PRZMN Monsters in the Middle for 2026

The LBs holding down the second level of defense hold the most demanding role for the unit, being required to handle themselves as an everyman, the QB of the defense. Today, we recognize the defenders who have handled this role very well, displaying evidently strong leadership and production in the middle of their respective defensive units and looking to continue doing so going forward. We take a look at 7 of the most productive and flexible LBs across MN to watch in 2026!    [player_tooltip player_id='2137490' first='Fletcher' last='Wrazidlo'] cemented himself in 2025 as a potent figure in the middle of the Hawks' defense, helping guide Hermantown to the section championship game. Wrazidlo recorded 125 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and an Interception from the 2025 season. Showcasing great sideline-to-sideline range, Wrazidlo is an explosive defender with great vision and instincts, being able to shut down the option-game, being very rarely misdirected or fooled on where the ball is going, and effectively shutting down the play at the point of attack. Wrazidlo is an excellent cornerstone for Hermantown's defense, and he is bound to receive an array of offers as he enters his senior season.     Minnetonka has been quite impressive with its ability to consistently generate D1 caliber players over the last few seasons, and [player_tooltip player_id='1654702' first='Myles' last='Augustyn'] added himself to that growing list this offseason, having recently committed to play for Illinois State at the FCS level. Augustyn recorded 119 total tackles, 14 TFLs, 2 sacks, 3 passes defended, and a forced fumble in 2025. An explosive and confident leader for the Skippers' defense, Augustyn's jarring hit power and his knack for plugging up open gaps on the OL made him a steady enforcer in the run-game, giving very little leeway for RBs to scamper around him, and once he gets his hands on the ball-carrier, there was no getting through him. The Redbirds got a good one, and Augustyn will look to round out his high school career by guiding Minnetonka to a 6A title.     A big-bodied LB for his age, [player_tooltip player_id='2152759' first='Ryan' last='Stone'] emerged as a powerhouse for the Agates' defense, giving quite a lot to be excited about going forward from the powerful 3A defender. Stone recorded 104 total tackles, 18 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, 2 passes defended, and an interception in 2025. Stone already looks like a prototypical MLB, and his play-style mirrors that prototype perfectly, flashing great versatility stopping both the run and the pass, proving to be an aggressive downhill tackler, and is quite intimidating in the box for his opponents to go against. With two years still leading the Agates, it will be quite exciting to see how much more Stone will be able to accomplish during this time as he is bound for to become a priority D1 prospect by the end of this season.     One of the most versatile players in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='1288305' first='Aiden' last='Moriarty'] has been an outstanding piece as a do-it-all player for the Tigers. Defensively, Moriarty recorded 101 total tackles, 7 TFLs, half a sack, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and a defensive TD in 2025. Despite his primary role as a MLB, Moriarty boasts the size and athleticism to line up on the defensive-line as well as a Nose Guard, and he could very easily make the transition to the trenches as well. However, Middle Linebacker has clearly been Moriarty's bread-and-butter as a defender, boasting plenty of speed and range as a sideline tackler along with the crushing power that is fully capable of knocking the ball out of the RB's hands at will. Moriarty truly encapsulates himself as a monster in the middle of the Tigers' defense.     A polar opposite of Moriarty, [player_tooltip player_id='1939588' first='Lucas' last='La Belle'] flashes more as a flexible LB/Safety-hybrid type defender, though there's no doubt about his role as a powerful enforcer for Orono's defense. La Belle recorded 98 tackles, 6 TFLs, a sack, a forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, and an Interception in 2025. Watching some of the hits La Belle made during the 2025 season was quite shocking, and I wouldn't expect someone his size to play with such an aggressive and violent style of hitting against his opponents. Moreover, La Belle is a big-play defender who has stepped up with some outstanding clutch plays in pivotal situations, proving critical in guiding the Spartans to the 4A title game. It's surprising that La Belle is not higher ranked for how potent he has been in his role, and he will look to cap off an impressive high school run with a state championship title to his belt.     Minneapolis Southwest boasts an impressive array of talent entering the 2026 season, but one of their overlooked has been one of their most productive in Hank Walker. Walker recorded 92 tackles, 10 TFLs, 2 sacks, a fumble recovery, and an interception in 2025. A strong defender for the Lakers who flashes great leadership qualities in the middle of their defense, Walker shows solid range as a sideline-to-sideline defender, taking smart angles to reach the ball-carrier outside the perimeter, and packs a strong punch at the point of contact. One of the top returning defenders for the Lakers' defense in 2026, Walker will certainly not be overshadowed against his opponents, and should be a force to be reckoned with in his senior season.     The lone representative from the 9-man league on this list, what [player_tooltip player_id='2002905' first='Alex' last='Davis'] lacks in size he makes up for in versatility and reliability for the Vikings' defense. Davis recorded 89 tackles, 11 TFLs, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries during the 2025 season. Davis also ran for 414 yards and 6 TDs on the ground while averaging an outstanding 12.2 YPC. His speed and explosiveness carrying the ball translates well defensively, being able to close down on the ball-carrier very quickly, and despite his size, he is a steady tackler who does not get ran over easily. Davis should remain to be an important piece for the Vikings as a two-way standout as he enters his senior season.

The LBs holding down the second level of defense hold the most demanding role for the unit, being required to handle themselves as an everyman, the QB of the defense. Today, we recognize the defenders who have handled this role very well, displaying evidently strong leadership and production in the middle of their respective defensive units and looking to continue doing so going forward. We take a look at 7 of the most productive and flexible LBs across MN to watch in 2026!