High school football: Tyler Atkinson, Jonah Williams headline top 10 linebackers heading into 2024 season

We have already zoned in on the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and defensive linemen. Next up on the position-by-position breakdowns are the linebackers. 

Tyler Atkinson of Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) headlines the list and is one of three players selected from the Class of 2026. The five-star linebacker broke the school record racking up 197 tackles. He also posted 25 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks while leading Rams to AAAAAAA semifinals.

Atkinson is one of four linebackers chosen from the Peach State, the most of any state. Zayden Walker of Schley County (Ellaville, Ga.), Jadon Perlotte of Buford (Ga.) and Xavier Griffin of Gainesville (Ga.) also land on the list.

Jonah Williams of Ball (Galveston, Texas) leads the way for the seven seniors featured. The five-star linebacker is arguably the best all-around player in the country. He plays multiple positions at a high level and is also a standout baseball prospect.

Texas was one of three states to have multiple selections. Riley Pettijohn of McKinney (Texas) was the other linebacker from the Lone Star State to crack the list. Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng of IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) and Tarvos Alford of Vero Beach (Fla.) were both selected from Florida.

Alabama and California represent the other two states with one selection apiece.

2024 PREVIEW: Top 10 linebackers

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2026)

Has landed 49 offers and was the only sophomore to be selected on the 2023 MaxPreps All-America team.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 205

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2025)

Recently announced his top five and will be making his commitment to either LSU, Oregon, Texas, Texas A&M or USC on Aug. 24.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 225

Status: Committed to Georgia | Class: Senior (2025)

Five-star linebacker led Wildcats to 13-1 record as a junior.

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 240

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2026)

Explosive pass rusher is also a standout linebacker in coverage.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 205

Status: Committed to USC | Class: Senior (2025)

Flies around on defense and has been making big-time plays against the best competition during his high school career.

Height: 6-1.5 | Weight: 215

Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2025)

Five-star linebacker piled up 125 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception.

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 210

Status: Committed to USC | Class: Junior (2026)

Finished his sophomore campaign with 54 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and 15 sacks while leading Red Elephants to AAAAAA quarterfinals.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2025)

Will be a huge playmaker on defense for No. 3 team in MaxPreps Top 25.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210

Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2025)

Sideline-to-sideline linebacker finished last season with 114 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks and one interception.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 225

Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Senior (2025)

Made big play after big play for last year's CIF Open Division state champs with biggest one coming in 35-7 win over St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) with a 52-yard pick-six in CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship.