Six Stand Above Pack At Linebacker in 2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your annual subscription***</em></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top of the linebacker class in 2027 is the best in the last several years with six standouts at the top of the board!&nbsp; We look at them here!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598821' first='Roman' last='Igwebuike'] (Mt. Carmel)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'3” 225 pound linebacker is the premier do it all linebacker in the class.&nbsp; He is an absolute playmaker that flies to the ball making impactful plays on TFLs and sacks.&nbsp; Shows flashes as a pass rusher on blitzes and there is even more there we believe.&nbsp; Love what he brings in coverage over the middle of the field with his range and hands.&nbsp; Gets through traffic with ease and explodes to the ball.&nbsp; Tackles insanely well in space.&nbsp; The smarts and football IQ are next level.&nbsp; Instincts jump off the field every time we saw him and is a true leader.&nbsp; Runs sideline to side line as well as any linebacker in the country.&nbsp; Changes directions and stays balanced when opponents try to get shifty on him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='498273' first='Phillip' last='White'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White is a monster at linebacker that is a playmaker in every sense of the word.&nbsp; Attacks the ball and tackles with sound techniques.&nbsp; Strong build with good size, speed, and athleticism.&nbsp; Change of direction is on point.&nbsp; We saw him pick off multiple passes in a single game in person this year in coverage over the middle anticipating and reading the QBs eyes.&nbsp; Good pass rusher off the edge that blows up running backs attempting to block him.&nbsp; Hits with mean intentions.&nbsp; Can play both middle linebacker and outside linebacker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='409208' first='Sean' last='Rice'] (St. Laurence)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rice had a monster season for St. Laurence.&nbsp; He had 123 tackles, 9 TFLs, 4 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 sack, and 4 touchdowns.&nbsp; Really good in coverage that catches the ball and anticipates well on passes.&nbsp; Rangy tackler that flies to the ball.&nbsp; Wraps up low and quickly.&nbsp; Good vision through traffic reading plays while taking excellent angles to the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2087597' first='Darrell' last='Mccullough'] (Lockport)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCullough had a breakout season.&nbsp; What makes him unique is he can rush the passer with great bend and power to speed while at the same time is very good in coverage and can play away from the ball tackling in space.&nbsp; Impactful player on special teams blocking punts.&nbsp; Can be physical in the middle of the defense blowing up run plays.&nbsp; Bats down passes while rushing the passer.&nbsp; Accelerates to the ball and really sees the play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131012' first='James' last='Bryant'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bryant shared the linebacking core with two other top six linebackers in the class.&nbsp; He had 44 tackles, 17 TFL, 3 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries.&nbsp; Middle linebacker who takes great angles and runs to the ball with speed.&nbsp; Change of direction is very good.&nbsp; Makes plays in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131020' first='Makhi' last='Walker'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walker racked up 96 tackles, 20 TFL, 6 sacks, and 1 interception as a junior.&nbsp; He is a playmaking linebacker that plays with a ton of tenacity and consistently lives in the backfield.&nbsp; Physical run defender that is a thumper along with bringing pass rush upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->