2026 Linebackers to Watch - Prep Redzone (2024)

The review covers linebackers who have steady performers with good stats throughout their high school careers. However, the recruiting interest should pick up for these prospects. The prospects should spark recruiting interest during their offseason activities.

Caleb Gordon Caleb Gordon 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Ashbrook | 2026 NC – LB, 6’0″ 215 (No. 6 LB, No. 72 Overall), Ashbrook HS. Caleb displayed patience to let the play develop before reacting quickly to make stops. He displayed good lateral movement and speed to cover a lot of ground quickly while closing in on the ball carrier. He finished the past season with 84 total tackles, 4 tackles for losses, 2 sacks, and 1 interception. Caleb is expected to continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps. He has received a D1 offer, more are expected to come in for him throughout his high school career.

Jaylen Starks Jaylen Starks 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Orange | 2026 State NC – LB, 6’0″ 210 (No. 7 LB, No. 110 Overall), Orange HS. Jaylen displayed patience to let the play develop before reacting quickly to make stops. He displayed good lateral movement and speed to cover a lot of ground quickly while closing in on the ball carrier to make stops. He finished the past season with 90 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 blocked field goal. Jaylen plays on both sides of the ball for his team. He finished the season with 40 carries for 181 yards and 2 TDs while playing running back. He is expected to continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.

Luke Faulkner Luke Faulkner 5'11" | 205 lbs | LB Southern Nash | 2026 State NC – LB, 5’11” 205 (No. 8 LB, No. 110 Overall), Southern Nash HS. Luke displayed patience to let the play develop before reacting quickly to make stops. He displayed good lateral movement and speed to cover a lot of ground quickly while closing in on the ball carrier to make stops. He finished the past season with 64 total tackles, 13 tackles for losses, 3 sacks, and 9 hurries. Luke plays on both sides of the ball for his team. He finished the season with 84 carries for 532 yards and 9 TDs while playing fullback.

Quintin McCray Quintin McCray 5'10" | 190 lbs | LB Providence Day | 2026 State NC – LB, 5’11” 190 (No. 9 LB, No. 111 Overall), Providence Day HS. Quintin displayed good lateral movement and speed to cover a lot of ground quickly while closing in on the ball carrier to make stops. He finished the past season with 66 total tackles and 5 tackles for losses. He is expected to continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.

Jaylin Mallory Jaylin Mallory 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Northeastern | 2026 State NC – LB, 6’0″ 205 (No. 10 LB, No. 113 Overall), Northeastern HS. Jaylin displayed patience to let the play develop before reacting quickly to make stops. He displayed good lateral movement and speed to cover a lot of ground quickly while closing in on the ball carrier to make stops. He finished the past season with 119 total tackles, 3 tackles for losses, 6 sacks, 8 hurries, and 1 fumble recovery. Jaylin is expected to continue to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.