Top 10 Austin Area Linebackers

As the 2024 Texas high school football season approaches, the American-Statesman is ranking the top players by position group.

High school reporters Rick Cantu and Colby Gordon will start with the offensive linemen and end with the quarterbacks next week.

(Players listed in alphabetical order)

Easton Aird, Lake Travis Cavaliers

Last fall, overshadowed by the rest of the Cavs’ stars on the defensive end, he recorded 76 tackles. Aird should have an even more productive senior season.

THE DEFENSE IS GOOD BUT: No. 2 Lake Travis believes his ability to overcome obstacles will propel him back to the state

Jackson ClowdusElgin Wildcats

A unanimous first-team all-district selection last year after making 67 tackles, the senior will lead the Wildcats’ push toward the playoffs this fall.

Tieson Ejiawoko, East View Patriots

Ejiawoko, a junior, recently committed to Texas Tech. He was the district’s defensive newcomer of the year last fall and appears poised for an explosive season.

MORE RANKINGS: Top 10 Defensive Linemen in the Austin Area

Garrett Lindgren, Liberty Hill Panthers

A tackling machine who had 104 stops as a junior, he could surpass that number with a good Liberty Hill defensive line in front of him and being a year smarter, bigger and faster.

(As No. 7 Liberty Hill’s offense gains speed, its defense will lead the way in 2024)

Will Peeler, Austin High School

Selected to the first team all-district in a district that included Westlake, Lake Travis, Bowie, Anderson and Johnson, this senior is everywhere on the Maroons’ defense.

Jahiem Porter, Cedar Park Timberwolves

If you don’t know Porter, you soon will. He made 90 tackles last year, has an offer from North Texas and appears poised for a breakout year in his junior year.

A CONTENDER FOR STATE TITLE? Why is Cedar Park #9 on our list of areas?

Elliott Schaper, Westlake Chaparrals

The Statesman’s defensive player of the year last fall should be a monster again for the Chaps. After a season in which he had 108 tackles and nine sacks, the senior committed to Duke over the summer.

REVENGE ON THEIR MINDS: Westlake’s No. 1 football team hopes to redeem itself after two consecutive trips to the state semifinals

Seth Warren, Georgetown Eagles

A third-team All-Central Texas selection as a junior after making 107 tackles, he will lead what should be a very good Georgetown defense this season.

OUR RANKINGS: A solid defense and solid wide receivers make Georgetown a top 10 team

Gage Webb, Anderson’s Trojans

He made 93 tackles a year ago in just 10 games and could be even more dominant as a senior this fall when the Trojans drop to Class 5A.

MORE RANKINGS: Top 10 Austin Area Offensive Linemen

Logan WickettsCedar Park Timber Wolves

He teams with Porter to give the Timberwolves a dynamic duo that recorded an impressive 108 saves as a junior last fall.

Also keep an eye out for: Brandon Bradshaw, Pflugerville; Ousman Jabateh, Connally; Trae Small, LBJ; Trevin Candeh, LBJ; DeMarreo Alba, Sr., Glenn; Joaquin Reynolds, McCallum; Caleb Nicholas, Liberty Hill

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Top 10 Austin Area Linebackers

ByS. Jacob