​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.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.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement2. 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.Basha linebacker Marc Duerson (12) celebrates a pass break up during the Open state championship against Chandler at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Dec. 6, 2025.4. 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.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement5. 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.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement7. 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