Ranking the Top 2027 LBs in the Houston Area

Before we get into it, the amount of talent at this position will be talked about for seasons to come. Listed below are backers who have shown to leave their mark on games and be involved on almost every down. Very little separates the top guys and much can change in the future.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   1. [player_tooltip player_id='1660706' first='Davon' last='Smith'] | Westfield   Smith is what programs look for in a middle linebacker. He sets the tone with his physicality, popping pads and attacking the opponent at all times. Smith reads his keys extremely well, playing the triangle and watching guard movement, allowing them to take him to the ball. He charges at linemen, not allowing them to reach him at the second level causing havoc at the line of scrimmage. What separates Smith from the rest is his ability to play the pass just as well as the run, jumping routes and showing comfortability in coverage. His lateral and downhill speed is off the charts and he is a violent tackler who leads the way for his defense. Smith tallied over 120 tackles and 24 TFLs. He added 3 interceptions to that and is also a two-way player, showing his athleticism and versatility for his team.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   2. [player_tooltip player_id='721655' first='Cayden' last='Williams'] | Willis   Williams is a fast-flowing backer with incredible reaction speed to plays. His closing speed cannot be matched and he hunts the ball carrier down with bad intentions. Williams is a very physical player, bringing power behind his on every hit. He fires out of a canon when he sees an opportunity and does not let opponents escape his grasp. Williams is a true sideline to sideline player who shows excellent pursuit and urgency when getting to the ball. He recorded 150 tackles, 20 TFLs, and 6 sacks for his junior campaign. He is an absolute hunter on the field who does not let up.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   3. [player_tooltip player_id='473807' first='Cade' last='Haug'] | Kingwood   Haug has excelled as a click and clack backer, reacting to plays with great speed with little to no false steps. He attacks the ball on first read and is a tremendous downhill player. He hits open lanes with aggression and wraps up ball carriers bfore they can gain momentum. Haug does an excellent job of avoiding blockers, attacking half the body of linemen, and freeing himself to make stops in the backfield. He has shown key recovery speed as well, sticking with opposing players in coverage and getting back in position to cause PBUs. Haug finished his season with over 100 tackles and 19 TFLs.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   4. [player_tooltip player_id='1678245' first='Danilo' last='Penso'] | Alief Taylor   Penso flies all over the field. His versatility as a defender makes him such a lethal part for his teams success. Penso moves extremely well in space and is comfortable in coverage. He can set the edge and is an outstanding tackler in space. Penso plays with tenacity and shows a relentless pursuit to the ball. He trusts his reads and is quick to react. Penso does anything that is needed to help his defense and does it at 100 miles per hour. He racked up over 100 tackles and showed how important he is to his team's success.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   5. [player_tooltip player_id='1742058' first='Aaron' last='Williams'] | Ridge Point   Williams is another versatile backer who can be placed anywhere on the field and be effective. He ca matchup vs any offensive weapon in coverage and as a knack for dislodging opponents from the ball. Williams plays well in the box, using his athleticism to shoot gaps and scrape over the top to chase down the ball carrier. He uses his hands to keep blockers off of him and is shifty enough to avoid incoming linemen. He can cover much ground with his speed and finds a way to always be around the ball. Williams has all of the tools and will be a popular name this off-season.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   6. Drayton Hawkins | Cy-Fair   The motor on Hawkins is incredible. He does not stop until the whistle is blown. Hawkins plays with aggression and is a top tackler in space. He is in constant pursuit of the ball and can disrupt an offensive game-flow with his activity. Hawkins has shown to be a capable pass rusher as well, applying pressure off the edge and forcing throw aways. His ability to shoot gaps and chop down ball carriers caught my eye. Hawkins has a great feel for the game and will find ways to make an impact defensively.

Before we get into it, the amount of talent at this position will be talked about for seasons to come. Listed below are backers who have shown to leave their mark on games and be involved on almost every down. Very little separates the top guys and much can change in the future.