Film Analysis: What Makes Alabama’s 2026 Linebackers Stand Out

Alabama high school football continues to set the standard for developing elite talent, particularly at the linebacker position. In this film analysis, we delve into what makes the class of 2026 stand out, focusing on their unique athletic attributes, football IQ, and ability to impact games. From explosive plays to disciplined coverage, these young athletes are shaping up to be highly sought-after recruits for college programs nationwide.    Jaibrien Gresham demonstrates an exceptional ability to diagnose plays quickly, consistently positioning himself to make impactful stops. His lateral quickness allows him to close gaps efficiently, making him a formidable presence in run defense. In coverage, Gresham shows good awareness, reading quarterbacks and breaking on the ball effectively in short and intermediate zones. His tackling technique is fundamentally sound, combining aggression with precision to minimize yards after contact. Gresham's leadership on the field is evident, as he consistently communicates with teammates and ensures proper alignment before the snap.     JorDon Perry excels as a versatile linebacker with a natural instinct for the game, particularly in blitz packages. His explosive first step off the snap allows him to disrupt plays in the backfield, creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Perry showcases excellent pursuit angles and rarely misses opportunities to bring down ball carriers. He possesses a high motor, consistently playing through the whistle and setting a physical tone for his defense. Despite his aggressive style, Perry maintains discipline, ensuring he fulfills his assignments without overcommitting.     [player_tooltip player_id='1658672' first='Kameron' last='Sconiers'] is a physical linebacker who thrives in downhill situations, excelling at meeting ball carriers head-on. His ability to shed blocks effectively makes him a standout in the trenches, especially against power running teams. Sconiers demonstrates strong anticipation skills, allowing him to time his hits perfectly and deliver punishing tackles. In pass coverage, he's improving steadily, showing promise in covering tight ends and running backs in man-to-man situations. His work ethic and effort on special teams also highlight his versatility and commitment to contributing in all phases of the game.     [player_tooltip player_id='1755504' first='Noah' last='Tubb'] is a cerebral linebacker with excellent field vision, allowing him to read and react to plays with precision. He excels in open-field tackling, using great body control and balance to consistently bring down elusive runners. Tubb's ability to drop into coverage and defend against crossing routes adds another layer of value to his game. He plays with a relentless energy, often rallying his teammates with his effort and passion for the game. Tubb's ability to remain calm under pressure makes him a reliable presence in high-stakes situations.     Trenton Jackson is an athletic linebacker who combines speed and physicality to dominate in space. His sideline-to-sideline range makes him a key defender against teams that rely on perimeter plays. Jackson's natural instincts in coverage allow him to anticipate throws and disrupt passing lanes effectively. His tackling is both explosive and controlled, often setting the tone with his physical play style. Jackson's leadership qualities shine through his vocal presence on the field, inspiring confidence in his teammates and elevating the defense's overall performance.

Alabama high school football continues to set the standard for developing elite talent, particularly at the linebacker position. In this film analysis, we delve into what makes the class of 2026 stand out, focusing on their unique athletic attributes, football IQ, and ability to impact games. From explosive plays to disciplined coverage, these young athletes are shaping up to be highly sought-after recruits for college programs nationwide.