2028 Linebackers Looking to Make a Statement this Fall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An athlete's junior year is arguably the most pivotal of their high school career, and these four linebackers are looking to take the Commonwealth by storm in 2026:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["871295"],"_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-6a5408cda5d09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='871295' first='Malachi' last='Smith'] is a quick-reacting, sure-tackling linebacker for South Laurel. He finished his freshman season with 137 combined tackles (82 solo), 11 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. Smith is fast to recognize and react to opposing offensive schemes, and he can shed blocks to reach the football. He plays downhill and is aggressive when initiating contact. Smith excels in blitz packages, as his speed, strength, and skills in the trenches are above average for his age and position. He is also a great tackler along the edge and in the open field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2066917"],"_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-6a540d076c407"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2066917' first='Masyn' last='Stewart'] was one of 4A's most prolific tacklers in 2025. He finished the season with 142 total tackles in 11 games, including 83 solo. Stewart averaged 12.9 tackles per game as a sophomore last season. He'll be one of the leaders on this year's Harlan County defense, and a threat on any scouting report after his breakout season one year ago. However, he'll need to put some more tape out during his junior year to be further evaluated.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2005257"],"_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-6a540d076c463"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2005257' first='Luke' last='Ellis'] plays fast and aggressively at the linebacker position for Ashland Blazer. He hunts the football, especially on run plays, where he has proven he can stuff the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage. He's handsy as well, meaning that he can still grab at the ball carrier despite actively being blocked. Ellis does a great job when asked to blitz, taking away the A and B gaps and closing running lanes for opposing running backs. He's also a playmaker when asked to cover against the pass and attaches himself to offensive players entering his zone. Ellis missed six games due to injury as a sophomore, but hopefully, he can get back and have a full season in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2034557"],"_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-6a540d076c4de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2034557' first='Jameson' last='Chaffin'] is a physical, well-disciplined linebacker who flies to the football and consistently makes plays defensively for Belfry. Chaffin is a playmaker on defense who excels at reacting to what the offense presents. He's not easily fooled by play action or other types of flashy offense, but stays with his assignment and can break on the football when the ball is out of the QB's hand. Chaffin is also a running back for Belfry, and he demonstrates a high football IQ on both sides of the football. His tendencies as a tailback carry over to defense, as he's elusive in pass rush situations and can blow up a play before it gets back to the line of scrimmage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->