Kentucky HSFB: 45+ Freshmen (2029) Linebackers to Know in 2025

After a year of finding prospects, evaluating them in person and on film, speaking with different coaches and sources throughout the state, the Prep Redzone Next Kentucky Class of 2029 Rankings and Watchlist is complete. This list contains nearly 400 prospects that are set to make their high school football debut this upcoming fall—and the talent is immense.   A few things to remember:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>EVERY SECTION IS LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY FIRST NAME</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>This list is NOT final and will be updated by Prep Redzone Kentucky as HS careers progress</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Things change quickly on this level and there may be incorrect information that I simply missed/wasn't aware of</li> </ul>   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/Jackson-Marlow-body.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1778678" style="width:525px;height:auto" /></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Top-15 Linebacker Prospects</h2>   **Listed Alphabetically By First Name**    <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Named the Division 3 Region 3 Player of the Year last season</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Finished 6th in the Kentucky Middle School State Middle School Wrestling Championships this year</li> </ul>   A physical Linebacker that plays like a missile on a seek and destroy mission at all times. Flat out flies to the football and can rack up stops all over the field with the speed he plays with. Seemingly does everything in his power to hit someone on every play regardless if he's in on the tackle or not. Also plays Running Back on the offensive side of the ball, but with the way he wraps up, Linebacker appears to be his future.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Defensive Player of the Year for W.E.B. Dubois Academy last season</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A member of the 4x1 team that placed 9th in the KHSAA Indoor State Track Championship</li> </ul>   An athletic prospect that is somewhat of a hybrid Linebacker/Strong Safety, which allows him to be used in any multiple situations and defensive formations. After running indoor track with the high school this past winter, and placing in the State Championship, his speed is a clear difference maker at this point. Has a PR of 11.92 in the 100m as of May 2025. Offensively plays Running Back and was highly productive there as well. Concluded his middle school career with a Kentucky Future Stars selection.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A two-time Honorable Mention Regional Player of the Year</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Listed as a Power Forward on the high school basketball varsity roster as an eighth-grader last year</li> </ul>   When football and basketball teams lined up on the field or court across from him, they had to take a quick look and wonder what they got themselves into. Simply put: Hazard's [player_tooltip player_id='1365028' first='Cameron' last='Miller'] is a grown man. Also a Running Back on offense, Miller has special size for a prospect beginning his high school career at 6-foot-2 and 180-pounds. Played with grown man strength, speed and aggression. Displayed an advanced ability to get around or go through obstacles with sudden agility or raw power. He's a good one.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Starter for Region 2 in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Helped lead Lyndon Lightning to a Louisville Youth Football League championship last season</li> </ul>   Trinity High School is getting a prototypical Linebacker who looks like he was born to play the position, in [player_tooltip player_id='1648393' first='Carson' last='Ivey']. He's a downhill, attacking LB that hunts down ball carriers from hash to hash. A very good run-stopper. Ivey can also drop into coverage and operate in space, but looks more natural on the prowl. He enjoys contact and can really lay the wood if he has an open shot. Offensively lines up as a Fullback, and just as he does on the defensive side of the ball, he's decisive when reading and reacting.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A two-time Kentucky Future Stars selection during his middle school career</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A three-time selection for Region 4 in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament</li> </ul>   As physically mature as they come as Wright gets set to begin his freshman season at Pikeville High School. A year ago Wright was a two-way starter and clear impact player on a Pikeville Junior High team that finished undefeated and won a State Championship. He possesses a rock-solid build and plays with suddenness. Routinely explodes through gaps and blows plays up at, or behind, the line of scrimmage.