5 Underrated Senior Linebackers to Watch in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tennessee Class of 2027 is one of the most talent-rich recruiting classes in recent memory, featuring quality prospects at every position, including several who are flying well under the radar. In this new series breaking down Tennessee's top 2027 recruits, I'll spotlight the most overlooked athletes at each position as we enter the most critical stretch of the recruiting calendar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next, here are five senior linebackers in the Tennessee Class of 2027 who have flashed big potential throughout their careers. Whether it's inconsistency, a limited body of film or questions about size, each player on this list is not receiving the respect they deserve heading into their senior seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2160004} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OLB [player_tooltip player_id='2124388' first='Mannie' last='Fentress'] – Battle Ground Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2124388' first='Mannie' last='Fentress'] of Battle Ground Academy is one of the most underrated defenders in his class and is coming off a standout junior season for the state champions. In 14 games, he racked up 80 tackles, 16 for a loss, three sacks and two interceptions as a versatile player. His recruitment has started to pick up this offseason, but he's a guy who needs more spotlight. He has good traits and the production that warrants more FBS programs offering him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CSmithMedia/status/2051391992785956965?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CSmithMedia/status/2051391992785956965?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He offers solid size for his position, standing 6-foot and weighing 215 pounds in a lean, athletic frame that allows him to maintain his mobility at the second level. Fentress is an intriguing guy, as he can do it all at both outside and inside backer. The 2027 prospect can shut down opposing teams' run game, play sound coverage and even get after the quarterback. The rising senior has a relentless motor that's rather impressive to watch with how quickly he flies around the gridiron.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2103267} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/97-Colby-Barone.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2103267" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Lipscomb Academy LB [player_tooltip player_id='1894518' first='Colby' last='Barone'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ILB [player_tooltip player_id='1894518' first='Colby' last='Barone'] – Lipscomb Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1894518' first='Colby' last='Barone'] was one of the more underrated transfer moves of the offseason. He was electric in 2025 with Independence High School, recording 107 tackles, six for a loss and pressuring quarterbacks several times throughout the campaign. The rising senior performed well at Prep Redzone's Winter Showcase and has only gotten better throughout the offseason. He holds one Division I offer, but could blow up on the recruiting trail with a good senior season at LA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He possesses solid size for his position, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 210 pounds with a lean, athletic frame that allows him to move well at his inside linebacker spot. Barone is one of the top run stoppers in Tennessee. He has strong football IQ and quick instincts that allow him to swiftly move downhill, where he typically blows up the play. The 2027 prospect is tough, physical and never stops moving until the echo of the whistle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barone plays solid coverage and offers some pass-rush upside, but his best ability is handcuffing the run game. He has solid technique, but the rising senior needs to polish up in that area in order to maximize his potential. The Lipscomb Academy coaching staff should take his game to the next level, and I'm excited to see him this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2111560} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/2-DK-Williams-crop-4257x2796-1769188354.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2111560" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Beech ATH [player_tooltip player_id='903534' first='DK' last='Williams'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ILB [player_tooltip player_id='903534' first='DK' last='Williams'] – Beech High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='903534' first='DK' last='Williams'] is coming off a standout season for Beech, totaling 145 tackles, 10 for a loss, six quarterback hurries, four sacks and four forced fumbles. Despite being one of the best in his class, not many people are giving him the credit he deserves. He has picked up five offers since the new year started, but he's someone who should be getting more looks from FBS programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-foot, 205-pound inside linebacker is slightly undersized but is extremely well-built, while possessing impressive explosiveness and athleticism. Williams is one of the quickest and most dynamic defenders that I've seen in person over the past two seasons. The speed at which he gets downhill and consistently ruins opposing players' nights is flat-out fun to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a top-tier run stuffer who also makes it into the backfield relatively easily to help blow up plays. The 2027 prospect also plays sound coverage and is excellent at tackling in open space, making him a three-down player. His size will hold him back from major Division I interest, but he is certainly someone who will contribute at a high level in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2145055} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/Photo-Mar-04-2026-11-02-52-PM-crop-1320x867-1772687995.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2145055" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: USJ LB [player_tooltip player_id='2121649' first='Eli' last='Yandell'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ILB [player_tooltip player_id='2121649' first='Eli' last='Yandell'] – University School of Jackson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>University School of Jackson's [player_tooltip player_id='2121649' first='Eli' last='Yandell'] is coming off a strong junior season. The 6-foot, 205-pound linebacker racked up 115 tackles, 14 being for a loss, two sacks and five pass deflections in 12 games. The rising senior is a versatile player with high value across the field. Yandell is at his best when they slide him inside, but the 2027 prospect can jump outside and patrol all around the second level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CSmithMedia/status/2042382187924779427?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CSmithMedia/status/2042382187924779427?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's an impressive, hard-hitting run stuffer with high football IQ and quick instincts that enable him to make sound decisions promptly. Yandell took that next step in 2025 and showed his ability to get after quarterbacks, totaling a few sacks with several pressures. He plays sound coverage at his position, while keeping his eyes on opposing offenses to ensure they don't hit a chunk play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1695473} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/lanjames.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1695473" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Memphis Central LB [player_tooltip player_id='1370856' first='Landon' last='James'].</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB [player_tooltip player_id='1370856' first='Landon' last='James'] – Memphis Central High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1370856' first='Landon' last='James'] from Memphis Central is one of the more intriguing linebacker prospects in this class. He's coming off a good season with the Warriors, recording 77 tackles in 10 games. He's taken that next step throughout the offseason and could become a household name with a good senior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He offers good size for his position, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 228 pounds, with a stout frame that allows him to be physical while still moving well. James is a violent player, which is exactly what you want in a linebacker. He gets downhill well, reads defenses quickly and can completely shut down opposing teams' run games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2027 prospect is athletic with high football IQ and the versatility to play all over the front seven. He's somewhat raw, but there's a lot of upside for this linebacker. James holds a few offers, but could see his recruitment pick up throughout the summer and into the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->