PRZIA ’26 Rankings Update Position Breakdown: LB

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Iowa wraps up its recent run of rankings updates with <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/">the 2026 Class</a>. The group grew by more than 150 student-athletes and plenty of movement occurred. You can get a better sense of how it came together HERE.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that we've completed the process, it's time for position breakdowns. Please keep checking back as we highlight kids you'll be hearing a lot from on not-too-far-off Friday nights. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at standout senior linebackers:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1238514"],"_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-686fe7a1d935c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thomas made Hawkeye fans happy on June 23 when he announced his commitment to Iowa. He also officially visited Nebraska, Arizona and Iowa State. Thomas fits the mold of what Iowa looks for in its linebackers, guys who run well sideline to sideline, can cover and are physical against the run. He's a great athlete as evidenced by him being a prolific running back on the high school level and hs exploits in the other sports. Thomas rushed for more than 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior in 2024. He also piled up 32 solo tackles, 15.5 stops for loss, 5.5 sacks and a pair of interceptions. During his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17681877/674d5698f944d22bcd5530c9">11th-grade defensive highlight video</a>, Thomas reveals a do-it-all set of skills. He's comfortable coming off the edge, keeping the ball in front of him and exploding in straight-line pursuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1370736"],"_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-686fe7a1d93cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hardy is a really good athlete with size that's capable of succeeding at multiple positions on the next level. It appears he'll get his first crack at linebacker for South Dakota, where he committed on June 17. You certainly see why the Coyotes like him at that spot. Hardy's quickness and agility work very well there. He can pursue off of the edge or operate more traditionally on the defense's second level. There's a lot to like when watching his 1<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17827493/675769f11a5267f966855ede">1th-grade highlight video</a>. You see Hardy diagnosing plays pre-snap and communicating with his teammates. He's explosive and disciplined with a frame capable of adding strength without him losing any of the traits that pack him with potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1188432"],"_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-686fe7a1d9414"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clauss gives Keokuk coach Marvin McNutt a versatile defender capable of taking over games. South Dakota saw it, offered a scholarship and gained a commitment from the senior. Production was not an issue in 2024, when he delivered 51 solo tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks despite an injury limiting him to seven games. Claus also caught 22 passes for 372 yards and four touchdowns, which speaks to his diverse set of skills. You see that when watching his junior highlight video. Claus' quickness and explosion in pursuit sticks out right away. He moves well laterally and can run with pass catchers. Claus has a frame capable of adding mass while keeping the athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["856075"],"_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-686fe7dd7d644"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ross disappointed college football coaches when he committed to Oklahoma State as a wrestler. It does not appear he'll be trying football at the next level despite some schools pursuing him in both sports. Ross has won three state wrestling titles and has tremendous upside in that endeavor. Him chasing that makes all the sense in the world. That said, it's unfortunate that we won't get to see him develop on the gridiron. Ross runs really well, has long arms and a frame that can comfortably add more bulk. His mat training helps him play with balance and leverage, and Ross embraces the game's physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1240478"],"_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-686fe8600bf54"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sankoh was one of the top tacklers on a defense that ranked among the best in the state last season. He finished with 57.5 stops (42 solo, 8.0 TFL) and an interception in earning first-team all-state honors. South Dakota State offered him a scholarship, which he accepted on Thursday. While he plays linebacker in Dowling's system, Sankoh will line up in the secondary for the Jackrabbits. Sound in pursuit, operating with balance and while under control, Sankoh fits well at safety. He's a technically sound tackler and diagnoses plays well before the snap. Speed and fluid hip movements allow Sankoh to stick in coverage, and he most certainly would be a special-teams' asset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1238512"],"_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-687014280aad1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Manson has steadily developed as a football player the past few years and risen up these rankings at a similar pace. A multi-sport athlete, he's got a long way to go before reaching his potential in football. And that's exciting with how good of a player he already is. Development could happen quickly once he begins focusing on one sport upon arriving Iowa, where he committed in June and his father is on staff. Manson possesses quick-twitch traits and a high level of athleticism. He runs very well, to the point where he was one of the state's fastest sprinters on the track. Manson's frame can take on mass without him losing any of the speed and agility. He has as high of a ceiling as anyone in the state's Class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->