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A two-time Kentucky Future Stars selection</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Finished 2nd in the Kentucky Middle School State Middle School Wrestling Championships this year</li> </ul>   An outstanding four-sport athlete (football/wrestling/basketball/baseball) who has accomplished a ton during his middle school career. In just the past year he's been named Conference MVP, Kentucky Future Stars Defensive MVP and Prep Redzone Next Middle School Linebacker MVP. Very agile plays with great foot speed. Ridener also starts at Running Back and has even split outside as a Wide Receiver. His skill set offers versatility, as he's capable of playing all three LB positions and in nearly type of defensive playcall.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A two-time Kentucky Future Stars selection</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Summer 2025 he already started the college camp circuit with stops at Western Kentucky and Eastern Illinois</li> </ul>   Another one of the classic run-and-hit linebackers who consistently finds his way to the man with the ball. He's listed at 5-foot-11 and 185-pounds but looks a leaner than that on film, but plays with physicality. Arrives at the ball with some power and rolls his hips through the point of contact. One of the better blitzers in this Kentucky 2029 class of Linebackers. Pre-snap anticipation and instincts are a big plus, as is his ability to properly time his blitz properly. Also one of the quicker read and react Linebackers.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A three-time Kentucky Future Stars selection</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A two-time selection for Region 2 in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament</li> </ul>   Forney Jr. represented Louisville and the state of Kentucky in just about every tournament/event possible on the pre-high school level. An active Outside Linebacker with 12.08 speed in the 100m. Plays best in space and excels as more of an off-ball linebacker. Has some room to improve overall athleticism and fluidity. High character kid with an engine that runs hot all the time. Has proven pursuit ability to chase down Running Backs/Wide Receivers from behind. After playing for several teams on the middle school level, I'd expect him to see the field somewhat early at Kentucky Country Day -- even if it's in a Special Teams capacity.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Multi-sport athlete who also plays basketball</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Helped Barren County Middle School to a District Championship last season</li> </ul>   The Barren County Middle School Trojans had an unforgettable season a year ago, as they finished 11-2 on the season en route to a District Championship and a Mid Sky Conference Championship. One of the big reasons was the play of LB/RB [player_tooltip player_id='1780904' first='Gavyn' last='Minor'] who established himself as one of the better players at both positions in the state of Kentucky for the class of 2029. A natural in pass coverage, he dropped back routinely and looked very comfortable. A very opportunistic Linebacker who, if at all possible, tries to make a play on the ball hoping for an INT. Versatile enough to play all three positions, as he enters high school     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A two-time Kentucky Future Stars selection</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A two-time selection for Region 2 in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament</li> </ul>   The Dragons of Doss High School are getting an absolute tackling machine in Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1303884' first='Harley' last='Gough']. A vicious, tone-setting Linebacker that sees the game significantly better than most at this age and stage of development. He's quick to read with and diagnose with his eyes, then reacts accordingly. Plays with twitch and suddenness in tight quarters, specifically when avoiding the muck inside the tackle box, against the run. In June 2025, led the Kentucky Future Stars in tackles against Tennessee. A vocal and emotional leader on the field. One of the better open field tacklers in the state for this class, but really excels in filling the hole against the run. A true hammer.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Named the Division 2 Region 4 Player of the Year last season</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Was selected to the KYMSFA All-Star Classic last year</li> </ul>   A punishing and bruising Middle Linebacker that leaves little doubt about his tackling abilities when he delivers a hit. While not the fastest 'Backer in this write up, he turns into a battering ram at the point of contact. On the offensive side of the ball he plays Running Back and is a North/South runner. Most effective as short-yardage back when lowering his shoulder. Marlow was a rock on both sides of the ball a year ago, as he was arguably the top player on a deeply-talented Corbin Middle School team, which won the KYMSFA Division 2 State Championship. Marlow wil also play baseball for the Redhounds.