2027 Illinois Linebackers to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566782' first='Kelonnie' last='Owens'] – Bloom Township – Linebacker</strong><br>Owens brings an athletic, rangy presence to the second level. He covers ground quickly from sideline to sideline and shows a natural feel for reading backfield flow. His ability to play in space gives his defense flexibility, and he continues to grow into a more physical presence between the tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1196204' first='Jackson' last='Killeen'] – Providence Catholic – Linebacker</strong><br>Killeen is a downhill defender who plays with urgency. He triggers fast against the run and arrives with purpose, rarely taking false steps. Coaches value his reliability within the structure of the defense and his willingness to do the gritty work that doesn't always show up in box scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jobe Kepler – Sacred Heart-Griffin – Linebacker</strong><br>Kepler brings size and instincts to the middle of the field. He does a strong job navigating traffic and keeping his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. His ability to diagnose plays quickly allows him to be around the football consistently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Henry Alden – Saint Ignatius – Linebacker</strong><br>Alden is a smooth-moving outside linebacker who excels in pursuit. He shows comfort dropping into coverage and has the length to disrupt passing lanes. His versatility makes him a valuable chess piece for a defense that likes to disguise looks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Donovan Bjerregaard-Dionne – Barrington – Linebacker</strong><br>Bjerregaard-Dionne plays with a high motor and impressive physicality. He isn't afraid to take on blocks and does a good job shedding to finish tackles. His competitive demeanor sets the tone for the Barrington defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1855783' first='Anson' last='Labranche'] – Crete-Monee – Linebacker</strong><br>Labranche is a stout, hard-nosed inside backer who thrives in the box. He shows strong tackling fundamentals and rarely gives up extra yards after contact. As his pass-coverage comfort grows, his all-around game should continue to expand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Illinois' 2027 linebacker class offers a blend of physical run defenders and modern space players. With another offseason of development ahead, this group is positioned to become the backbone of several standout defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->