Class of 2027 Linebackers to Watch in Kentucky This Fall

Continuing the coverage of the upcoming senior class following Prep Redzone's rankings release last week, let's focus our attention on some of the linebacker prospects who have begun to make noise around the Bluegrass.    [player_tooltip player_id='2252100' first='Brandyn' last='Fields'] is a reliable outside linebacker for Male who could be in store for a breakout senior season in 2026. Fields plays like an EDGE rusher along the outside, but plays comfortably in pass coverage. He has demonstrated a good ability to shed blocks to advance into the backfield. Fields has great reaction time and does well at tracking down the ball carrier when he's away from the play. Fields played in nine total games for Male last season, logging 36 total tackles (18 solo) to go along with two forced fumbles, one sack, and a tackle for loss.     [player_tooltip player_id='1200723' first='Crayson' last='Lafferty'] is a physical linebacker who plays downhill and aggressively for Prestonsburg's defense. Lafferty plays his gaps well and doesn't hesitate to initiate contact. He does a good job at anticipating plays and has great reaction time. Lafferty, nicknamed "Bones," is also one of the best pure tacklers across the entire Bluegrass. Lafferty totaled 150 tackles last season, including 79 solo and 10 tackles for loss. He has 339 total tackles between his sophomore and junior seasons.     [player_tooltip player_id='2145267' first='Maddox' last='Pugh'] is a high-effort middle linebacker for Prestonsburg and teammates with [player_tooltip player_id='1200723' first='Crayson' last='Lafferty']. Pugh is the vocal leader of the defense and does a great job at communicating with his teammates pre-snap. He is reliable when tasked with shedding blocks, hitting his gaps, and setting his teammates up to make plays by always being in the right place. Pugh does a good job of keeping his eye on the quarterback and is quick to react if the ball is thrown in his vicinity. However, he is most effective as a run-stopper in the opposing backfield.     [player_tooltip player_id='378834' first='Jayden' last='Justice'] is a hard-hitting, downhill linebacker and running back for Pikeville. However, he projects best on the defensive side of the ball. Justice is patient post-snap and doesn't over-commit. He is also reliable when defending the pass and can effectively cover slot receivers, sticking with them throughout their routes. Reacts well when the ball is thrown toward his zone, is great at making open-field tackles, and plays the edge of the field well so that opposing offenses can't find the edge.     [player_tooltip player_id='1954625' first='Liam' last='Dailey'] is a run-stuffing linebacker from Madison Central who returns after being one of 6A's top tacklers from one season ago. He finished the season with 125 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and 6.5 sacks in 2025. It goes without saying that Dailey plays aggressively. Against the run, Dailey doesn't hesitate to fill his gaps and welcomes contact in the trenches. He is long, athletic, and strong, which helps him side-step would-be blockers and make plays for his defense.

Continuing the coverage of the upcoming senior class following Prep Redzone's rankings release last week, let's focus our attention on some of the linebacker prospects who have begun to make noise around the Bluegrass.