Scouting The Top Linebackers in Division II-AA

A lot of prospects across Tennessee have emerged and etched their names as stars in their respective classifications. With the transfer portal calmed down, for now, I'm scouting the top players at each position in each class.   Next in this series, I'll discuss Division II-AA linebackers. Here's a scouting report of my top signal callers of the defense in DII-AA.   <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-crop-700x460-1774640587.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2160001" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GCA (Knox) LB [player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey'].</figcaption></figure>   2027 [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. This past season, he totaled 106 tackles, 11 for a loss and 2.5 sacks, while earning his third all-state selection, but he 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, he has the tools to be one of the best defenders in his classification, and that's exactly what he's done. This kid can play with anyone in the state and has proven it consistently.   He's highly effective at stopping the run and gets downhill quickly, while possessing good vision to sniff out the ball carrier. While the rising senior is elite at that, he also possesses the explosion and quickness to get after the quarterback 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.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/Photo-Mar-27-2026-2-46-35-PM-crop-1198x786-1774640898.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2160004" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BGA LB [player_tooltip player_id='2124388' first='Mannie' last='Fentress'] before a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2124388' first='Mannie' last='Fentress'] – Battle Ground Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='2124388' first='Mannie' last='Fentress'] was an excellent all-around player for Battle Ground Academy last season. In 14 games played as a junior, he totaled 80 tackles, 16 for a loss, three sacks and two interceptions. He possesses solid size for his position, standing 6-foot and weighing 211 pounds.   Fentress is slightly undersized, but you cannot deny his production, versatility and pure tools. He primarily plays outside linebacker but can also kick inside, which is a valuable skill. He plays both at a high level due to his excellent athleticism, smart football mind and quick instincts.   Fentress is a tremendous run stuffer, but he wows me with his ability to come off the edge and get to the quarterback so quickly. The rising senior is fast for the position, has a relentless motor and is one of the toughest players in the classification.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-17-2026-3-56-49-PM-crop-1320x867-1768687101.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2107770" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Lausanne Collegiate ATH [player_tooltip player_id='506678' first='Keon' last='Cooper']. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   2027 [player_tooltip player_id='506678' first='Keon' last='Cooper'] – Lausanne Collegiate School   [player_tooltip player_id='506678' first='Keon' last='Cooper'] is one of the more productive players in Division II-AA, serving as a two-way contributor for Lausanne Collegiate School. He plays running back and linebacker, but I'm here to highlight his ability on defense.   The rising senior is a compact player, standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 230 pounds in a thick but athletic frame. He's been an excellent player over the last two seasons, playing in 21 games, totaling 106 tackles (20 for a loss) and five sacks, while being a good coverage linebacker.   The Lynx star is a bigger guy who moves very well and has a high football IQ, giving him a jump on opposing teams. Cooper is an underrated guy, but should become one of the best players in his classification as a senior. He possesses all the necessary skills and physical tools to be one of the best defenders in Tennessee.   <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>   2027 [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] – Franklin Road Academy   Franklin Road Academy'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 pick and one defensive score. Despite being a TSWA All-State selection, he's going under the radar.   Fletcher has shown that he can do it all, whether that's stopping the run, blitzing, playing sound coverage or quickly diagnosing plays. He's a vocal leader 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.   He's certainly one of the best run stoppers in Tennessee, but he's also productive when asked to rush the passer. That's an area where I think people don't give him enough credit, but he is a disruptor. The rising senior is 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/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-24-2025-1-06-10-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2089007" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Boyd-Buchanan LB [player_tooltip player_id='1038477' first='Corey' last='McGraw']. From his Instagram @_.cj0_.</figcaption></figure>   2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1038477' first='Corey' last='McGraw'] – Boyd-Buchanan School   Boyd-Buchanan's [player_tooltip player_id='1038477' first='Corey' last='McGraw'] saw the field a good bit last season, but wasn't one of their main guys with the Bucs having veteran depth at the position. However, when he got on the field, he was very impressive and looked like a future star for this program.   The rising junior has a solid frame, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 190 pounds, with room to fill out. The 2027 prospect is a strong, physical player who's not afraid of contact and often runs through people when he meets them head-on. He's a fluid mover at inside backer who can shift gears and get anywhere on the field quickly.   To top everything off, he's solid in coverage, allowing him to be a true three-down linebacker for the Buccaneers. There is always a handful of players at each position who come out of nowhere and surprise people. I think McGraw fits the bill well and should have an excellent junior season with several key members from last year's team graduating.

A lot of prospects across Tennessee have emerged and etched their names as stars in their respective classifications. With the transfer portal calmed down, for now, I'm scouting the top players at each position in each class.