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A three-time selection for Region 1 in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Was named a Regional Player of the Year Honorable Mention last season</li> </ul>   Vaughn is one of the bigger kids on this list of 2029 Kentucky Linebackers, listed at 6-foot-1 and 205-pounds as he begins his high school career. During his middle school career at Taylor County he was one of the top defensive players on a team with a handful of talented kids. Vaughn can play both Inside and Outside Linebacker, but looks more at home as Middle Linebacker who roams the tackle box. While he hasn't played the position to this point, with his size and the way he moves, walking him down as an extra Edge defender in obvious running situations may not be a bad option either. Vaughn was selected for the Kentucky Future Stars in 2025.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>The biggest Linebacker on this list</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Multi-sport athlete</li> </ul>   At 6-foot-2 and 225-pounds pounds, the enormous incoming Bluebird freshman is the definition of a Monster of the Midway. Interestingly enough, Highlands High School is the alma mater of another notable football player who was big for his position, in the late Quarterback, Jared Lorenzen. [player_tooltip player_id='1780024' first='Nick' last='Stojkovic'] is a day one starter in my eyes. He plays under control at all times. Reads and reacts with confidence. A physical kid who runs through blockers to make stops at the line of scrimmage. Has a nice burst on his blitzes and moves better laterally than one would think, if just looking at his size. Come with SEC pedigree, as his father Marty Stojkovic played at Ole Miss in the mid-90s.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Named the Division 2 Region 2 Player of the Year last season</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Multi-sport athlete</li> </ul>   Athletic, fast to the ball and relentless are the first three descriptors that come to mind when watching Nettles on film from last season. A productive Running Back/Wide Receiver on offense, Nettles is a two-way player who projects as an Outside Linebacker in my eyes. Plays an attacking style, yet understands how to play off-ball in space. Offers versatility all over the football field on both sides of the ball. Defensively it'd be foolish to rule out the possibility of taking snaps at Linebacker, Nickel or even as an Edge depending on situation. Additionally, is one of the better baseball players in Kentucky for the class of 2029, having a 74 mph fastball as of August 2025. He has put on nearly 20 pounds in the last calendar year.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Selected and started for the Kentucky Future Stars in June 2025</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Led St. Matthews Catholic to the 2024 CSAA Championship Louisville last season</li> </ul>   A long, rangy Linebacker that covers a ton of ground with just a few short strides. Played Middle Linebacker during the regular season with obviously good results, but then really looked the part as an Outside Linebacker for the Kentucky Future Stars in June 2025. In fact, Raider finished the game tied for second on the team in tackles for the Kentucky in their game against the Tennessee Future Stars. The St. X frosh moves well in space and had little problem running down plays from behind if he needs to. As I typically advise with a taller, leaner prospect that plays Linebacker, he can't be ruled out as a kid who could evolve into a two-point edge rusher.      <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/Gavin-Coleman-body.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1780816" style="width:523px;height:auto" /></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">The Best of the Rest Linebacker Watchlist</h2>   **Listed Alphabetically By First Name**   [player_tooltip player_id='1780370' first='Aden' last='Montgomery'] | Magoffin County - Shorter and stocky, classic MLB build. Has quick feet and plays RB on offense. Played Catcher for the Hornets varsity baseball team last year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1668609' first='Braiden' last='Ford'] | Danville High School - Muscled up Outside Linebacker/Running Back combo with excellent speed/quickness in close proximity. Elite closing speed. Qualified for state track tournament in the 400m last year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1781106' first='Channing' last='Hudson'] | Somerset High School - Part of an eyebrow-raising group of freshmen headed to Somerset High School. No official sizes, but looks put together and versatile. Listed on the varsity roster as a Tight End/Outside Linebacker.   [player_tooltip player_id='1780675' first='Duncan' last='Barlow'] | Sayre School - Enters high school with standout size, build and frame at 6-foot-1 and 195-pounds. Also plays 1st Base on the baseball diamond at a high level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1650978' first='Gabe' last='Traugott'] | Ashland Paul G. Blazer High School - A tackling machine at Middle Linebacker. Moves well for size and also plays Guard. Made the state tournament wrestling 210 last year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1649955' first='Gary' last='Sturgill'] | Pineville High School - Massive Middle Linebacker in the neighborhood of 5-foot-10 and 230-pounds, but is actually coming down from over 260-pounds. He's a thumper in the tackle box, and with his size can obviously bump down to the line.   [player_tooltip player_id='1780741' first='Jamie' last='Howard'] | Rockcastle County High School - Throwback type of player that can play Linebacker, Fullback and/or Edge. Very strong for just entering high school, already benching over 250-pounds.   [player_tooltip player_id='1780796' first='Gavin' last='Coleman'] | Pikeville High School - Just one of an insanely talented incoming freshman group at Pikeville High School. Should see varsity time very early. A year ago he starred as an Outside Linebacker in addition to several skill positions on offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1366175' first='Lane' last='Bush'] | Logan County High School - One of the most athletically-gift 2029 Linebackers in the entire state. Sideline-to-sideline type of kid. Plays with the speed, agility and change of direction of a Defensive Back. May ultimately send up as a Safety.   [player_tooltip player_id='1781021' first='Micha' last='Hamilton'] | Walton-Verona High School - A rangy Outside Linebacker who excels in pass defense. Reads, recognized and reacts very well. Looks like a natural dropping back into his coverage zone. Had a very accomplished middle school career at Oldham County.   [player_tooltip player_id='1639567' first='Noah' last='Stanley'] | Belfry High School - A thick, strong Middle Linebacker that lives to come downhill and smack RBs in the mouth. Offensively he's a rumbling Fullback who moves like a train without breaks. Finished middle school as a two-time Regional Player of the Year Honorable Mention.   [player_tooltip player_id='1780982' first='Nolan' last='Basham'] | Owensboro High School - Pound for pound, the strongest 2029 Linebacker on this list. Benches over 315-pounds already. Plays in great position and explodes when making tackles. May be featured at RB earlier than LB.   [player_tooltip player_id='1663856' first='Oliver' last='Lazarevic'] | Paduch Tilghman High School - Outside Linebacker with plus size at 6-foot and 180-pounds. Can walk up and play a stand up Edge player as well. Understands angles well and does a nice job with angle of pursuit.   [player_tooltip player_id='1792008' first='Preston' last='Hall'] | Hazard High School - While I'm not certain on how high his ceiling is, Hall is a fleet-footed short-yardage Running Back on offense and an active Linebacker on the defensive side of the ball. One of several two-time Honorable Mention Regional Player of the Year nominees out of Hazard Middle.     <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/Nolan-Basham-Body.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1780992" style="width:525px;height:auto" /></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Additional Watchlist Linebackers</h2>   **Listed Alphabetically By First Name**   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1664951' first='Bentley' last='Privett'] | Corbin High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1664711' first='Brennan' last='Hollin'] | Corbin High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1648868' first='Brody' last='Siegel'] | N/A High School (Previous: Lyndon Catholic)</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1365100' first='Devin' last='Diaz'] | N/A High School (Previous: Christian County)</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1650751' first='Grayson' last='Taylor Swann'] | Butler Traditional High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1780977' first='Jack' last='Tipmore'] | Owensboro High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1781215' first='Kaden' last='Jackson'] | Pineville High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1652681' first='Kailand' last='Hall'] | Bryan Station High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1651547' first='Kyle' last='Phelps'] | Madison Central High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1780965' first='Mark' last='Neu'] | South Oldham High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1780975' first='Max' last='Morris'] | Owensboro High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1781033' first='Parker' last='Jones'] | N/A High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1781058' first='Rishaad' last='Cason'] | Owensboro High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1666452' first='Taylor' last='Arrasmith'] | Lexington Catholic</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1781073' first='Tearrence' last='Rankin Jr.'] | Louisville Male High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1781139' first='Trenton' last='Cox'] | Somerset High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1666785' first='Tucker' last='Robinson'] | Garrard County High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1781133' first='Will' last='Bassett'] | Murray High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1781145' first='Zainedean' last='Gharib'] | South Oldham High School</li> </ul>

After a year of finding prospects, evaluating them in person and on film, speaking with different coaches and sources throughout the state, the Prep Redzone Next Kentucky Class of 2029 Rankings and Watchlist is complete. This list contains nearly 400 prospects that are set to make their high school football debut this upcoming fall—and the talent is immense.