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2026 Film Review: LB Breakout Candidates for 2025

2026 Film Review: LB Breakout Candidates for 2025
Colton Edwards
Colton Edwards April 23, 2025 @ 12:06 PM
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In this article:

Eli Pearson
Eli Pearson 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB | 2026
AR
Logan Jackson
Logan Jackson 5'11" | 200 lbs | LB | 2026
AR
Luis Woods
Luis Woods 5'11" | 200 lbs | LB | 2026
AR
Antonio Shelton II
Antonio Shelton II 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB/ATH | 2026
AR
Brooks Williams
Brooks Williams 5'11" | 225 lbs | LB/TE | 2026
AR
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the off-season, we have conducted an extensive film review of hundreds of prospects in the Natural State. This article will focus on potential breakout linebacker prospects in the class of 2026. Here are five field generals who I believe will demonstrate their skills in</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1661136"],"_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-680834a70fad6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1661136' first='Logan' last='Jackson'] is the ideal weakside (Will) linebacker for the next level. He can also play Mike due to his high motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson demonstrates patience by not over-pursuing and playing his assignment and lane while waiting for cutbacks against wide zones. He is an effective blitzer, capable of shooting through gaps with solid foot quickness and an ability to shed blockers quickly. He utilizes his high motor to chase down ball carriers from behind. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - 3.5 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/loganjckson","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/loganjckson </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1661147"],"_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-680834a70fb36"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1661147' first='Eli' last='Pearson'] is an athletic, all-state hybrid linebacker who is currently flying under the radar regarding recruitment. He plays sideline to sideline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pearson can be positioned inside the box, along the edge, or even in a Nickel/Safety position outside. He has the athletic ability to cover both man-to-man and zone effectively. With relentless pursuit, he can chase down ball carriers from the backside. He understands how to fill gaps and contain the edge. Overall, he is a well-rounded prospect who should be added to your board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - 3.5 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/PearsonEli48281/status/1877167217885790598","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PearsonEli48281/status/1877167217885790598 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["809619"],"_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-680834a70fb80"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='809619' first='Antonio' last='Shelton II'] is a true breakout candidate for the upcoming 2025 season. I have seen him perform multiple times in person, and he shows potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He displays good body control and balance, which allows him to navigate through traffic effectively when defending against the run and to make plays in space. He stays square at the POA with solid UOH to shed blocks quickly. Additionally, he possesses solid read-and-react skills, allowing him to break on receivers rapidly and change direction efficiently to force PBUs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.4 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ASheltonII/status/1913416040857432497","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ASheltonII/status/1913416040857432497 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["411501"],"_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-680834a70fbc8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='411501' first='Brooks' last='Williams'] is another high-motor, physical linebacker that you want leading your defense at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Williams is consistent, frequently making plays on the ball due to his solid read and reaction skills. He's solid in coverage, effectively transitioning to run with a receiver in man-to-man situations. Additionally, he has a solid understanding of zone coverage, maintaining control over his assigned area. When facing blockers, he attacks them head-on, staying square while employing good pad level and hand usage to disengage, allowing him to make plays at the LOS or in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.8 40</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BrooksW13505690/status/1897017569909072117","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BrooksW13505690/status/1897017569909072117 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1094800"],"_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-680834a70fc0b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1094800' first='Luis' last='Woods'] is going to have a big senior season, making him a player to watch throughout 2025. He's another physical Mike linebacker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Woods displays solid read-and-react skills. He effectively diagnoses plays in the backfield and attacks downhill against the run while staying square at the POA. He is physical, able to quickly shed blocks and make plays either in the backfield or at the line of scrimmage with solid foot quickness. Add him to your board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.5 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/luiswoods31/status/1884642243744505952","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/luiswoods31/status/1884642243744505952 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

During the off-season, we have conducted an extensive film review of hundreds of prospects in the Natural State. This article will focus on potential breakout linebacker prospects in the class of 2026. Here are five field generals who I believe will demonstrate their skills in

Logan Jackson

Logan Jackson

AR
LB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 200
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Logan
Jackson LB
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
Weight
200
HS
Cabot
|
AR
2026 Film Review: LB Breakout Candidates for 2025
Logan Jackson is the ideal weakside (Will) linebacker for the next level. He can also play Mike due...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Logan Jackson

State: Arkansas
School: Cabot
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Eli Pearson

Eli Pearson

AR
LB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 190
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Eli
Pearson LB
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
190
HS
Bentonville
|
AR
2026 Film Review: LB Breakout Candidates for 2025
Eli Pearson is an athletic, all-state hybrid linebacker who is currently flying under the radar regarding recruitment. He...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Eli Pearson

State: Arkansas
School: Bentonville
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Antonio Shelton II

Antonio Shelton II

AR
LB/ATH
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 195
POS LB/ATH
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Antonio
Shelton II LB/ATH
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
195
HS
Benton
|
AR
2026 Film Review: LB Breakout Candidates for 2025
Antonio Shelton II is a true breakout candidate for the upcoming 2025 season. I have seen him perform...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Antonio Shelton II

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Benton
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Brooks Williams

Brooks Williams

AR
LB/TE
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 225
POS LB/TE
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Brooks
Williams LB/TE
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
Weight
225
HS
Elkins
|
AR
2026 Film Review: LB Breakout Candidates for 2025
Brooks Williams is another high-motor, physical linebacker that you want leading your defense at the next level. Williams...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Brooks Williams

Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Elkins
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Luis Woods

Luis Woods

AR
LB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 200
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Luis
Woods LB
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
Weight
200
HS
Warren
|
AR
2026 Film Review: LB Breakout Candidates for 2025
Luis Woods is going to have a big senior season, making him a player to watch throughout 2025....
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Luis Woods

State: Arkansas
School: Warren
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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