Grayson HS (Loganville, GA) 5-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson has been named the National High School Defensive Player of the Year by The Sporting News, further cementing his legacy at the prep level.
Atkinson is also Georgia's Gatorade Player of the Year for 2025 and recently won the Butkus Award as well, given to the nation's top high school linebacker.
I really appreciate the recognition💯#AGTG #AtkNup #HookEm @grayson_fb @TexasFootball @Andy_Villamarzo @RecruitGeorgia @InsideTexas https://t.co/hGnnvvTcZv
— Tyler Atkinson (@Tyler16Atkinson) December 21, 2025
The current No.2-ranked linebacker in the 2026 recruiting class had a legendary season for Grayson High School in 2025, totaling 96 tackles, 26 TFL, 9 sacks, and 22 QB pressures to go along with multiple forced fumbles and fumble recoveries as a senior.
He finishes his high school career with over 500 tackles, 39.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles for a nationally ranked high school football program.
🚨500 Tackles..and still hunting🚨
— Tyler Atkinson (@Tyler16Atkinson) October 7, 2025
"Milestones don't stop the mission."#AGTG #AtkNup #NOW @grayson_fb@adidasFballUS @ChadSimmons_ @jeffsentell @TomLoy247 @Zack_Poff_MP @CJVogel_OTF @SWiltfong_ @TexasFootball @GDPsports @MilesGarrettTV @Mhoward38 @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/nlBkm8CZVw
Now committed to the Longhorns, he has an incredibly unique opportunity to see an unusual amount of playing time as a true freshman in 2026. With both Anthony Hill Jr. and Liona Lefau leaving the team, it's possible that Atkinson could see starter-level snaps next season alongside Ty'Anthony Smith and Elijah Barnes.
He has great size (6'2", 215 lbs.) and top-notch athleticism for the linebacker position, and is a prototypical WILL at the collegiate level. He has the speed that it takes to play sideline to sideline and the processing skills needed to make quick trigger decisions against the run.
Similar to how true freshman CB Graceson Littleton was for Texas in 2025, Atkinson has the potential to be dominant from the moment that he steps on the practice field in Austin.