2029 Inside Linebackers To Keep An Eye On This Season

The class of 2029 is one of the most talent rich that Tennessee has ever seen. When you look at it, they have a plethora of high-level Division I prospects at each position. Now that they've had a full season to become acclimated to the high school game, you're seeing several take that next step.   I'm starting a series surrounding the class, where I scout prospects at each position to keep an eye on moving forward. Continuing things, we have the inside linebackers. This is a group that's loaded with very talented athletes, in more than one way.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    Friendship Christian's [player_tooltip player_id='1721153' first='Bruno' last='Prater'] was the best freshman linebacker in Tennessee this past season. He played in all 12 games, recording 85 tackles, 15 for a loss, two sacks and one fumble forced. But he's just getting started.   To me, he is, without a doubt, the most polished and complete 2029 linebacker, capable of doing everything on the field at such a young age. Prater is an elite run stuffer, possessing the wiggle, athleticism and tackling skills that give linemen nightmares.   The talented prospect also plays sound coverage and possesses a high football IQ. Prater has good size at 6-foot and 215 pounds. He is the complete package at inside linebacker and should see significant college interest soon.    ---    [player_tooltip player_id='1698723' first='Antonio' last='Huntsman'] stepped onto the field as a freshman last year and made a big impact. He added some mass this offseason and is already off to a strong start. Through the first month, he leads the team in tackles and is near the top in other categories.   He's a compact inside linebacker, standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 207 pounds with a stout frame. Huntsman lacks the prototypical height of a Division I prospect, but he will grow. I also trust his pure athleticism and skills to carry him into being a high-level in-state player.   The sophomore is a smart football player. He has the mobility and fluidity to roam all around the second level. My favorite part of his game is the physicality in which he plays with. Huntsman is a hard hitter with good tackling skills, the ability to get downhill quickly, good coverage and more.    ---    [player_tooltip player_id='1294853' first='Lee' last='Parris'] of Meigs County saw much playing time as a freshman, during which he showed some promising signs. He's raw in some areas and needs development, but he possesses the talent to be a high-level linebacker in the future.   The 2029 prospect plays nice coverage, is a strong run stuffer and consistently puts himself in a good position to make tackles. He possesses a high motor, playing hard every down and showing that he's willing to do whatever it takes.   Parris stands 6-foot and weighs 200 pounds, with a long frame that can add good weight to fill out his build further. Once he develops and grows more, he will be one of the better players at his position in the state of Tennessee.    ---    [player_tooltip player_id='1721695' first='George' last='Wilford'] from MBA is one of my favorite underclassmen linebackers. He plays and looks like an old-school defender that is physical and unafraid to take somebody's head off. Wilford had a good freshman campaign, but has stepped into a larger role this season, where he is thriving.   He offers solid size for his age, standing 6-foot and weighing 190 pounds with a well-built frame. MBA's S&C program does a good job with its athletes, and Wilford is another example. He's added good mass while maintaining his mobility and explosiveness.   The sophomore is a good coverage linebacker, but the best part of his game is between the tackles. He is one of the best in 2029 at stopping the run with the ability to get downhill quickly, a great brand of physicality and sound tackling technique.    ---    [player_tooltip player_id='1721101' first='Ty' last='Burklow'] is a talented inside linebacker from CPA. He saw a bit of time last season, but has really taken that next step this year in terms of his production. For a program that has produced several high-level FBS prospect, he look the part.   Burklow has nice size for his age, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds with a strong, well-built frame. He's a filled-out inside linebacker, but has the mobility to get out in space and cover a lot of ground quickly.   Burklow is fast, physical, plays with a non-stop motor and has high football IQ. He does an excellent job of reading defenses and then diagnosing plays early. That allows him to get a quick jump and go make a tackle. Burklow is good against the run, moves well laterally, is a strong tackler, can cover and even has some blitz upside.    ---    [player_tooltip player_id='1695996' first='Ari' last='Davis'] is an intriguing linebacker prospect who did not play in his freshman season. However, he stepped it up in the offseason and forced his way into the starting lineup. Through four games, he has been one of the more productive 2029 defensive players.   He's a compact sophomore, standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 165 pounds. Davis must add mass, but he has the space to do it and plays well without that extra weight. So, It's not a concern of mine right now. But if he wishes to maximizes his potential, weight gain must happen.   It's fun to watch this cat play, though. He's a scrappy, gritty inside linebacker who doesn't quit until he hears the echo of the whistle. I love his motor and physicality, but also his willingness to do it all for his team. Davis is not scared to meet bigger tailbacks head on, and he typically makes the tackle. He can cover, get after the QB, stop the run and move around well at the second level.

The class of 2029 is one of the most talent rich that Tennessee has ever seen. When you look at it, they have a plethora of high-level Division I prospects at each position. Now that they've had a full season to become acclimated to the high school game, you're seeing several take that next step.