Top NCISAA Linebackers To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 North Carolina high school football season is nearly here. It can be easy to miss talented players across the state, and often fans miss some of the best players, especially at private schools. There's plenty of talent across the NCISAA ranks, and here, we're looking at some of the top players in that association. Let's look at the linebackers in this piece, a position group that graduated a ton of talent last year. Still, there are plenty of talented linebackers in the NCISAA ranks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Get 30% off your first billing cycle with promo code Helms30*</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top NCISAA Linebackers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: Check out our other NCISAA breakdowns:</em><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/top-ncisaa-qbs-to-know/">QBs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/ncisaa-rbs-to-know-2/">RBs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/ncisaa-wrs-to-know-in-2026/">WRs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/ncisaa-ol-to-know-in-2026/">OL</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/ncisaa-defensive-linemen-to-know/">IDLs</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/ncisaa-edge-rushers-to-know/">Edge Rushers</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["223038"],"_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-6a57cb5b760b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Abanquah is a recent <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/scouting-elons-2027-in-state-commits/">Elon commit</a> who anchors the middle of a talented Providence Day defense. Because of his range, his teammates can take risks, knowing Abanquah will clean things up. He's a true sideline-to-sideline guy who makes plays all over the field. I expect to see him continue to play with confidence throughout his senior season. He's a great player, and Elon is getting a steal in a guy who will likely contribute early in his college career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1692741"],"_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-6a57cb5b760e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Laws plays edge for Cannon, but showcased his movement and ability to cover in space at our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prz-expousre-camp-lb-analysis/">Prep Redzone Exposure Camp</a>. To be honest, I had my doubts about whether someone with his power profile could operate off the ball. He put those doubts to rest and followed up that performance with some standout workouts at college camps. Given the incoming defensive transfers for Cannon, I wouldn't be surprised to see Laws play some off-ball linebacker as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1607761"],"_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-6a57cb5b76104"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wakefield flew a bit under the radar last season, as Country Day's defensive backs earned a lot of credit. But he was vital to the Buccaneers' defensive success. He led the team in tackles and forced two fumbles, while flashing excellent coverage ability. We think he can take another step forward this season as Country Day relies heavily on the senior's leadership and talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1925428"],"_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-6a57cb5b76122"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Resendiz had a strong year at Christ School in limited reps as a sophomore, and he should become more productive as he earns more opportunities. He's a high-motor player with ample special teams experience and a good feel for the middle linebacker position. Though a bit undersized, he puts himself in a position to make plays. We're excited to see how he continues to develop over the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616142"],"_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-6a57cb5b7613e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lockwood transferred into Cannon and reclassified to the 2029 class as part of the Cougars' massive influx of talent. He should step in immediately as a starter at linebacker, potentially in the middle. He gets downhill in a hurry, has good size, and already has over 200 total tackles in two years as a starter at Butler. We expect a big year from him at Cannon and think he has the potential to be a top Division I recruit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Our preseason coverage is just getting started. Coaches, if you want your team featured in a team preview,&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=118251332469799088451">fill out our survey</a>.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->