Part 26: LB Jordan Avinger | 2026 Class Signees - Player Breakdowns

Описание: In this segment, we break down Jordan Avinger, an Arkansas flip who looks like one of the more undervalued athletes in UNC’s 2026 class. When you turn on the film, Avinger immediately stands out for his short-area burst, agility, and natural instincts, traits that project well to the MIKE linebacker spot.

Avinger is a true two-way athlete from Orangeburg Wilkinson High School in South Carolina. While Arkansas recruited him primarily as a running back, his defensive tape tells an equally compelling story. He plays fast, diagnoses quickly, closes space in a hurry, and finishes cleanly in the open field. His background in offense clearly sharpens his vision and ball-tracking ability, giving him a strong foundation as a linebacker.

As a senior, he posted 38 tackles and an interception in seven games, following a junior season with 50 tackles, six tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Offensively, his explosiveness jumps off the page — 56 carries for 869 yards and 10 touchdowns, plus 11 catches for 275 yards and two more scores — production that highlights his speed, hands, and comfort in space.

Athletically, Avinger brings excellent straight-line speed, quick acceleration, and reliable hands, rare traits for a linebacker prospect. His multi-sport background in football, basketball, and baseball shows up in his coordination and overall movement skills.

Our take: Avinger profiles as a high-upside linebacker with three-down potential. He should factor into special teams early thanks to his speed and motor, with the long-term tools to develop into a rangy, playmaking presence in the middle of UNC’s defense.

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