Top 5 DeKalb County Linebackers Entering the 2026 Season

DeKalb County has long been known for producing hard-nosed, physical linebackers, and the 2026 season is no different. This year’s group features instinctive run stoppers, downhill hitters, and versatile defenders capable of impacting every phase of the game. From proven veterans to rising stars, here are the top five linebackers entering the 2026 high school football season.

1. Brandon Sutherland Jr. | Sr. | Miller Grove | 6’0”, 215 lbs

Brandon Sutherland Jr. enters his senior season as the leader of the Miller Grove defense after finishing as the Wolverines’ leading returning tackler. Last season, he recorded 98 total tackles (73 solo), six sacks, 20 tackles for loss, one interception, and two forced fumbles while earning First Team All-DeKalb County and First Team All-Region honors.

Sutherland plays with relentless aggression, but never at the expense of discipline. His fundamentals, instincts, and awareness allow him to be one of the most complete linebackers in the county. He attacks ball carriers with bad intentions, consistently delivering some of the biggest hits you’ll see on a Friday night.

His timing as a blitzer is exceptional, often reaching the quarterback before offensive linemen can react. His impact extends beyond defense as well, with an onside kick returned for a touchdown and a blocked punt showcasing his value on special teams. A throwback linebacker with an early-2000s mentality, Sutherland is undoubtedly the hardest hitter on this list and serves as the unquestioned anchor of a Miller Grove defense poised for a strong 2026 campaign.

2. Jamare “JT” Tolliver | Sr. | Tucker | 5’10”, 210 lbs

Tolliver returns as DeKalb County’s leading returning tackler among linebackers after posting 102 total tackles (72 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble during his junior season. His production earned him First Team All-DeKalb County and First Team All-Region honors.

Known as the leader of Tucker’s defensive unit nicknamed the “Thundercats,” Tolliver sets the tone with his relentless motor and physical play. Despite being slightly undersized, he consistently overpowers blockers with exceptional strength and leverage, making him a disruptive force near the line of scrimmage.

His instincts and pursuit are among the best in the county, and his 4.8 speed allows him to cover ground quickly, whether dropping into coverage, taking away passing lanes, or making open-field tackles against skill players. Expect Tolliver to cap off an outstanding high school career with another dominant season.

3. Aden Charlton | Sr. | Lithonia | 6’1”, 210 lbs

After transferring from Southwest DeKalb, Aden Charlton brings veteran leadership and experience to a young Lithonia defense.

Charlton finished his junior season with 70 total tackles (30 solo), two sacks, seven tackles for loss, and one forced fumble while earning Second Team All-DeKalb County honors.

What separates Charlton is his football IQ. His instincts are advanced for a high school linebacker, and he consistently plays with excellent gap discipline while diagnosing plays before they develop. His 4.5 speed gives him the range to chase down ball carriers and create momentum-changing plays.

With Braylen Jackson graduating, Charlton is expected to step into the role of defensive leader while helping mentor younger linebackers like sophomore Peyton Key. He projects as the centerpiece of Lithonia’s defense in 2026.

Charlton (No.6) with sophomore linebacker Peyton Key

4. Caleb Rourk | Sr. | Druid Hills | 6’0”, 215 lbs

Despite Druid Hills winning only three games last season, Caleb Rourk emerged as one of the Red Devils’ brightest spots.

The senior linebacker finished with a team-leading 80 tackles (39 solo), one sack, 7.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and two forced fumbles which earned him first team All-Region honors.

Rourk thrives in the backfield, consistently defeating blockers with strength and leverage. He’s just as physically imposing as many of the offensive linemen he faces and rarely loses at the point of attack. Running backs attempting to chip him usually regret it.

While known for his physicality, Rourk also possesses underrated athleticism. He moves well in coverage, displays soft hands, and has the instincts to create turnovers. Entering 2026, he figures to be not only the leader of Druid Hills’ defense but one of the team’s overall catalysts.

5. Brenden Flournoy | Jr. | Cedar Grove | 5’10”, 190 lbs

Brenden Flournoy only appeared in eight varsity games last season, yet still emerged as one of Cedar Grove’s most productive defenders and arguably the Saints’ top returning linebacker.

As a sophomore, he recorded 39 tackles (35 solo), seven tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and an interception returned for a touchdown against Alpharetta, earning All-Region Honorable Mention recognition.

Considering his production came in only eight games, there’s a legitimate argument that Flournoy could be ranked even higher. While he doesn’t possess elite straight-line speed, he has more than enough athleticism to make plays in coverage and consistently find the football.

Though undersized, Flournoy plays with tremendous toughness, effort, and physicality. He’ll be counted on to help lead Cedar Grove back into championship contention this fall.