5 Underrated LBs Everyone Should Watch in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welcome back!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we're highlighting five underrated linebackers across Alabama that we think have big seasons ahead here in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These guys all really impressed in their junior seasons last fall and have a ton of talent and potential, so we're hitting the film room and talking about what they do best!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2173113"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dff55373328"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2173113' first='Sawyer' last='Summerlin'] is a really productive LB from Tuscaloosa Academy who broke out and impressed us this past season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"Summerlin is a dominant run defender who flies downhill to make impressive hustle stops near or behind the line of scrimmage every carry. On top of that, he can line up and produce both on and off the line of scrimmage. No matter where he's placed, he'll find a way to dominate the run. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I'm really impressed with Summerlin's closing speed, hustle, and tackling. He can cover a lot of ground to create some really impressive stops in pursuit. It's really impressive to watch; he flies around the field every snap."</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you haven't watched Summerlin yet, make sure to take a look at his film below. He's a talented defender on the rise who's been picking up collegiate attention. We're going to have to watch out for him this fall!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26570155/692cda8b733bfca19ff83996' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dff553734dd"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2173120"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dff55373531"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2173120' first='Jeremiah' last='McKenzie'] is an impressive LB from Jackson who helped his team's defense a ton last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"McKenzie is a terrific tackler who uses his physicality, speed, and pursuit to create stops all over the field for his team's defense. I'm really impressed with his effort and aggression- he'll work through multiple blocks to get to the ball carrier and has the sideline-to-sideline speed to threaten offenses constantly.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I'm most impressed with McKenzie's speed and processing. He's seriously quick on his feet and always seems to know where the play is headed, consistently putting himself in great position to create impact plays. When you combine all of these skills, it makes him really tough to stop. We all need to look out for him and this Jackson defense this fall, they're a talented group."</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKenzie is a productive defender with a lot to offer to his defense. Be sure to check out some of his film if you haven't watched him before:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19375694/6976dd7d2a241c49bb2d23fc' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dff55373557"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2173121"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dff5537359c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2173121' first='Mason' last='Yarbrough'] is a talented LB from Valley that we think is set up for a huge season this upcoming fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"Yarbrough is an every-down threat to opposing offenses who can defend the run, provide great coverage, and rush the passer as well. I'm really impressed with how Yarbrough can defend the pass. He's quick on his feet, has impressive ball skills and vision, and consistently gets his hands in on passes to create PBUs and INTs.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>If he's not dropping back and making plays on the ball, Yarbrough is a serious threat blitzing up the middle who can heat up and hit opposing QBs at any given moment. Yarbrough flies downhill, overwhelms OL with his speed, power, and violent hands, and generates tons of pressure/sacks in the backfield."</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yarbrough made a ton of plays this past year and put together some really impressive tape in the process. Make sure you look at some of his film below, you'll come away impressed:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20360691/69837105d14fce077b744072' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dff553735be"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2173123"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dff55373600"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2173123' first='Fred' last='Lewis'] is a talented LB from Montgomery Catholic who really showed out this past fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"I'm really impressed with Lewis' speed and instincts. He's highly reactive and quick to adjust to what opposing offenses are running, especially against the run. Lewis finds a ton of success playing against the run. He's a talented tackler who's relentless with his effort, working through multiple blockers and across the field to create stops.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Lewis' athleticism makes him a really tough defender to go up against. He doesn't seem to get tired, has great technique, and an impressive motor he uses to create stops throughout all four quarters. Lewis is in for a huge season this upcoming fall. Everyone should watch out for him this season."</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm excited to see what Lewis can do this coming season. He's a talented player who really showed what he was made of in 2025- I think he's set up for a really big year this upcoming fall. In the meantime, make sure you take a look at his film below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19448242/6972658f7942eab403f9342c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69dff55373623"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2100103"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e07c4a64dea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2100103' first='Turner' last='Tillman'] is a talented two-way player who really impressed me with his skill at LB earlier this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Defensively, Tillman is quick to get into the backfield. He explodes off the snap, has active hands and impressive leverage, and consistently works around offensive linemen to get to the ball. Tillman is also a reliable tackler; he does a great job wrapping up and not allowing for additional yardage. I'm really impressed with his tape."</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think Tillman is going to help Orange Beach's defense in some big ways this upcoming season. He's going to be a player we all want to watch this fall. What he does on both sides of the ball is a blast to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26738460/68d1fd22241dd35b1ab7fe0a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e07c4a64fd3"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->