Virginia 2027 Top 100 breakdown: Linebackers Pt. 2

Darian Coates-Cameron

Ed OBrien January 15, 2026 @ 05:51 PM

The updated Class of 2027 Virginia rankings have 12 linebackers featured in the top 100. There's a heavy emphasis on hybrids and backers with edge capabilities. I'll be taking a close look at all of them in the next couple of days.   Today is Part 2.   No. 37 – [player_tooltip player_id='1146800' first='Darian' last='Coates-Cameron'] — Episcopal — ATH/LB — 6'3”, 205   Coates-Cameron is a hybrid defender who impacts the game in multiple ways and from multiple alignments. He shows strong instincts in coverage, reading the quarterback's eyes and capitalizing on mistakes with interceptions, including a pick-six. As a blitzer, Coates-Cameron is patient and has nice timing. He's consistently slipping into gaps late and finishing plays on the quarterback when protection fails to account for him. Coates-Cameron plays with range and effort. His highlights show him working off blocks and running down ball carriers well downfield. He is comfortable playing on the edge, in space, or closer to the line, giving him flexibility in how he can be used. Coates-Cameron plays with confidence and awareness, staying involved even when plays extend. Overall, he projects as a versatile linebacker/safety type who can contribute as a versatile defender.   No. 57 – [player_tooltip player_id='1313427' first='Alijah' last='Paige'] – Hermitage _ LB/ATH – 6'1”, 190   Paige is a linebacker who stands out as a true playmaker, especially in the passing game. He shows strong awareness in zone coverage, consistently reading the quarterback and attacking throws in front of him. Paige's ball skills jump off the film, with multiple interceptions and long returns that change momentum. He also brings a physical edge, delivering forceful hits and finishing plays immediately after the catch. There are a few plays in Paige's highlights showing him closing ground quickly when aligned on the edge and disrupting quarterbacks as plays break down. Against the run, he is reliable at the second level. Paige meets ball carriers and stops forward progress. Overall, Paige profiles as an instinctive, aggressive linebacker with high impact value in coverage.   No. 68 – [player_tooltip player_id='1212124' first='Jayce' last='Bigelow'] — Huguenot — LB/EDGE — 6'0”, 205   Bigelow is a linebacker who consistently impacts games as an edge presence. He shows a strong feel for rushing the passer, repeatedly getting home from the left side with speed, bend, and timing. Bigelow beats tackles both outside and inside, mixing wide rushes with inside counters to finish sacks for significant losses. He also shows awareness in passing lanes. There's a play where he reads the quarterback's eyes and turns a disguised blitz look into an interception return. Even against the run, he stays active, chasing plays down from the backside when left unblocked. Bigelow has a high motor, and he stays aggressive snap to snap. Overall, Bigelow profiles as a pass-rush-focused linebacker who thrives attacking off the edge and disrupting quarterbacks.   No. 75 – [player_tooltip player_id='1312039' first='Braxton' last='Pursell'] — Godwin — LB — 6'1”, 205   Pursell is a linebacker who plays with discipline and a strong downhill run-stopping approach. He shows good instincts on sweep and outside runs. There are a few plays on his highlights where he avoids second-level blocks and takes clean angles to meet ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage. On delayed handoffs and inside runs, Pursell stays patient, commits at the right time, and finishes tackles for loss. There's a highlight where he shows awareness outside the box. The ball is snapped, and Pursell recognizes a wide receiver screen and breaks up the pass with quick reaction. Pursell brings physicality at the point of attack, stonewalling runners on ISO plays and limiting forward progress. He fills alleys with confidence, staying square and finishing tackles even when backs reach the edge. Overall, Pursell profiles as a reliable, run-focused linebacker who reads plays well and consistently limits yards after contact.

The updated Class of 2027 Virginia rankings have 12 linebackers featured in the top 100. There's a heavy emphasis on hybrids and backers with edge capabilities. I'll be taking a close look at all of them in the next couple of days.