He's very raw in certain areas and needs development, but he possesses the talent to become a high-level backer in the future.   The 2029 prospect plays solid coverage, is effective against the run and consistently puts himself in the perfect position to make plays. He also possesses a high motor, playing hard every down and showing that he's willing to do whatever it takes.   Parris stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 179 pounds, with a long frame that can add good weight to fill out his build further. Once he develops and grows more, he will be one of the top players at his position in the state of Tennessee.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Bruno-Prater-crop-400x263-1768247265.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2104136" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Friendship Christian LB [player_tooltip player_id='1721153' first='Bruno' last='Prater'] at the Tennessee Future Stars Showcase.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1721153' first='Bruno' last='Prater'] – Friendship Christian School   Friendship Christian's [player_tooltip player_id='1721153' first='Bruno' last='Prater'] was the best freshman linebacker in Tennessee this past season. He played in all 12 games, recording 85 tackles, 15 for a loss, two sacks and one fumble forced.   He is, without a doubt, the most polished and complete 2029 linebacker, capable of doing everything on the field at such a young age. Prater is an elite run stuffer, possessing the wiggle, athleticism and tackling skills that give offensive linemen nightmares.   The talented prospect also plays sound coverage and possesses a high football IQ. Prater has an outstanding frame at 6-foot and 215 pounds. He is the complete package at linebacker and should see significant college interest soon.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/Lucas-Tindall-TN-29-Feature-crop-1234x810-1768247081.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2104134" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Shelbyville Central LB [player_tooltip player_id='1544210' first='Lucas' last='Tindall'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1544210' first='Lucas' last='Tindall'] – Shelbyville Central High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1544210' first='Lucas' last='Tindall'] did not see playing time with Shelbyville Central in 2025, but he is one of the top 2029 linebackers and has a bright future ahead. The 5-foot-11, 197-pound prospect already boasts excellent size for his age, accompanied by solid athleticism and a high motor.   He needs to become more fluid, but he has the raw skills to make up for it at the moment. Tindall is effective at stopping the run, while also possessing impressive pass-rush moves when called upon to blitz.   Once he further develops, the 2029 prospect will be one of the more impressive players in the Midstate. I expect him to take that next step as a sophomore and enjoy a breakout season.

With there being so much young talent in the state of Tennessee, I'm continuing my series to highlight those student-athletes. This will be me breaking down five 2029 players at each position who will take the next step in 2026.