TN2027 Rankings Breakdown (Linebackers)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This is one of the better linebacking classes we have had over the last several years with star quality at the top and several under the radar prospects that display next level potential. Our senior rankings are well represented with this position and I expect it to expand during our Fall update. </h2>     Over the years, the linebacker position has been de-valued a bit but that still doesn't mean you can't find some impactful players at this position. This year's senior crop is actually pretty good, especially at the top as well as down the list where I see some talent and players that could rise over the next few months, providing the linebacker position solid depth. Down the road, I think we will find some starters, some big time tacklers in this class that could make a name for themselves on the college stage.   Inside The Top 100   - Everything starts at the linebacker position with FRA senior [player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders']. Ranked 5th overall and 1st among the linebackers, Sanders is an athletic, rangy defender that has spent most of his high school career at safety but during his time at Vanderbilt, the Panthers senior will transition fully to linebacker where he can develop into a run stuffer and potentially one of the better pass coverage guys on the college level. He will need time to fill into his frame and learn the position but the ceiling is high with Sanders.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/osanders2-crop-630x414-1775591265.jpg?w=629" alt="" class="wp-image-2167053" style="width:318px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA LB [player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'].</figcaption></figure>   Another in-state linebacker headed to the SEC is Maryville senior [player_tooltip player_id='1305810' first='J.P.' last='Peace']. Committed to Tennessee early in the process, Peace (14th/2nd LB) brings the size and athletic skill set to the field that translates well to the college game and Peace is still far from a finished product, which speaks towards his best days being ahead of him. The Rebels linebacker is a smart, heady ball player that tends to always put himself around the football while also having upside with his pass rush.    Somewhere down the road, we may find [player_tooltip player_id='906615' first='Shelvy' last='Clark'] to be the best inside linebacker to come out of this TN2027 class. This Memphis area defender is a heat seeking missile with a nose for the ball that finishes nearly every play with controlled violence. Ranked 3rd inside his position and 18th overall, Clark is a true inside backer that brings explosive, violent game play to the field along with high football intelligence that may get him on the field early in his college career.    Recently committing to Alabama, our 4th ranked linebacker in [player_tooltip player_id='1585726' first='Kenneth' last='Simon'] (20th overall) is still growing into his body and into his position but the potential is large for this athletic defender. The Eagles senior has low experience at linebacker but brings the athleticism, intelligence and overall size to the position that plays well in college. His versatile skill set could flourish at Alabama where Simon can play the box versus the run or in play against the pass.    Another former defensive back that should be transitioning to linebacker in college is Knox. Halls senior [player_tooltip player_id='1294979' first='Jarrell' last='Chandler']. Ranked 21st overall, this Knoxville area defender is athletic and rangy with ball hawk tendencies that can be utilized well on the defensive second level. Depending on what college he commits to, Chandler could be used in several ways, including the “star” position where he can roam and play in space.    Once we get past the top five, it drops off a little bit until we get to [player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'], our 6th ranked linebacker and 54th overall prospect. Standing 6'3 220 plus pounds, Jennings is a big, physical run stuffer that displays good range and upside in pass coverage. He is also a physical tackler with room to get bigger and stronger.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/?position=LB" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/?position=LB">#TN2027 Linebacker Rankings/Watch List</a>   Maryville teammates in [player_tooltip player_id='1707489' first='Dax' last='Cole'] (55th/7th LB) and [player_tooltip player_id='1694317' first='Wyatt' last='Wilber'] (61st/8th LB) are fast risers during these off-season months that may see their stock rise even further after the Fall season. Cole is a true inside backer that runs well and gets to the ball with strong instinctive play. He is well built physically as well. Wilber is more of your edge guy that displays upside in rushing the passer while also having the athleticism to play in space versus the pass. Both guys are high upside talents that might be even better players on the college level.    Possibly the fastest linebacker in this class could be MASE senior [player_tooltip player_id='1666967' first='Akeem' last='Hunt']. Standing 6 '0 and nearly 200 pounds, Hunt (71st overall) gets from point “A” to point “B” very quickly and usually finishes with controlled violence. This guy is not only fast to the ball but he is quite physical as well. Hunt does need to keep getting bigger and stronger and fill out his frame but the athletic tools are in place to become a high volume tackler and impact player in college.    