STOCK RISERS: 2024 Linebackers Earn New Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thew new 2024 PRep Redzone Rankings are updated and we saw multiple impressive linebackers climb up the rankings in the latest update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who earned a ranking rise in the latest update?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='334651' first='Devin' last='Smith']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/devin-smith-2/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;– Brunswick</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An impressive pass-rushing outside linebacker in South Georgia, Smith was one of the most productive linebackers in the area as a sophomore last season, making 61 tackles, 16 TFLs, and six sacks, leading the team. After a solid off-season, Smith has climbed the rankings in the latest update, now coming in as the No. 65 prospect in the state. He has a long frame at 6-foot-3 225-pounds and is quick off the snap, something very important for linebackers at the college level. He lived in the backfield last year and knows how to run down the ball carrier. He wraps up well and knows how to strike. The South Georgia defender plays fast, gets off blocks on a consistent basis, and always finds his way to the ball. He appears to have D1 talent, and he's bound for a gigantic junior season for the Pirates. Smith rose from the No. 14 linebacker prospect in Georgia to No. 6 in the newest 2024 Rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='335443' first='Jerrod' last='Steward']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jerrod-steward/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;– Swainsboro</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most productive linebackers across Georgia last year, Steward certainly didn't play like a sophomore as he tackled just about everything in sight last year. Now, he's climbed his way into the Prep Redzone rankings, coming in at No. 97 in the state and the new No. 9 LB prospect. He proved to be a tough, physical linebacker as a sophomore last fall, and he was one of the top small-town linebackers in the area. An impressive-looking prospect from a physical standpoint, Steward is listed as 6-foot-1 235-pounds and brings a physical presence to the Tigers' defense. A heavy-hitter who doesn't miss tackles, Steward tallied 148 tackles last year for an average of 10.6 tackler per game. He does a good job of controlling the middle of the field and proved he's a downhill linebacker who excels against the run. His best game last year came against East Laurens where he made 20 tackles. He made 10+ tackles in 8 games last year and he's bound for a major junior season this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antonio Butts Jr – Calvary Day School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An incredibly instinctive linebacker for his age, Butts Jr. proved to be one of the hardest hitters in the region and really stood out as a sophomore last fall, making 132 tackles 11.5 TFLs, two sacks, and four INTs. He was originally ranked as the No. 17 LB prospect in Georgia earlier this year, but after watching more film, Prep Redzone bumped the Savannah native up to the No. 8 LB prospect in the state and the No. 83 overall prospect in the 2024 class. He's an excellent run defender who fills the gaps between the tackles before the play can get going. Against the pass, Butts showed that he can read the quarterback's eyes and has soft, reliable hands when making a play on the ball. He's physical, quick, active, and does a good job of driving the ball carrier backwards. Look for him to be one of the top returning linebackers in Savannah this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=ddbcec2d-5410-42eb-9daf-194667e29d28&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3">Darion&nbsp;Smith</a>&nbsp;– Appling County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The small-town defender out of Baxley might play with his hand on the ground at times, but we really like his potential as a promising pass-rushing outside linebacker at the next level, and he made a big jump in the latest update, coming in at No. 81 in the state for the 2024 class. At 6-foot-3 220-pounds, Smith has a long, athletic frame, just like his older brother Darris, who plays for the in-state Georgia Bulldogs. The hard-hitting OLB/EDGE defender is explosive off the ball and can deliver a big hit when making a tackle. Smith was extremely productive last year as a sophomore, making 74 tackles, 21 TFLs, 11 sacks.He's easy to notice, and it's led to some respectable D1 offers. He's one of the top returning pass rushers in Georgia and he should see his 2024 ranking continue to climb more this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->