1A/2A Linebackers To Know

Will Helms June 22, 2026 @ 12:38 PM

We're in the middle of a series highlighting the top players at smaller public schools around the state. Even with the recent move to eight NCHSAA classifications, there's a ton of future college talent at the 1A and 2A levels. Here, we're breaking down five linebackers at the 1A and 2A levels that you should know in 2026.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five 1A/2A Linebackers to Know in 2026</h2>   Editor's Note: Check out our other 1A/2A pieces: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-quarterbacks-to-know/">QBs</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-rbs-to-know-cameron-clem-leads-strong-class/">RBs</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-wide-receivers-to-know/">WRs </a><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/small-school-offensive-linemen-to-know/">Small-School OL</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-interior-defensive-linemen-to-know/">IDLs</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-edge-rushers-to-know-2/">Edge Rushers</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='451403' first='Cody' last='Hernandez'] | Starmount   Hernandez is one of our favorite small-school linebackers, a guy with excellent size and speed. He's a thumper who has been credited with three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in his career. A true college prospect, Hernandez is a multi-time all-conference pick who is one of the most dangerous linebackers in the 2A class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1257270' first='Aldinio' last='Previl'] | Rosewood   A tackle machine for Rosewood, Previl is an excellent sideline-to-sideline tackler and run stuffer. He has great speed with good instincts and reaction time. That combination allows him to make plays all over the field. He was opportunistic last season, with four takeaways, including three fumble recoveries. Finally, you won't find many starting linebackers who excel as returners, too, but Previl returned a punt for a touchdown last year for the Eagles.   [player_tooltip player_id='1678636' first='Caden' last='Fritz'] | Christ the King   Fritz isn't the biggest guy, but he always seems to be in the right place, and he's a physical presence on the inside of the defense. He's a multisport athlete, as he's also an impressive lacrosse player. He plays both sides of the ball, with ample athleticism to make plays at multiple positions. We're not sure where he fits at the next level, but he's an impact player for Christ the King's defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1616161' first='Grady' last='Mahaffey'] | Lejeune   A two-way player, Mahaffey led the Devilpups in tackling by a wide margin while also playing quarterback for the first time. He's played multiple positions offensively, but defensively, he's clearly a linebacker. He has a great feel for what offenses are trying to do, and he has the speed to make plays all over the field. He's solid in coverage, and every once in a while, he'll flash the ability to affect quarterbacks as a blitzer.   [player_tooltip player_id='2112653' first='Gavin' last='Williams'] | Chatham Central   While Chatham Central struggled last season, Williams was a bright spot, racking up over 100 tackles for the Bears. He's also the leading returning receiver, and his athleticism allows him to win at multiple positions. He has good size and the frame to add a few pounds over the next two seasons. Look for Williams to pop again in 2026.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other 1A/2A LBs To Know</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1652238' first='Helaire' last='Trahan'] | ALA-Johnston   [player_tooltip player_id='2141080' first='Caleb' last='Thomas'] | Bear Grass Charter   [player_tooltip player_id='2104490' first='Keyvon' last='Propst'] | Starmount   Our preseason coverage is just getting started. Coaches, if you want your team featured in a team preview, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118251332469799088451">fill out our survey</a>. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Help them get 30% off their first billing cycle with promo code Helms30.

We're in the middle of a series highlighting the top players at smaller public schools around the state. Even with the recent move to eight NCHSAA classifications, there's a ton of future college talent at the 1A and 2A levels. Here, we're breaking down five linebackers at the 1A and 2A levels that you should know in 2026.