#TN2024 Linebacker Sleepers to Watch For

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an action-packed week of high school football action in the Volunteer State, it's time to highlight some of the most explosive playmakers from week two of the season. After breaking down some highly impactful 2025 quarterbacks, we shift our focus to the defensive side of the ball as we evaluate some impressive 2024 linebackers that are coming off outstanding performances. Without any further ado, here's my list of some 2024 linebackers in Tennessee to keep an eye on in week three.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["286596"],"_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_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee607ad7d8d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the top of my list of playmakers is [player_tooltip player_id='286596' first='Gavin' last='Helton'], a 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker at MUS that brought the heat in the Owls' 39-0 win over Melrose in week two. In addition to excellent size, speed and defensive toughness, what makes Helton such a gamechanger on the defensive end is his footwork and athleticism, using his electric quickness off the snap to find the ball-carrier, read the offense and contain the rush. I also like how Helton slams into the offensive line, stunning the opposition as he quickly attacks the quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14632611/64ea217fd21b9406044a6474">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["491443"],"_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_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee607ad7e1c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='491443' first='Jackson' last='Bandy'], a 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker at Nolensville High School that showcased his defensive toughness in the Knights' 50-24 win over Antioch in week two. In addition to solid versatility and physicality, what makes Bandy so impactful is his explosive tackling and ability to exert his strength on hits to increase turnover chances. I am also fond of Bandy's consistent speed off the snap and ability to muscle the offensive line, blast past coverage and get offensive playmakers to the ground. I also like how Bandy can read the offense and come barrelling in to stop the passing game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LSauQ">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["316782"],"_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_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee607ad7e9c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='316782' first='Kylan' last='Dickey'], a 5-foot-10, 210-pound linebacker at Germantown High School that made his presence known in the Red Devils' 24-12 win over DeSoto Central (MS) in week two. What makes Dickey such a defensive gamechanger is his physicality and overwhelming strength, blasting offensive playmakers to the ground. In addition to his toughness, Dickey also impresses with his footwork, using bursts of speed to create pressure and force disorganization among the offense. Another aspect of Dickey's playstyle that impresses is his ability to increase chances of turnovers off tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14472346/64ea2b09d21b0809947671d9">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["244642"],"_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_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee607ad7f17"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another impactful prospect on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='244642' first='Cooper' last='McAfee'], a 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker at Brentwood High School. McAfee was a crucial defensive performer in the Bruins' 21-18 win over Brentwood Academy in week two. On top of great footwork and movement, McAfee stands out due to his quick and precise decision-making off the snap as well as his ability to target offensive playmakers. McAfee also impresses me with his height and wingspan, proving he can muscle his way in front of the ball, stop the passing game and drop opposing gunslingers to the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LSpkp">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["285357"],"_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_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee607ad7f90"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming in at number five on my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='285357' first='Bryson' last='Gardner'], a 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker at Knox. Catholic High School that made an impact on the Fighting Irish' defense in the 40-13 win over Brevard (NC) in week two. What stands out most about Gardner is his ability to move quickly off the snap, exert his strength to push the offensive line back and consistently pounce on the offense. Gardner utilizes his physical edge and quickness to hit playmakers hard and be disruptive defensively. I am also quite fond of Gardner's execution as he proved he could consistently stop the run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LSPiD">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->