Sophomore Spotlight: 2029 LB/EDGE standouts on the rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's never too early to evaluate underclassmen, and there are some studs in Kentucky's 2029 class, particularly on the defensive end of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In case you missed it, this is the second installment in the 'Sophomore Spotlight' series. The first one identifies seven offensive standouts poised for a breakout 2026 season. Click <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/sophomore-spotlight-offensive-skill-position-standouts-in-ky/">here</a></strong> to check out our analysis. Now, let's check out some of the more underrated linebackers and EDGE rushers entering their sophomore season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1670663"],"_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-6a2b0fc41a0ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Size and strength immediately stand out with [player_tooltip player_id='1670663' first='Jaxon' last='French']. He's quick with his hands and feet, which allows him to easily burst out of his stance, beat his opponent to the point of contact, and make his way into the backfield. He's effective when he utilizes an inside swim technique, which often gets him past his blocker. French has been active in camps this offseason and will be a name to watch in St. Xavier's offense this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1648569"],"_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-6a2b0fc41a115"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1648569' first='Ethan' last='Miller'] is a player North Oldham can count on to know his assignment and perform it well. At EDGE, Miller is patient and lets the play come to him. He doesn't abandon his outside contain. Instead, he protects it, which comes in handy during broken plays or quarterback scrambles. He's often a threat to pressure the quarterback and has the speed to chase one down, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1780796"],"_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-6a2b0fc41a13b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1780796' first='Gavin' last='Coleman'] was one of 15 1A players to log at least 10 tackles for loss last season. He finished his freshman year with an impressive 93 total tackles, setting himself up for a strong sophomore campaign. Coleman is a sure tackler and projects to be one of the top players at linebacker in his division this fall. He'll put more tape out this fall, which will help in getting his name more recognized as a sophomore. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1306577"],"_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-6a2b0fc41a15e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1306577' first='Eli' last='Hare'] is a physical, run-stopper of a linebacker who isn't afraid to initiate contact and stuff a ball carrier at the point of attack. Hare rushes to the ball with purpose and is light on his feet, enabling him to locate it swiftly and with precision. He plays comfortably and confidently in his position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1780675"],"_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-6a2b0fc41a17f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1780675' first='Duncan' last='Barlow'] is a hybrid linebacker and EDGE rusher for Sayre. However, he excels in the middle of the defense. Barlow is patient and lets the play come to him. He has a high IQ, as evidenced by his ability to quickly recognize a play and react appropriately. He's a hard-hitter, but has shown his abilities in coverage. However, Barlow is most effective at stopping the run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1780024"],"_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-6a2b0fc41a19e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1780024' first='Nick' last='Stojkovic'] is a smash-mouth, gap-filling defender whose physicality sets him apart from other linebackers his age. He isn't one to give up on a play, and often provides effort that doesn't end up on the stat sheet. In turn, he's rewarded with opportunities to run the ball on offense, where he can be found carrying a pile into the end zone or for a first down. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->