Newly-Ranked 2029 Linebackers and Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're nearly finished with our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2029-north-carolina-high-school-football-rankings/">2029 rankings update</a> coverage. We've covered some&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2029-rankings-spring/">big-picture topics</a>&nbsp;surrounding the class, and we've broken down the new faces who entered the rankings. To put the finishing touches on a fun class, we're completing our new additions series by breaking down all of the new linebackers and defensive backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which LBs and DBs Joined the 2029 Rankings?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: Check out the rest of our 2029 rankings coverage:</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/2029-skill-position-stock-risers/"><strong>Skill Position Stock-Risers</strong><br></a><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/2029-stock-risers-big-men-in-the-trenches/">Trenches Stock-Risers</a></strong><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/2029-stock-risers-back-seven-defenders/"><strong>Back Seven Stock-Risers</strong><br></a><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/newly-ranked-2029-qbs-and-rbs/">Newly-Ranked QBs/RBs</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2029-rankings-spring/">Behind the Scenes</a></strong><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/grading-the-2029-defensive-position-groups/"><strong>Grading the Defensive Position Groups</strong><br></a><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/newly-ranked-2029-wrs/">Newly-Ranked WRs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/newly-ranked-2029-ol/">Newly-Ranked OL</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/newly-ranked-2029-athletes-and-tight-ends/">Newly-Ranked TE/Athletes</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/future-2029-stock-risers-june-update/">Future Stock-Risers</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/newly-ranked-2029-defensive-linemen/">Newly-Ranked DL</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2210048"],"_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-6a270903e2ed9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Heath recently impressed my colleague, Matt Morrow, at his CFI Showcase, winning a top DB award. That simply added to the impressive offseason Heath has had. He has excellent instincts and the athleticism to make quarterbacks pay for bad decisions. This year, he'll play for a versatile West Charlotte defense, and we think he could have a huge sophomore season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1646355"],"_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-6a270903e2fb8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gibbs re-classified this offseason, and it gives him one more year to grow. He already made an early impact on the field, and while he can play all over, truthfully, I don't know exactly what role I'd like to see him play in college. For now, he's a versatile defender with a nose for the football and the ability to make big plays for his defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2132622"],"_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-6a270903e3051"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McLean has excellent movement skills, both in a straight line and laterally. Despite his size, he's a physical corner who can play bump and run. That allows his coaches some flexibility in play-calling, and it helps that they know McLean can hold his own as a tackler. He doesn't just have to line up in press to be effective, as he made a host of plays in the running game while coming downhill from off coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2155088"],"_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-6a270903e30e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Haith doesn't have a ton of varsity film, but we've heard from a couple of sources that he looks the part of a complete corner. He's opportunistic in coverage and isn't afraid to drive on balls outside of his zone. Those instincts work well and can lead to huge plays for his team. If he gets some varsity run this season, expect him to turn heads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2160225"],"_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-6a270903e319a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Arroyo is a two-way star for an <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-1a-top-10/">ascending Winston-Salem Prep team</a>. While his biggest contributions were at the running back position last year, he's a solid defensive back prospect, as well. He was sixth on the team in tackles and is physical, despite his size. He had four sacks and two fumble recoveries for the Phoenix last season to underscore that fact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2126975"],"_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-6a270e6ced843"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We first wrote about Werts when breaking down some of the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/top-6-lbs-in-forsyth-county/">best linebackers in Forsyth County</a>, and then had the pleasure of watching him at our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prz-expousre-camp-lb-analysis/">Prep Redzone Exposure Camp</a>. There, we confirmed what we'd seen on film: a young guy with length who can move well laterally. It's early, but we like what we've seen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2157196"],"_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-6a270e6ced89b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A two-way player for Graham, Spencer thrived, even in the midst of Graham's struggles. He moves well on film, and he was an opportunistic defender. Spencer puts himself in a position to make plays, and we think he'll only continue to improve as he gets older.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2141080"],"_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-6a270e6ced8e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When looking at Bear Grass Charter as a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/1a-sleepers-in-2026/">sleeper in the 1A class</a>, Thomas's freshman campaign was among the top reasons. I came away impressed after watching his film. Then, my colleague, Josh Graham, also picked Thomas to be one of the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/whos-next-252-top-returning-lb-db/">top returning linebackers in eastern North Carolina</a>. We liked how he moved on film and think he's just getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2029 rankings. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription. Team preview season is beginning soon! Coaches, fill out our&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=118251332469799088451">team preview info sheet</a>&nbsp;so we can properly cover your athletes.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->