Here are five Texas high school linebackers who could have an impactful season and see their recruitment heat up significantly.
Kailer Pettijohn , LB , McKinney , 6-2 / 196
Kailer is a Division I prospect with offers from schools like Arkansas State, Ball State, Southern Miss, and others. He is a well-balanced linebacker who can tackle in space and fill gaps with his lengthy, athletic frame. He could play off the edge at the next level. Kailer shows bursts of explosiveness with a low center of gravity and good bend. He consistently beats blockers and actively seeks and attacks the football. It would be great to see him in pass coverage more this season and really deliver hits to ball carriers.
Giavani Baker , LB , Shadow Creek , 6-2 / 225
A great run-stopping linebacker with good lateral speed and agility, he prevents runs from progressing or getting by him thanks to his bulky athletic frame. While his block shedding could improve, he effectively pressures the quarterback, racking up sacks and disrupting plays. He has the speed and agility to chase down ball carriers. Arkansas State, Lamar, New Mexico, and UTEP have all made offers.
Haven Garrett , LB , Mesquite Horn , 6-2 / 205
Haven is an athlete who can play both sides of the ball as a running back or linebacker. He can put his hand in the ground and rush off the edge or stand up as an outside linebacker. He has a lengthy, athletic frame with long arms. He maintains run lanes well and shows patience, letting plays develop before he attacks. His offers include North Texas, Texas State, Tulsa, and UNLV.
Kenneth Youngblood Jr. , LB , Lancaster , 6-1 / 200
A run-stopping linebacker with a lean build, he doesn’t shy away from contact and plays with physicality. There aren’t too many plays on film that will “wow” you; however, he has the size, speed, and strength to be a force on defense. I hope to see him dominate this season and really let loose. He should aim to make more tackles for loss, rack up more sacks, and display more versatility, whether at linebacker or off the edge. UNLV, UTEP, and UTSA have offered Kenneth.
Jarone Bell , LB , Shadow Creek , 6-1 / 190
Bell is explosive and can shoot into backfields to rack up tackles for losses or pressure the quarterback. He’s a playmaker with speed, agility, and great awareness. It will be exciting to see Bell as the season progresses, showcasing his talents. He’s a linebacker who might be flying under the radar, but potentially not for long. Arkansas State and Utah have offered.
