Jeremiah Culpepper

Physical Profile

Listed at 6-2, 205 lbs. Taller than 29% and heavier than 15% of 2027 Linebacker prospects in the SEC Scouts database (34 with a listed size).

Play Style

He is a hunter playing a linebacker/edge hybrid role. Troup County uses him mostly as a stand-up rusher or a linebacker who attacks the line of scrimmage, not as a coverage player. He plays fast and downhill, shoots gaps, chases ball carriers from the backside, and uses his burst to reach the quarterback before tackles can set. Evaluators compare him to Ole Miss's Suntarine Perkins, a linebacker used mainly as a rusher. He is most dangerous when he can play forward with no coverage duties. Through the first two games of his 2026 senior season he had 2 sacks, per MaxPreps.

Strengths

• Pass-rush production: 12 sacks and 16 TFL as a junior. That is edge-level disruption from a linebacker slot, and few 2027 LB prospects are that productive behind the line.
• First-step quickness off the edge. Evaluators note he can beat offensive tackles with speed in pass situations, which gives him a clear, bankable role in a pressure-heavy scheme.
• Downhill run defense. Scouting notes say he 'wreaks havoc in the run game.' He triggers fast, shoots gaps and finishes, as his 16 TFL show.
• Ball disruption: 2 forced fumbles as a junior show he attacks the football at the point of contact rather than just making the tackle.
• Heavily recruited. Offers from Alabama (extended on an official visit), Texas, Michigan, LSU, Florida and most of the SEC confirm that top staffs see a high ceiling.

Areas to Improve

• Coverage. Evaluators note he 'rarely drops into coverage' at Troup County. He hasn't yet shown he can play zone drops, match routes, or carry running backs and tight ends in man. That is a big gap if he is used as a traditional off-ball linebacker.
• Weight and strength. At 205 pounds he needs about 20 or more pounds of good weight to hold the point of attack against SEC tight ends and pulling guards, and to set a hard edge on the run.
• Pass-rush moves. Much of his high school production likely comes from beating tackles off the ball. Against SEC tackles he will need a counter move, better hand fighting and a more reliable long-arm or bull rush.
• Reading plays from off the ball. His aggressive, attacking style needs to become disciplined gap control and play-action recognition if he lines up in the box instead of on the edge.

College Projection

Ole Miss projects him into a Perkins-style rush-linebacker role in Pete Golding's defense, and evaluators think he could fill it early. Realistically, he can contribute right away on special teams and as a situational pass rusher on third downs in year one. He would likely become a starter or heavy-rotation player by year two or three as his weight moves toward 225 to 230. If his coverage develops, he could also become an every-down weak-side linebacker. If not, a SAM/rush role still gives him a productive path.

NFL Outlook

His NFL outlook is as a Day 2 to Day 3 prospect if he reaches his ceiling. NFL teams value hybrid linebackers who can rush the passer, but he would need to show one of two things: enough weight and power to play outside linebacker or edge (about 235 to 245 pounds), or enough coverage skill to play off the ball. Pass-rush production at the SEC level would be the clearest driver of his draft grade. Special-teams value also helps a player like him stick in the league.

Best Fit

An aggressive, multiple 4-2-5 or 3-4 pressure defense that uses its linebackers as movable rushers, like what Pete Golding runs at Ole Miss. He fits best at the SAM or rush-linebacker spot, where he can line up on the edge, blitz from depth and chase plays, with defensive backs handling most of the coverage. A strong strength-and-conditioning program that can add weight while keeping his burst is essential.