2029 LB Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We released a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2029-north-carolina-high-school-football-rankings/">2029 rankings update</a> on Monday, and we're diving into new player evaluations for the sophomore class. We added 44 players to the database in this update, so we have plenty of guys to write about. After going <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/10/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2029-rankings-update-midseason/">behind the scenes</a>, it's time to look at the newly added linebackers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which 2029 LBs Were Added to the Rankings?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: We included both newly added linebackers and watchlist-to-ranked linebackers in this report.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2247464"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb7712d27be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We'd already put Washington on our radar before the year, mentioning him as a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/breakout-candidates-6-linebackers-who-could-step-up/">linebacker who could break out</a> in 2026. That's proved true so far, as Washington has 43 tackles, three sacks, and a defensive touchdown this season. He has great size and moves well, putting himself in position to make big plays. The Pirates are a young team, and we expect Washington to be a key contributor for the rest of his career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1957989"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb7712d2824"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moore is one of several young playmakers who have exploded onto the scene for a very good Kings Mountain squad. Moore plays a hybrid safety-linebacker role for the Mountaineers, and we have him listed as a linebacker not because we don't think he can play safety or even corner (He could be a top recruit at either, depending on how his body develops), but because we think he'll ultimately gain some weight. The mental side is already there, as he's decisive and flies around the field from wherever he lines up. I expect him to move up in the rankings next time, because on second look, we ranked him too low this update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2337113"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb7712d286c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McKoy is a pure defender, and Smith lines him up all over the defense. Listed as both an interior defensive lineman and an off-ball linebacker, he has plenty of film at defensive end, too. He excels against the run, with compact explosion off the line and a good feel for where opposing backs are running. As he continues to develop, his film and short-area quickness should draw interest from college coaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2409187"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb7712d28b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lovin hit our radar thanks to his pass-rushing prowess, but he's probably a linebacker at the next level. He's quick off the line and has a good feel for what he's seeing from opposing offenses. One thing that suggests a shift off the ball wouldn't hurt his progression is how he plays the run. He frequently stands up blockers, clogs running lanes, then sheds blocks to make tackles. He's going to continue to grow in stature, and regardless of the position he ends up playing, he'll thrive as a talented playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2061298"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb7712d2934"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While he's not the biggest linebacker you'll find, Hickerson excels at putting himself in the right position to make tackles. His linebacker instincts are excellent, and he thrives when shooting gaps to make plays in the running game. He's a powerful player, especially pound-for-pound, and he'll blow up blockers and fill gaps with ease. When he gets a hold of running backs, he doesn't usually miss the tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Zane Rowland, and me on the 2029 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to get in front of our Prep Redzone scouts? Sign up for our <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2586/register/stock-up-showcase-carolinas">Stock Up Showcase</a>. Use code <strong>SUHelms25OFF</strong> for 25% off registration</em>.<a href="https://prepredzone.com/app/"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->