Underrated Upperclassmen Inside Linebackers to Know for 2026

With the new year beginning, I'll be starting a new series surrounding underrated upperclassmen at every position. The 2027 class is loaded, which means some kids will go under the radar, and I'm here to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.   Next in this series, I'll dive in and discuss five underrated inside linebackers who need some respect. All of the ones that I've selected are talented players who have earned starting jobs at their respective schools.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/RomanJ-crop-1409x925-1761625142.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1988028" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Brentwood Academy ILB [player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'].</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'] – Brentwood Academy   Brentwood Academy's [player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'] is one of my favorite defenders in the state of Tennessee. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker took that next step in 2025, having a terrific season for the Division II-AAA runners-up.   Jennings is a versatile player who Brentwood Academy uses in many ways. He's an excellent run stuffer who consistently clogs running lanes and forces tackles for loss, thanks to his athleticism and high football IQ.   The 2027 prospect is also highly effective when blitzing the quarterback, often finding his way into the backfield easily. He plays sound coverage at his inside linebacker spot, but can roam around the field with his impressive speed and instincts.   Jennings is quietly one of the best defenders regardless of position, and will blow up soon after receiving his first P4 offer on Friday.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/81-khori-faulkner-1-crop-6719x4412-1752529533.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1709694" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor LB [player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] at a Prep Redzone Camp.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] – Baylor School   [player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] transferred to Baylor School last season and became an instant difference-maker for the state champion Red Raiders. He was arguably the best player on that defensive front, but he has another year to raise his stock and get noticed by colleges.   As a 6-foot, 210-pound linebacker, he's slightly undersized. However, he plays bigger than his size indicates and has the technical skills to work through it. Faulkner has impressive speed, a high motor, excellent tackling ability and a high football IQ.   He can stop the run effectively while also affecting the passing game, whether through blitzes or sound coverage. Don't let his size fool you; this rising senior is the complete package at linebacker. He will enter the 2026 season as a likely top-five player at his position, despite not receiving the proper respect.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/43-Kwadir-Fletcher-rotated-crop-2832x1860-1766010568.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2085009" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA ATH [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] – Franklin Road Academy   FRA's [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] was one of the underrated stars from last season. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound inside linebacker totaled 51 tackles, four for a loss, three sacks, one interception and one defensive score.   Despite being a TSWA All-State selection, he's going under the radar, but is one of the top inside linebackers in the state.   Fletcher has shown that he can do it all, whether that's stopping the run, blitzing the passer, playing sound coverage or quickly diagnosing plays. He's a vocal player who does a good job of ensuring that his guys are set up correctly and in the best position to succeed.   The 2027 prospect moves very well and has a smart/quick football brain due to his experience as a running back. He's a complete player who is undersized, but the tape and production are impressive.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/2-DK-Williams-crop-4257x2796-1769188354.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2111560" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Beech ATH [player_tooltip player_id='903534' first='DK' last='Williams'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='903534' first='DK' last='Williams'] – Beech High School   [player_tooltip player_id='903534' first='DK' last='Williams'] is coming off a terrific season for Beech, totaling 145 tackles, 10 for a loss, six QB hurries, four sacks and four forced fumbles. Despite being one of the most productive players in Tennessee, not many people are giving him the credit he deserves.   The 6-foot, 205-pound inside linebacker is slightly undersized but is extremely well-built, while maintaining his explosiveness and athleticism. Williams is one of the fastest and most dynamic defenders that I've seen in person over the past two seasons. The way he gets downhill and consistently ruins opposing players' nights is impressive to watch.   He's an excellent run stuffer who also makes it into the backfield relatively easily to help blow up plays. The rising senior also plays coverage well and is fantastic at tackling in open space, making him a three-down player.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/jackcoffey.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1871053" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GCA (Knox) LB [player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey'].</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey'] – Grace Christian Academy (Knoxville)   GCA's [player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey'] is one of the best inside linebackers in Tennessee, but he does not receive the praise he deserves.   He totaled 106 tackles, 11 for a loss and 2.5 sacks, while earning his third all-state selection, but doesn't get talked about nearly as much as he should.   The compact linebacker stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 205 pounds, making him undersized for the position. However, this kid can play with everyone in the state and has proven it. He's effective at stopping the run and gets downhill quickly, while possessing good vision to sniff out the ball carrier.   He's an elite run stuffer, but is explosive enough to get after the QB and wreak havoc in the backfield. Coffey also plays sound coverage at his inside backer spot, allowing GCA to keep him on the field for every play.

With the new year beginning, I'll be starting a new series surrounding underrated upperclassmen at every position. The 2027 class is loaded, which means some kids will go under the radar, and I'm here to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.