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2029s
Linebackers producing early is rare, but a few 2029s have already flashed traits worth tracking. South Charleston’s Tramel Musgrove (formerly at Capital) stands out immediately with rare length and range—he looks like an edge at times but moves like a hybrid safety, showing the ability to cover and tackle in space. Williamstown’s JP Strobl brings a more traditional inside backer feel, playing downhill with good instincts and aggression despite being younger and still developing physically.
Oak Glen’s Jacob Everett has more limited film but shows a solid foundation as a mike-type linebacker with good size for his age. If his agility and acceleration continue to develop alongside his frame, his long-term profile becomes very intriguing.
Check Outs
This is a group poised to take major jumps heading into 2026, especially as the position tends to click both mentally and physically between sophomore and junior seasons. James Monroe’s Brycen Parker flashed strong downhill instincts and reliable tackling ability, already showing comfort both inside and in space.
Spring Mills’ Nolan Forrest stepped into a meaningful role against high-level competition and held his own, with added size and continued instinct development likely elevating his game. Cameron’s Talen Brown is already well-known in the north, playing with a relentless motor and sideline-to-sideline range that makes him a constant presence around the football.
Capital’s Laurenzo Auguste also belongs firmly in this group. He pops on film with a downhill mentality and a quick first step that allows him to close space fast. Despite being one of the lighter players, his underrated length and ability to maintain separation help him play bigger than his size.
Other names to know would be Webster County’s Hunter Skidmore, Williamstown’s Jack Moore and Colin Jones, Wheeling Central’s Trenton McCardle, and Logan’s Luvante Kenney; all were all over the field in 2025.
Out of Position
Linebacker is often a landing spot for versatile athletes at the next level, and several players show traits that could translate well into the position. John Marshall’s Dalton Cooper played defensive line but brings the leverage, balance, and explosiveness that could make him a natural transition back a level.
Logan’s Lucas Lambert has gained attention as a large, athletic tight end, but his frame and movement skills could project well as an on-ball linebacker. Woodrow Wilson’s Gage Burdette, known for his offensive production, has the physical tools and athleticism to develop defensively, while Martinsburg’s Ka’ila Villa offers length and versatility that could translate across multiple defensive roles.
Pendleton County’s Colton Roberson and Morgantown’s Maddox Twigg will be mentioned in our defensive back list, but they are already very physically developed and might size themselves into hyper athletic linebackers if they end up on that side of the ball.
5. Travon Okonkwo
Huntington’s Travon Okonkwo (6’1”, 195) was primarily featured as a running back before injury, but his defensive upside is extremely high. He brings natural length, size, and speed that immediately translate to linebacker, giving him a strong physical foundation for the position. His athletic profile alone makes him one of the more intriguing projections in the class.
With more reps and development on the defensive side, Okonkwo has the tools to quickly rise. His ability to operate in multiple roles—whether inside, outside, or even as a pass rusher—gives him a wide range of potential outcomes and a high ceiling at the next level.
4. Brody Kehler
University’s Brody Kehler (6’0”, 190) operates as a hybrid linebacker with strong athletic traits. He plays downhill with aggression and shows the ability to move fluidly in space, making him effective in a variety of defensive roles. His versatility stands out immediately on film.
If Kehler were to fully commit to the defensive side, his projection would rise even further. With added size and continued development, he has the skillset to become a highly recruited linebacker who can impact the game in multiple phases.
3. Jeremiah Jones
Bluefield’s Jeremiah Jones (5’11”, 200) is already known as a standout offensive player, but his defensive film may be just as impressive. He shows excellent recognition, quickly diagnosing plays and attacking downhill with confidence. His instincts allow him to consistently be in the right place at the right time.
Beyond that, Jones plays with physicality and technique, particularly with his hands, allowing him to avoid blocks and finish plays cleanly. His combination of instincts and aggression makes him one of the more reliable linebackers in the class.
2. Andy Roberts
Jefferson’s Andy Roberts (6’0”, 195) is one of the most productive yet underrated linebackers in the class, coming off a 130+ tackle season with multiple takeaways. His ability to consistently find the football and finish plays stands out, especially in high-volume defensive roles.
He also brings legitimate athleticism, with the ability to operate in space when needed, but truly thrives in the box where his aggression and instincts take over. With continued development, his production and motor give him a very high ceiling.
1. Brooks King
Morgantown’s Brooks King (5’11”, 195) is one of the top linebackers in the state regardless of class, already playing a key role on a state championship defense as a sophomore. He totaled 80 tackles and 5 sacks, but what stands out most is his recognition—he diagnoses plays almost instantly and consistently positions himself to make stops.
He pairs that with a strong frame and the ability to play both downhill and laterally, making him a complete linebacker. As he continues to develop physically, King has the potential to evolve from a highly reliable defender into a true game-changing presence at the next level.