As the 2024 Texas high school football season draws near, the American-Statesman is ranking the best players by each position group.

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

Top 10 linebackers in the Austin area

(Players listed in alphabetical order)

Easton Aird, Lake Travis Cavaliers

Overshadowed last fall by the rest of the Cavs’ stars on the defensive side of the ball, he still made 76 tackles. Aird should have an even more productive season as a senior. 

DEFENSE IS GOOD BUT: No. 2 Lake Travis believes passing prowess will spur trip back to state

Jackson Clowdus, Elgin Wildcats

A unanimous first-team all-district pick a year ago after 67 tackles, this senior will lead the Wildcats’ playoff push this fall.

Tieson Ejiawoko, East View Patriots

Ejiawoko, a junior, recently committed to Texas Tech. He was the district defensive newcomer of the year last fall and seems ready 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 might 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 revs up to speed, its defense will lead the way in 2024 ]

Will Peeler, Austin High Maroons

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

Jahiem Porter, Cedar Park Timberwolves

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

A STATE TITLE CONTENDER? Why Cedar Park comes in at No. 9 in our area countdown

Elliott Schaper, Westlake Chaparrals

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

REVENGE ON THEIR MINDS: No. 1 Westlake football hopes to redeem itself after 2 straight trips to state semifinals

Seth Warren, Georgetown Eagles

A third-team all-Central Texas pick as a junior ago after making 107 tackles, he’ll lead what should be a very good Georgetown defense this season. 

OUR RANKINGS: Strong defense, solid WRs makes Georgetown a top-10 team

Gage Webb, Anderson Trojans

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 offensive linemen in the Austin area

Logan Wicketts, Cedar Park Timberwolves

Teams up with Porter to give the Timberwolves a dynamic duol tallied an impressive 108 stops as a junior last fall. 

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