January Stock-Risers: 2027 LBs

We recently released our January <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/updated-2027-north-carolina-rankings/">2027 Rankings Update</a>, and it's time to break down the players who tell the story of the update. I've hit a couple of big-picture items so far, namely <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/three-things-to-know-about-the-class-of-2027/">three things to know</a> about the class and my traditional <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2027-rankings-january-update/">behind-the-scenes piece</a>. We've looked at several of the position groups on either side of the ball, and now we're checking in on an intriguing group of 2027 linebackers.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 Linebacker Stock-Risers</h2>    Barb took his game to another level in 2025, with nearly 100 tackles and seven sacks. He flies around the field defensively, and he's done a great job of shaping his body to play linebacker. Always athletic, he's learning to use that athleticism to gain an advantage on the field, and we feel that he's going to keep getting better as he grows older, especially as he's becoming more comfortable as a pure linebacker.     Goebbel only played seven games for Apex Friendship last season, but when he was available, he was one of the best players on the field. Even at 6'2", he's able to move out and play man coverage in the slot, a major schematic advantage for the Patriots. He's not afraid to mix it up in the middle, either, and that versatility is a great ability to have.     An all-conference selection in 2025, Hernandez is a thumper with multiple forced fumbles. He also played as Starmount's short-yardage running back, scoring 10 touchdowns. Hernandez is aggressive and physical, always looking for contact, and we love that in a linebacker.     Givens was a transfer into Clayton this season, and while it took him a few games to get his feet wet, he quickly adjusted to the speed of the 7A level and was a true enforcer in the playoffs. He gains good depth on his zone drops, and that helped him snag a pick-six for the Comets. He has excellent upside as both a run-stopper and a zone defender.     Baker has flown a bit under the radar, but he's a steady riser for us. Usually, rankings risers improve either on the field or athletically off of it, but he's steadily improved both, gaining some weight while becoming a more consistent run-stopper for Forest Hills. He's at his best as a downhill run-stopper, but he has great speed and projects to be strong in pass coverage as he continues to develop.     Cuadra had a fantastic season for Mountain Island Charter. While slightly undersized, he's all over the field, excelling as a blitzer, run-stuffer, and in pass coverage, as one of the only players in the state with double-digit sacks, over 100 tackles, and multiple interceptions. He moves well laterally, and he's always around the ball.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2027 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription.

We recently released our January 2027 Rankings Update, and it's time to break down the players who tell the story of the update. I've hit a couple of big-picture items so far, namely three things to know about the class and my traditional behind-the-scenes piece. We've looked at several of the position groups on either side of the ball, and now we're checking in on an intriguing group of 2027 linebackers.