Vote. Republic's Top 10 Arizona high school football linebackers

This is part of a summer series previewing the 2026 Arizona high school football season, continuing with the top players at positions on defense. After ranking the top 10 edge rushers and defensive tackles, we rank the top 10 linebackers. Vote in our poll below for the player you think is No. 1. Print readers can find the poll online with this story at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools.

The Republic’s top 10 linebackers

1. Gunnar Perry, Cave Creek Cactus Shadows, 6-0, 225, Sr.

The Cal commit transferred from Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep. He could miss the first half of the season under the AIA transfer rule. But when he’s on the field, he makes an immediate impact. Strong and explosive, he creates turnovers and is a tackling machine.

2. Nathan Jones, Goodyear Desert Edge, 6-3, 230, Sr.

He is a transfer from Gilbert Campo Verde, where he made a huge impact as a junior. He has committed to Wisconsin. Once he’s eligible, he’s a game changer for the Scorpions on a defense that could be one of the best in the state.

3. Marc Duerson III, Chandler Basha, 6-0, 205, Sr.

One of the hardest hitters in Arizona high school football, receivers and backs know when they’re tackled by Duerson. He’s versatile, strong against the run and can drop into coverage and make plays as a nickel. A Northern Arizona commit.

4. Kainalu Skipps, Mesa, 6-0, 215, Jr.

He made a big impact the second half of last season once he became eligible after the move from California. A big-time playmaker who creates turnovers. He had three interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery for the Jackrabbits last season. He also had 8.5 tackles for losses.

5. Iona Kupu, Chandler, 6-0, 225, Sr.

Tenacious tackler who is a receiver’s worst wake-up call. He’s got the grit and determination to make Chandler a feared defense to go with all of the Wolves’ offensive prowess.

6. Preston Patterson, Mesa Mountain View, 6-2, 210, Sr.

He comes from a football family with his father starring on state championship teams at Mountain View in the late 1990s. Patterson leads on and off the field and will immediately make his presence felt on Friday nights.

7. Brecken Garday, Peoria Liberty, 5-11, 210, Jr.

Fierce competitor who had 48 tackles, 5.5 for losses, an interception and a forced fumble on one of the best defenses in the state last year. He’s gained much more strength and speed in the offseason to make this potentially a breakout year as a junior.

7. Devonte Hendrix, Peoria, 6-3, 200, Sr.

He’s coming off a strong junior season in which he had 99 tackles, 10 for losses, and 3.5 sacks. Tough, fast, physical player who can change the game with big hits on defense.

9. Kyser Wilson, Basha, 6-0, 195, Sr.

He is one of 14 seniors from Basha who has committed to a Division I school with his pledge to Northern Arizona. He’s a hybrid outside linebacker who also plays safety and nickel. He had a dynamic junior season with 70 tackles, three interceptions and seven quarterback hurries.

10. Ryan Lee, Tempe McClintock, 6-2, 210, Jr.

This dynamo played only half the season last year but he still had 43 tackles, three for losses. With a full season, expect a breakout year.

Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don’t miss a thing. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote. Republic’s Top 10 Arizona high school football linebackers