The Asheville Citizen Times has just released its highly anticipated list of the top 15 Western North Carolina high school linebackers who are projected to shape the 2026 football season.
Emerging Defensive Leaders
Fans across the region are being asked to cast their ballots for the Ingles WNC preseason linebacker of the year, a title that carries both local pride and a spotlight on the rising talent in the mountains.
Among the standouts, Alexandre Samson of Asheville School has already drawn attention after posting 89 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles last season.
Close behind, Jayden McElreath from Enka recorded 92 tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception, while Franklin’s Garrett Young amassed 106 tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack over 12 games.
Sophomore Anthony Catuto of Murphy tallied 86 tackles and a staggering 24 tackles for loss, a figure that places him among the most disruptive defenders in recent memory.
Styler Blackwell from Polk County contributed 101 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and a sack, while Riddock Dinwiddie led the Mountain Athletic Conference champion Rams with 85 tackles, eight tackles for loss and a sack.
Countdown to the Vote
Voting will remain open until noon on July 16, giving supporters a narrow window to influence the honor that celebrates defensive excellence.
With the deadline looming, the community’s response underscores how these players have become focal points of local pride, and the upcoming vote will determine which defender earns the preseason honor.