South of Atlanta is where you’ll find a hard-hitting linebacker who is still flying under the radar< Jaylen McWilson Jaylen McWilson 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB Jonesboro | 2027 State GA is a physical, instinctive linebacker who plays bigger than his 6-foot-0 190-pound frame. He plays fast, understands his role, and will be an easy addition to the next rankings update. The Jonesboro linebacker lit up the stat sheet as a junior with over 100 tackles and 12 TFLs. He’s off to another great start this fall as a senior, showing an aggressive style of play as he consistently finds a way to the ball-carrier. Look for the sure-tackling linebacker to push for All-Region status at the end of the season.

A speedy, sure-tackling linebacker south of Atlanta who continues to fly under the radar, McWilson is coming off an extremely productive junior season for Jonesboro where he tackled everything in sight, making 117 tackles, 11 TFLs and two fumble recoveries. He understand the position, plays hard, and is one of the region’s top returning linebackers for the 2027 season. He shows easy D1 potential on film who plays bigger than his 6-foot-0 190-pound frame. Look for McWilson to have another giant season in 2026 as a senior for the Cardinals.

A versatile weapon who can make plays in the secondary or closer to the line of scrimmage, McWilson is a tackling machine who really knows how to hit. He plays hard, shows great instincts, and knows how to be physicasl when wrapping up the ball-carrier. He’s consistently around the play and ended his fantastic junior season with 117 tackles, 11 TFLs, and two fumble recoveries. He flashed easy Power Four potential and could easily see new offers come his way this spring. He should also see a new Prep Redzone ranking come his way. Don’t be surprised if McWilson is one of the best defenders in the region next fall as a senior.