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The 2026 class is simply getting began with the recruiting course of however there are already many storylines at each place. We proceed a weeklong collection breaking down the highest gamers at every spot, now transferring to linebackers.
THIS SERIES: Breaking down the highest QBs within the 2026 class | RBs | WRs/TEs | OL | DL
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Whether or not he performs outdoors linebacker or comes off the sting to blitz, Atkinson has particular qualities and a gaggle of SEC faculties are wanting greatest. Georgia will probably be a troublesome crew to beat for the Loganville (Ga.) Grayson four-star as there was a long-standing curiosity within the Bulldogs and the event in Athens.
Auburn can be pushing very laborious and assembly with the brand new Alabama teaching workers is unquestionably going to be a giant deal.
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Higher often called Tank, Jones is a particular prospect with measurement and size and positively will obtain five-star consideration because the 2026 cycle continues. Auburn, LSU, Alabama and Georgia are the 4 frontrunners for the Cell (Ala.) St. Paul standout. At completely different occasions, every of these SEC packages appeared to carry the sting.
LSU may need a slight lead proper now however attending to know that new Alabama workers is essential. Auburn and Georgia are positively proper there.
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Texas, Tennessee and USC are the three early frontrunners for the Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei standout and at the very least two of these groups may keep highest on his listing till Scott is able to determine.
The Longhorns have actually impressed Scott within the early going and coach Steve Sarkisian has tons of West Coast ties. USC is true down the street and possibly has an edge in Scott’s recruitment, though he’s already a nationwide recruit and extra faculties would possibly get within the combine.
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It will not be a shock if the Orange (Calif.) Lutheran standout linebacker stays house and performs at USC, particularly if the Trojans’ protection takes just a few steps ahead this upcoming season.
However Notre Dame has all the time intrigued Ili and if Trinity League member Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa excels there this season, it may transfer up much more. Ohio State, Washington, Texas and others are additionally concerned.
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Over the previous couple of weeks, the Cell (Ala.) Cottage Hill Christian Academy standout – who can play linebacker or edge rusher – has landed presents from Oregon, Miami, Louisville, LSU, Ohio State and Texas A&M.
After South Carolina had the early edge in his recruitment, the phrase is now that Toodle is most within the Buckeyes.
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After ending with 107 tackles and eight sacks in his sophomore season, it’s a shock that extra Southeast powerhouses aren’t providing Britt. Coaches would possibly assume he’s an Auburn lock since his brother, KJ, starred for the Tigers just a few years in the past.
UCF, Tennessee, Arkansas and others are concerned nevertheless it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Oxford, Ala., standout find yourself on The Plains.
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His father, a star NFL participant by the identical identify, went to Georgia and in order that might be powerful to beat in the long run however there are positively others concerned in Davis’ recruitment proper now. The Matthews (N.C.) Weddington standout can be very excessive on Clemson and North Carolina at this level with much more visits being deliberate.
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USC is taken into account the frontrunner for the four-star linebacker and there are quite a few the explanation why. The Trojans play proper up the street from the Lawndale (Calif.) Leuzinger standout, he’s carefully adopted this system and with a giant give attention to fixing the protection that might be an enormous draw. With greater than 20 presents, others will probably be concerned however USC is the crew to beat.
Miami, Oregon, Ohio State, Texas, Alabama, Washington and Tennessee are excessive as nicely.
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After visiting Texas Tech in mid-January, Okpala has seen his recruitment shoot to the moon with new presents from Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and TCU amongst others. That offers the Houston (Texas) Mayde Creek standout a complete lot to think about and Okpala doesn’t appear to be in a rush to make any type of early choice.
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Penn State and Notre Dame are the out-of-state faculties which might be coming hardest after the Port Arthur (Texas) Port Arthur Memorial standout and he will probably be in South Bend in April.
However the feeling right here is that Texas A&M may have a bonus in King’s recruitment. He’ll be in Faculty Station later this month.
Texas additionally may be very a lot concerned in his recruitment.