2029 Linebacker Newcomers: Winter

Last week, we released our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2029-north-carolina-high-school-football-rankings/">updated 2029 rankings</a>, and we've been breaking down the class. We've interspersed pieces breaking down the newcomers and stock-risers with big-picture pieces analyzing the freshman class as a whole. After spending last week on the offense, we've moved to the defensive side of the ball. Here, we're evaluating every linebacker who entered the rankings.   Editor's Note: If you missed our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/2029-offensive-stock-risers-winter/">Behind the Scenes</a> or "<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/3-things-to-know-about-the-2029-class-winter/">3 Things To Know</a>" about the 2029 class pieces, check them out.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Newly-Ranked 2029 Linebackers</h2>    Dobbin currently sits behind several young and talented linebackers on the best defense in the state, so I'm not sure of the exact path to consistent playing time. However, when he's on the field, good things happen. He has a good feel for what the offense is trying to do, and he can get downhill in a hurry. That decisiveness—especially against the run—along with his athletic profile, suggests a future breakout.     Dixon played more on special teams than defense as a freshman with a loaded roster ahead of him, but he already has the look of a future star. When he did get defensive snaps, he was largely used as a slot corner, where his man coverage skills are evident. Maybe he eventually moves to that position in our system, but we ultimately think his frame suggests a future move to linebacker.     Robinson didn't get the same amount of varsity playing time in 2025 as some of his fellow new additions, but that's to be expected on a team that finished second in the class. He has excellent size, speed, and instincts, and it's only a matter of time before he starts, potentially on both sides of the ball.     Davis doesn't look like a freshman and had a huge year for Bunn in 2025. Not only did he rack up 35 tackles, but he lived in the backfield, with 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. When he hits, offensive players feel it, and I think that could lead to some takeaways in 2026 after he forced and recovered a fumble last year.     Whitley has great instincts and was athletic enough last season that Nash Central couldn't keep him off the field. A two-way player, Whitley made his biggest impact on defense, where he finished second on the team with 73 tackles and had six tackles for loss. He has good size and speed for the 2029 class, and we think he could take another step forward in 2026.     Sides won't play with his weight in the 130s forever, as he kept his weight down for wrestling. But while he excels at that sport, if his freshman year is any indication, he has a bright future on the football field. He's an instinctual linebacker who led East Gaston in tackles last season. As he gets bigger and stronger, he should start to turn heads.    This is the time of year when we have the most time to dive into film, reevaluate prospects, and change our minds about players. Send your film on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>), so I can evaluate you. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo Code Helms30 is good for 30% off your first billing cycle.

Last week, we released our updated 2029 rankings, and we've been breaking down the class. We've interspersed pieces breaking down the newcomers and stock-risers with big-picture pieces analyzing the freshman class as a whole. After spending last week on the offense, we've moved to the defensive side of the ball. Here, we're evaluating every linebacker who entered the rankings.