The final linebacker inside our “Top 100” is Green Hill senior [player_tooltip player_id='1368155' first='Will' last='Butler']. Playing most of his career at safety, Butler translates best to college at linebacker but due to his pass coverage experience, the Hawks senior provides a lot of upside at the second level as someone that can work in space. Butler is athletic and rangy with a nose for the ball that can work well stopping the run as well as cover running backs and tight ends in pass coverage, where he can potentially become elite in that area.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/wbutler.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2164787" style="width:234px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    The Next Tier ……   - These linebackers may not be inside our “Top 100” right now but there is serious talent here that may see their stock rise after strong senior seasons. Several prospects in this section have either the physical look and overall size needed on the next level or the athletic upside that can be developed further under college coaching. I do expect several linebackers here to improve and watch their offer lists expand.    The next linebacker in-line, just beyond that top group is Lipscomb Academy senior [player_tooltip player_id='2143337' first='Harris' last='Fisher']. This 6 '2 physical tackler has been flying under the radar when it comes to his recruitment but Fisher has the look and feel of a future college player. He is physical at the point of attack but also displays the athleticism and range to make plays all over the field with his biggest impact coming in the middle, stopping the run.    Ranked 111th overall and 12th among the linebackers, [player_tooltip player_id='1894518' first='Colby' last='Barone'] is a fun guy to scout as his motor is always on high and he consistently finds himself around the ball. The Independence senior attacks without hesitation using his athleticism and instincts to find the ball, doing so especially against the run. I see upside in pass coverage as well with Barone. I think the best football is ahead for this guy as long as he continues to develop at the rate he is currently on.    One of the biggest stock risers over the past few months at the linebacker position has been Germantown senior [player_tooltip player_id='2161726' first='Payden' last='Ballard']. The Red Devils tackler is undersized in height but makes up for it with instincts and speed. Ballard (117th overall) clocked a 4.53 forty a few months ago and that along with his film immediately boosted his stock and put him squarely on the college radar. Father Ryan senior [player_tooltip player_id='1591998' first='Ethan' last='Stacey'] is a true inside backer that may be one of the better guys in this class at stopping the run. Sporting great size with solid arm length, Stacey (126th) is a hound on the field that is consistently looking for the ball and to hit somebody. If he can increase his explosion and range, bigger schools may start calling with interest.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/estacey.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2174577" style="width:248px;height:auto" /></figure>   New to the state of Tennessee and McCallie School is senior [player_tooltip player_id='2181090' first='Ben' last='Ironi']. Making a debut ranking at 134th overall, Ironi is an interesting talent that I believe has higher levels to his game. This guy is fast to the ball and athletic in space along with a frame that can pack on more weight and develop his physicality much further. Watching how he performs this Fall season with McCallie will be fun to watch and if he does well like I think  he will, Ironi should see his stock rise and gain more recruiting interest.    BGA senior [player_tooltip player_id='2124388' first='Mannie' last='Fentress'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] from Baylor come in next at 135th and 136th overall with both guys having an opportunity to rise in our rankings with standout senior years. Fentress is a hot name right now that is gaining steam on the recruiting trail due to his athletic upside on the next level. The Wildcats linebacker plays hard and fast with a violent approach to the game along with potential at being an outstanding run stuffer. Faulkner is a true inside backer that fills the box, sheds blocks and stops the run on a consistent basis. If he can increase his foot speed and explosive game play, his stock will certainly rise.   Two East Tennessee linebackers in [player_tooltip player_id='1366543' first='Darius' last='Sudderth'] (141st) and [player_tooltip player_id='2090376' first='Carson' last='Pearce'] (157th) from Knox. Halls are two guys that have yet to breakthrough on the recruiting scene but sport the abilities and physical traits to be looked at much harder. A multi-year starter on his Alcoa defense, Sudderth is an athletic guy that flows to the ball very well, showing instinctive game play and sideline to sideline to range. He does need to get much bigger and stronger to become more appealing but Sudderth has the frame to pack on more size. Pearce is almost in the same boat, needing more body mass to fill out his frame further but the athletic tools are in place to one day become an impactful linebacker in college.    Coming in ranked 171st overall, Melrose senior [player_tooltip player_id='1587004' first='Gerrard' last='Kaufman'] is a long term, potential big impact performer that can do a variety of things on the football field. His senior season will dictate a lot when it comes to his future in college. I can see the Golden Cats senior forming into a true edge guy that rushes after the quarterback or develops into a middle backer that plays sideline to sideline. Kaufman has a lot of growth to go with his body as he needs to build more mass but the athletic tools are there to be molded by college coaching.    - - - - -    Just Outside The Top 200   - Just missing out on being inside our “Top 200” prospects, these linebackers are considered developmental players that display several traits that translate to the college game but need further work to either enhance their bodies or their overall games. The upcoming college camp season along with the 2026 football year will be key for these guys to show their progression and overall worth as they search for college opportunities.    The first ranked linebacker just outside the “Top 200” is Westview senior [player_tooltip player_id='1789693' first='Coree' last='Wells']. Sporting good size with a nice frame that can be molded further, Wells is a talented prospect that has a versatile skill set that can work in the middle versus the run or off in coverage against the pass. For this West Tennessee product to boost his stock further, Wells must play more aggressive and explosive to the ball while continuing to build out his 6 '3 frame.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/cwells-crop-762x500-1778700632.jpg?w=761" alt="" class="wp-image-2208285" style="aspect-ratio:1.5220378395518444;width:288px;height:auto" /></figure>   Just behind Wells at 206th overall, FRA linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] is a two-way prospect for his Panthers team that translates best to college on the defensive side of the ball. What makes him standout as a future college linebacker is Fletcher's physicality along with being able to shed blocks and stuff the run. Getting faster and more explosive are two things that Fletcher can improve upon this Fall to help push his ranking higher.    Two West Tennessee linebackers in [player_tooltip player_id='1370856' first='Landon' last='James'] from Memphis. Central and [player_tooltip player_id='932830' first='Asah' last='Story'] out of Adamsville are placed right next to each other in our rankings but both have a chance to raise their stocks with strong senior campaigns. James is an interesting case to me as I'm not sure right now if I like him best as an inside linebacker or someone that works on the edge. Part of that thinking is the physical build James brings to the field and what he projects towards in college.    If Story was placed at a bigger high school program, his name may be more known at this point but he is playing the long game. I see the long term potential here with Story as a true inside backer that does good work against the run while having enough athleticism to cover in space. He does need to get bigger and stronger while enhancing his athletic profile but the Cardinals senior competes hard and plays fast, which is something you want in your linebackers.    South Pittsburg senior [player_tooltip player_id='1205814' first='Kemijah' last='Harris'] (275th overall) is an interesting prospect that is still learning the linebacker position but provides a lot of defensive versatility that could be used in several ways. The Pirates senior is well built like an inside backer, which is where I believe he translates best in college but he shows on film the ability to play on the edge and rush the passer. I think that trait can work well on the inside where Harris darts into the backfield to disrupt offensive plays.    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2027-watch-list/">Tennessee Top 300</a>   Moving to Jackson Christian to play his senior year, [player_tooltip player_id='1669631' first='Tarhye' last='Taylor'] is an undersized but highly active inside linebacker that shows a good initial burst towards the ball and the athleticism to make plays behind or around the line of scrimmage. Ranked 292nd overall, the Eagles senior plays bigger than his size while providing a high motor that usually puts himself around the ball. Taylor plays hard but will need a big senior year to take his game and stock to new levels.    Two-way backer [player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams'] comes in ranked 294th overall but the Beech senior is someone I can see raising his stock after a strong senior year. The Bucs linebacker is one of the more physical competitors we have from the TN2027 class. Williams embraces the violent aspect of the game. If he has the opportunity to hit somebody, the Bucs senior will do it. Enhancing his agility and speed would do wonders for his game as well as raise his recruiting profile.    Southwind senior [player_tooltip player_id='1904539' first='James' last='Morton Jr.'] (299th overall) and [player_tooltip player_id='1849545' first='Germaine' last='Allen'] (300th overall) from Covington round out the linebackers and while both are inside linebackers, they bring different skill sets to the field. Morton Jr. is a smaller style linebacker that is in need of added weight but the dude is athletic and fast to the ball. The Jags senior plays hard and fast with an aggressive nature. He shows the ability to make plays behind the line or drop into space to play versus the pass.    Coming from the far west side of the state, Allen is a small school, little known prospect right now but someone I added late into our “Top 300' due to his physical makeup and upside left to be fulfilled. The Chargers senior is well put together physically with the look of a true run stuffing inside linebacker that displays flashes of explosive tackling and range. His biggest to improve and boost his stock is his speed. If Allen can increase that, I wouldn't be surprised to see him work his way into FCS status.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/dkwilliams.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1971834" style="width:376px;height:auto" /></figure>